The Bradenton Beach center point is around 4 miles southeast of Sandbar Restaurant and 5 miles west of Blake Medical Center.
The best time to visit Bradenton Beach is from June to early September. Since highs are around 90 degrees, it's a great time to visit the beach. However, Florida's hurricane season is from late June to November, so you could have to deal with some bad weather. Purchase travel insurance to avoid extra costs if you have to reschedule your trip.
The least costly time to visit is in October when most resorts are less crowded. Visitors can also get good deals in spring, and rates are highest from December to February. Since highs are still in the 70s in winter, many people visit Bradenton Beach for its warm weather and beautiful views.
The Super 8 in Bradenton is near the Powel Crosley Estate, and it has 42 rooms with refrigerators, cable TVs, complimentary wireless internet access and local calls, free toiletries, hair dryers, desks, and microwaves. It was recently renovated, and all the rooms have unique, modern decor. There's also an outdoor pool, complimentary continental breakfasts, a business center, free newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. You can choose a room with one king bed, two double beds, or two queen beds. Some also come with sofas and hot tubs.
Members of AAA, the American Automobile Association, or CAA, the Canadian Automobile Association, can get up to 20 percent off. Government employees, members of the military, and veterans can save up to 15 percent.
America's Best Value Inn in Bradenton is about 15 miles away from the center of Bradenton Beach near River Run Golf Links and Gamble Plantation. It has 54 rooms with refrigerators, flat-screen cable TVs, microwaves, coffee makers, free wireless internet access, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries and continental breakfasts. There's also an outdoor pool, laundry facilities, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center.
Up to two kids 11 and younger can stay with parents or guardians in the same room for free. Discounts for AAA and CAA members are similar to the Super 8, and AARP members can save up to 20 percent.
The Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort is next to the ocean and only a few minutes from Bradenton Beach Marina and Fish Hole Adventure Golf. It's also near the Historic Bridge Street Pier, and it has 50 rooms and three floors. There are lots of convenient features, including refrigerators, microwaves, complimentary wireless internet access, cable TV, coffee makers, hair dryers, and free toiletries and newspapers.
There's also a free continental breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and a heated outdoor pool. Barbecue grills, a computer station, and laundry facilities are available. This resort is popular, so you should reserve your room as soon as possible.
Bridgewalk, A Landmark Resort, is only a short walk away from the beach, Fish Hole Adventure Golf, the Historic Bridge Street Pier, and Bradenton Beach Marina. It has three floors and 28 rooms with private balconies and kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves. It also offers cable TV, free internet access, desks, complimentary newspapers, and free local calls. There's also an outdoor pool, a business center, two restaurants, a bar, and a coffee shop. You can choose a room with a king bed or a two-bedroom townhome. Some also have hot tubs as well.
You can use the free Island trolley to go just about everywhere in Santa Maria Island and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are also lots of attractions that are only a short drive away. While at Bradenton Beach, take the opportunity to take some amazing photos. The Historic Bridge Street Pier is on Bridge Street, where the first bridge to the island was. At Bradenton Beach Marina, you can go parasailing, scuba diving, or water skiing. You can also take a boat tour with a guide for great fishing or sightseeing. The local wildlife includes dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees. People call the waters around Santa Maria Island "The Nursery" because so many dolphins raise their young there.
Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway is part of the more extensive Tamiami Trail, and it's a perfect place for a relaxing beach-side drive. The Sarasota Classic Car Museum is one of the oldest antique car museums in the United States. It has more than 75 cars, the collection changes constantly, and it's free for kids 5 and under. You can also check out the South Florida Museum or Bishop Planetarium in Bradenton.
Bradenton Beach is a peaceful, family-friendly town full of natural beauty. Charming shops and delicious restaurants attract seniors, and there are several theaters and museums in the area. If you're looking for some adventure, you can go horseback riding on the beach, go diving, look for shells on the shore, or try out many other outdoor activities. There are plenty of hotel options available, from a utilitarian motel room to a spectacular, luxurious resort.
Below are reviews of the city of Bradenton Beach, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
We enjoyed Gamble Plantation. The park person for the tour was excellent.