Bradenton Beach

A conveniently located Gulf Coast community, Bradenton Beach is filled with waterfront activity and Old Florida charm. “Obviously, everyone goes to the beach, and you have Bridge Street with a lot of shops and restaurants and a historic pier,” says Karen Harllee, a Realtor with Locals Realty LLC who owns rental property there. “You can also hop right over to Cortez, another historic community, and Longboat Key is just south of Bradenton Beach.”

Bradenton Beach is the southernmost of the three municipalities that make up Anna Maria Island, joining the bustling Holmes Beach and the secluded city of Anna Maria. Bradenton Beach is the only one with two direct connections to the mainland. Just across the Cortez Bridge is one of the few remaining working fishing villages in the state. Across the Longboat Pass Bridge is Longboat Key.

The city’s housing is affected by its geography, as it occupies the skinniest part of the island. The widest sections of Bradenton Beach are only a few blocks wide. The result is that there are no traditional neighborhoods like you’d see in Holmes Beach or Anna Maria, and that lends itself to more rental properties. But the housing in Bradenton Beach remains attractive, and the prices reflect that. Luxury waterfront estates starting at $3.5 million are a highlight. Multi-level coastal homes also stand out and are used as primary residences or rental properties along with a collection of eclectic and colorful beach homes. Those homes typically range between $1 million and $3 million. Small condominiums and large town houses priced between $500,000 and $1 million make up the bulk of the multi-family housing, which also includes investor properties. The layout of the city does have its benefits. “It’s a great spot because you’re usually a block from the beach," says Harllee.

Students can attend Anna Maria Elementary, an A-rated school in Holmes Beach, and mainland schools Martha B. King Middle and Bayshore High, which offers the prestigious Cambridge AICE Program.

Waterfront activity is concentrated at Coquina Beach, which offers the longest stretch of the Gulf’s iconic white sand on Anna Maria Island. Swimmers and sunbathers gather amid sand dunes and sea oats. Sea turtles and sand dollars occasionally join the party. A small park features a playground and full-service concession stand, and kayaking and parasailing adventures are always available. “Coquina Beach is just stunning,” says Harllee. “There is so much activity for kids. It’s very family friendly.” On the Intracoastal side, residents can launch a boat or watch the birds on a walk among mangrove-lined lagoons. The surrounding areas provide several options for fishing. The Coquina complex is home to a popular vendors market each Wednesday and Sunday and also hosts annual community events, including the Symphony on the Sand music festival and Winterfest, a free event each January featuring up to 100 juried artisans and crafters.

A trip to Historic Bridge Street is always an adventure. And if you don’t feel like walking to the mix of boutique shops, quaint eateries and seafood restaurants, you can always take the free trolley. Back Alley Treasures and Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier are among the local favorites. At the end of Bridge Street, you can’t miss the clock tower, which signals the start of the Bridge Street Pier. While today it is a prime spot for fishing, it used to be part of the first bridge connecting Anna Maria Island to the mainland. Bridge Street also hosts community events, with an emphasis on Christmas. The tree lighting, accompanied by watching a classic Christmas movie, takes place there on the last week of November, and the businesses on Bridge Street light up for the entire week leading up to the big day.

“Bradenton Beach is young, vibrant and full of energy,” says Harllee.

Written By

Matt Pallister

Photography Contributed By

David Hall

Video By

Peter Medawar