Bradenton and Anna Maria Island holidays

Despite having ‘city’ in its title, the City of Anna Maria is one of the best places to go if you want to kick-back and relax. Make the most of the Florida’s t-shirt weather by grabbing an ice-cream and going for a leisurely stroll down the AMI City Pier, catching impressive views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the distance.

If you fancy exploring Anna Maria’s food scene, all you have to do is wander 10 minutes down the road to the Rod and Reel Pier Restaurant. Tuck into a hearty seafood grill after a day of lounging in the sun, before making your way to one of the desert or donut shops down Pine Avenue – one of the best shopping and dining areas in the district.

Bradenton Beach is known to be the most lively of the three cities that make up Anna Maria Island. So, if you’re known for getting itchy feet after sunbathing for more than a few minutes, this part of the island is ideal. One of the city’s most-popular spots, a trip to Coquina Beach is a must. Nurture your inner competitive streak with some beach volleyball, or go shopping for souvenirs at the beach market.

You can continue your shopping spree down Historic Bridge Street, where you’ll find plenty of shops selling beach floats, surf apparel and sunny-weather essentials. Or, you can make tracks for Bradenton Beach Marina and enjoy an adrenaline-filled hour jet-skiing.

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet during your Florida holiday, a trip to Holmes Beach is just the answer. The star of the show is the beach itself, featuring some of the whitest sand and clearest water you’ll find across the whole state. Spend endless hours sunbathing and swimming, making sure to bring along a picnic to enjoy while watching the waves.

Alternatively, you can keep active by trying out some watersports. Rent a kayak and go for a gentle paddle along the serene coastline, keeping an eye out for fish swimming in the water beside you. Or, you can try ‘JetSurfing’ – a fun and beginner-friendly activity that’s sure to get your heart pumping.

Neighbours with Cuba and the Bahamas, Florida is a sun-kissed destination all year round. It’s hottest in the summer, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C. But, the high humidity can mean this time of year gets a bit too stifling for people used to the crisp British weather. So, your best bet is visiting between January and March, when the days are still warm and the chance of rain is low.

Anna Maria Island is a great stand-alone holiday destination, but you might fancy making another stop-off during your trip. Miami, a four-hour drive away, has lots of fun events and music festivals going on in the spring. And Orlando, only a two-hour drive away, is most pleasant between March and May.