From the nostalgic beach vibes of Anna Maria Island and the luxurious, unspoiled shores of Longboat Key to the cultural hub of historic Bradenton, the Bradenton area is a trinity of travel attractions. 

Tucked away on Florida’s West Coast, Bradenton offers an authentic escape free from towering hotels and sprawling beachside resorts. Dramatic sunsets cast vibrant hues over turquoise waters, white-sand beaches beam brightly, and small-town charm booms with a local flare of art, food, and history. But what’s particularly special about the Bradenton community is its testament to resilience, optimism, and the power of the community’s rebound.

Mello on the Beach

Quirky, whimsical, and masterfully designed, this retro beachside boutique is the island destination you never knew you wanted. At Mello on the Beach,  there is no dull detail or subtle feature. From the wraparound views to the playful décor, everything pops with intentionality and vibrancy to inspire nostalgia at every turn.

Located directly on Manatee Beach on Anna Maria Island, this cozy and eclectic rental getaway offers everything you need for that perfect beach vacation. Upon arrival, you’ll notice that every room, cleverly titled with nautical pun-intended names like Slow M’Ocean, Sea Duced, and Hip Nautic, has reserved car spaces for a personalized touch. Choose between one-, two-, or three-bedroom pet-friendly rooms with artful accents for lounging, a colorful kitchen for those days that are hard to leave the shore, and private patios for an intimate romantic retreat.

Mello’s amenities include a heated pool and a courtyard full of fun activities like cornhole and life-sized Jenga. The lively bursts of orange and teal against the emerald backdrop of palms are everything you need to stay onsite and enjoy. However, this cozy coastal retreat perfectly complements your Anna Maria Island getaway by equipping you with everything you need to leave the hotel for a blissful day of beach bumming. The thoughtful team has placed in each room all the essentials for a seamless beach experience, including a cooling Igloo, shade-providing umbrella, comfortable chairs, and plush towels — so you can relax and soak up the sun without worry.

With warmer summer days approaching fast, book your stay before rooms are gone. Or consider Mainsail Beach Inn for another vacation option. Once engulfed in sand up the second floor from the recent hurricanes, the Inn is returning triumphantly with its unobstructed ocean views, beach-bespoke amenities, and home-like comfort.

Skinny’s Place

Just across the street from Mello is a local favorite, Skinny’s Place. Another nostalgic reminder of simpler times, this island mainstay is deeply rooted in the culture and culinary scene of Anna Maria Island. The origin goes: after a young Midwestern couple visited Anna Maria Island on their honeymoon in 1936, they vowed to return someday and build a little restaurant on the beach. Once Carl Skinny Freeman returned from WWII, the couple returned with their two young children and opened the still-standing, still-serving burger shack.

The “Old Florida Original” serves up old-fashioned burgers the way it should be. Perfectly seared patty. Toasted buns. Do-it-yourself fixin’s. Simple. Classic. Just entering the joint is like a childhood memory coming back to life — just with beer. So pull up a stool and order a burger with curly fries. The bar staff will greet you like an old friend and offer recommendations on local brews and how they like their burger. Heed their advice.

Ginny and Jane E’s Café and Coastal Store

Equal parts eclectic beach shop and bustling café, Ginny and Jane E’s is the morning must-do in this picture-perfect beach town. In the storefront is Ginny’s antique shop, which brings the best of local art and antiques. Then, as you peruse further, you’ll find yourself gravitating towards the smell of baked goods and breakfast, the gleeful sounds of morning chatter, and the sight of families and friends intertwining with neighbors and strangers on the surrounding tables. It’s a feast for the friendly.

With an ever-changing menu featuring classics and seasonal options and an in-house bakery, there’s no better way to start your day. Do indulge in the Crème Brule French toast. This cherished family recipe boasts a light, fluffy texture with a perfectly pan-seared bottom, creating a delicious contrast of crispiness and softness in every bite.

Wash down your breakfast with a mimosa made from freshly squeezed local oranges and served in a frosted mug rather than a dainty flute. Afterward, pick up a unique souvenir to mark your time here. From clothing to postcards, there’s bound to be something for you here.

The Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe

Growing from a neighborhood need during the pandemic, the Cheesecake Cutie serves a family recipe of cheesecake goodies. Founded in freshness, this café is so deeply committed to the finest ingredients that it has a small garden for herbs and vegetables. And you can taste the quality, care, and generational love in each savory and sweet bite.

For a hearty start, order a bagel sandwich. There are plenty of options, such as The Best Bacon Sandwich or Lox’n It Up. Or opt for the breakfast bowl or overnight oats, as each offers a protein-packed, fresh, and light start to power through the day. But above all else, have the cheesecake while you’re here. The “cutie” size is the perfect portion and comes in many seasonal and classic flavors.

Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub

Just down the road from Anna Maria Island on Longboat Key is Mar Vista Dockside, a charming seaside restaurant with a stunning outdoor patio. Using locally sourced and southern-inspired seafood, Mar Vista not only serves a delightful and elegant foodie experience but nurtures the local environment through an eco-friendly building and support for nearby organic farms and sustainable composting programs.

Perfect for an afternoon lunch with friends or an intimate evening with loved ones, Mar Vista’s visually striking patio and dining room blend the beauty of the seascape with natural wood tones. Dine outside on any one of those sunny and sweltering afternoons, and you’ll find comfort in the shaded canopy of century-old buttonwood trees. Or spectate among the dazzling lights and flickering fire pits in the evening as you indulge in a carefully crafted menu. The specials — like the crispy and flakey empanadas — are not to miss. Entrees like the beer-battered hogfish and chips or the jalapeno glazed grouper with shaved brussels sprouts, sweet potato, quinoa, dried cranberry, toasted almonds, and beurre blanc highlight the uniqueness of Floridian flare that is elevated yet approachable. Save room for dessert as the mango crème brûlée cannot be missed.

Back in Bradenton

At mainland Bradenton, a short 25-minute drive east, you’ll find a downtown steeped in arts and culture, culinary hotspots, and historic charm. There’s no better way to learn the history of Bradenton than a trip through to The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. This museum, the largest natural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast, chronicles Bradenton’s beginnings from the Pleistocene to the present. Travel through time as you study fossil evidence of Florida’s earliest animal inhabitants. Marvel at life-size scenes of the behemoth woolly mammoth in its prime. Then, if available, learn about the museum’s determined effort to care for injured manatees at the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. Other museum features include immersive and instructive presentations at The Planetarium and rotating exhibits like The Guitar and a Changing Nation, available through May 18, 2025.

Round off your downtown experience with a trip to O’brick’s Irish Pub. This beautifully renovated restaurant and bar is located in two historic buildings, the Juplinor Hotel and the Anderson-Finkham Building, which date back to 1901. As you enter, you’ll notice that the aged-brick interior and modern design reflect downtown Bradenton’s charm and heritage. The menu, too, echoes Bradenton’s unique identity with a wonderful blend of Southern-inspired comfort food and fresh Gulf-sourced seafood. Complete with a wondrous list of libations, it’s no wonder why O’brick’s has become Bradenton’s favorite gathering space.  

Rising with the Tide: Bradenton’s Resilience and Rebound

After enduring the 1-2 punch of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the Bradenton community will not be defined by the damage left in its wake. Instead, the islands and locals have rebounded in such a short time, inspiring strength and resilience. And just like the sugar-white sands and shores, the future is bright for this Floridian community. Start planning your visit now.

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Cover photo courtesy Bradenton Tourism Bureau

Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.