7 ways to experience Florida’s true nature in the Bradenton Area

Tucked away on Florida’s Gulf Coast, far from Miami’s madness or Orlando’s theme parks, is a little slice of paradise. The Bradenton Area, encompassing downtown Bradenton, multiple beaches, and beautiful Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, is surrounded by unbridled nature, making it easy to relax and take it slow among its lush, green landscapes. The area was affected by the 2024 hurricane season but Anna Maria Island is resilient and very much looks forward to welcoming back visitors to its glistening shores. Whether you want to meet a manatee, kayak through mangroves, or simply stop and admire the views, here are seven different ways to get back into nature…

Make a beeline for the beaches on Anna Maria Island; there’s a stretch of sand to suit every mood and situation. The coast’s calm, low surf will appeal to families, as it’s perfect for swimming and frolicking in the shallows. If you’re very lucky, you might spot dolphins out in the distance, or watch pelicans playing on the waves. Keep your eyes peeled for sand dollars, a type of flat, burrowing sea urchin, and gather up colourful Coquina shells at the water’s edge. Public beaches such as Coquina Beach or Manatee Public Beach offer picnic areas, water activities and children’s playgrounds, while hidden gems such as Bean Point, on the northernmost tip offer wilder charms; you’ll find powder-soft sand, sweeping views of Tampa Bay, and a chilled relaxed atmosphere. Stay to see one of Florida’s most dramatic sunsets.

Robinson Preserve is a coastal nature preserve known for its diverse ecosystems, spanning over 240 hectares. Home to a wide range of plant and animal species, particularly birds, you might spot bald eagles, ospreys or pelicans as you explore its scenic trails and boardwalks on foot or by bike. Get a closer view from the water; kayak or paddleboard through its waterways, tidal ponds and mangrove forests, immersing yourself in this serene environment. Bridges connect small islets of greenery, plunging you into a totally different world of marshes and grassland, where the only sounds are the calls of birds and the breeze dancing over the water. And don’t miss scaling the steps of the 16m-tall tower, for a panoramic view of the Tampa Bay area.

It doesn’t get fresher than having your meal go directly from the dock to your dinner plate; in the historic fishing village of Cortez, local fishermen bring the catch of the day straight from the sea to the pier, where chefs excitedly purchase the day’s ingredients, ready for you to have one of the best meals of your life. Think delicious Gulf shrimp, mouthwatering Middleneck clams, fabulous fillets of grouper, snapper or mullet, and tantalising stone crab claws, all fresh from the ocean; eat your meal waterside, at one of the village’s informal but delicious restaurants, such as the Star Fish Company (pictured) or the Tide Tables. You can even book a catch and cook expedition, and try your hand at landing a fish or two yourself!

Don’t miss a stroll along Anna Maria Island’s Pine Avenue, which has been called ‘the greenest little main street in America’. Here, they are passionate about being environmentally-friendly and have invested in various initiatives to try and meet their goals. On the surface, it’s a quaint thoroughfare lined with picture-perfect pastel-coloured wooden shops and homes, but look closer and you’ll find a place filled with purpose. The buildings are all LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] certified, which means they’re energy-efficient. Solar panels convert the near-constant sunlight into energy, the crushed seashells on the street prevent water runoff and minimise warming through radiated heat, while the shops and boutiques sell recycled, refashioned, or vintage goods produced by local artists and craftspeople.

With Bradenton being part of Manatee County, and home to the Manatee River, it’s a fair bet that manatees are somewhat prevalent in this part of the world. These adorable mammals, also known as sea cows, are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico because of the water’s warm temperature. See one up close and find out everything about manatee rehabilitation at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature; these gentle giants face threats from stress caused by cold water (they can only survive in temperatures above 20oC), being struck by boats, getting entangled in fishing or crab trap lines, or ingesting plastic. The rehabilitation programme nurses them to full health before they’re released back into the wild. The museum also has fascinating exhibits on Florida’s natural history, marine life, palaeontology, and astronomy.

There are several beautiful nature preserves in the Bradenton Area, including the Robinson Preserve, the Neal Preserve, and the Perico Preserve. All of them encapsulate swathes of marshland and mangroves, making them the perfect place to take to the water to observe the natural habitat from a different perspective. Swish silently alongside dense reeds, grasses and forests of mangroves in a kayak, where you might spot egrets, herons, ibis or wood storks paddling in the shallows, or catch sight of bald eagles, hawks and osprey soaring above. It’s a fantastic way to explore the area, as you propel yourself down small tributaries and creeks you’d never see from land.

What could be more picturesque than a stroll by the water? The Bradenton Riverwalk stretches over three kilometres along land which lies between the Green and DeSoto bridges, by the banks of the mighty Manatee River. Here, you’ll find a safe and pleasurable walking path, where you can stop at fishing spots, see interactive public art, let the kids explore a splash pad and playground, play a bit of beach volleyball, or watch the experts zoom around a skateboard park. Alternatively, from Wednesday to Sunday, the Gulf Islands Ferry Service connects Downtown Bradenton with Anna Maria Island. There are regular events, concerts and performances held at the Riverwalk’s amphitheatre, plus picnic areas galore. It’s perfect for families, and whether you’re there at sunrise or sunset, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.