Poolside Paradise - guidebook
Local attractions
Our family loves exploring this area. The Canopy Zone is a winding, two-story boardwalk with adventure park elements that invite guests of all ages and abilities to explore nature. It's a big hit with our 7 and 5 year old kids.
193 locals recommend
Robinson Preserve
1704 99th St NWOur family loves exploring this area. The Canopy Zone is a winding, two-story boardwalk with adventure park elements that invite guests of all ages and abilities to explore nature. It's a big hit with our 7 and 5 year old kids.
We almost always spot manatees at this quiet neighborhood park three minutes from our house. The address is 1206 Alcazar Drive Bradenton, FL 34209.
10 locals recommend
Portosueno Park
1206 Alcazar DrWe almost always spot manatees at this quiet neighborhood park three minutes from our house. The address is 1206 Alcazar Drive Bradenton, FL 34209.
Learn about some history and enjoy an easy hike along Tampa Bay.
105 locals recommend
DeSoto National Memorial Park
8300 Desoto Memorial HwyLearn about some history and enjoy an easy hike along Tampa Bay.
Learn about our wondrous oceans and meet the scientists working to save them.
532 locals recommend
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyLearn about our wondrous oceans and meet the scientists working to save them.
Dolphin tours - typically scheduled for 9:30am, 12:30, and 3:30pm. They also have sunset cruises at 6pm. Reserve in advance at www.funboattours.com or call 941-241-3058. Typically they launch from 5501 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Fun Boat Anna Maria Island
5501 Marina DriveDolphin tours - typically scheduled for 9:30am, 12:30, and 3:30pm. They also have sunset cruises at 6pm. Reserve in advance at www.funboattours.com or call 941-241-3058. Typically they launch from 5501 Marina Dr., Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Feed the alligators while enjoying a round of mini-golf.
22 locals recommend
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
2000 Cortez Rd WFeed the alligators while enjoying a round of mini-golf.
Check out the flamingos, reptiles, petting zoo, animal shows, and exhibits at this family owned and operated preserve.
296 locals recommend
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdCheck out the flamingos, reptiles, petting zoo, animal shows, and exhibits at this family owned and operated preserve.
We love this beach! It's a beautiful beach with a large parking lot, casual beach restaurant, and beach bar. It's across the Manatee Ave bridge. Go early to beat the crowds.
32 locals recommend
Manatee Public Beach
4000 State Road 64 and Gulf DriveWe love this beach! It's a beautiful beach with a large parking lot, casual beach restaurant, and beach bar. It's across the Manatee Ave bridge. Go early to beat the crowds.
Coquina is one of our favorites! Take the Cortez Ave bridge and head south. There is a lot of parking, a beach side restaurant & bar. It is typically a little less busy than Manatee Public Beach.
138 locals recommend
Coquina Beach station
Coquina is one of our favorites! Take the Cortez Ave bridge and head south. There is a lot of parking, a beach side restaurant & bar. It is typically a little less busy than Manatee Public Beach.
Food scene
Donuts are made right in front of you and you decide what goes on your donut! One of the most popular restaurants on Anna Maria Island.
66 locals recommend
The Donut Experiment
210 Pine AveDonuts are made right in front of you and you decide what goes on your donut! One of the most popular restaurants on Anna Maria Island.
Best local pizza joint! It's a low-key hang out spot only 5 minutes away. Or have them deliver and enjoy some pizza on the patio.
34 locals recommend
Dannys Pizzeria
7220 Manatee Ave WBest local pizza joint! It's a low-key hang out spot only 5 minutes away. Or have them deliver and enjoy some pizza on the patio.
The Sandbar Restaurant
100 Spring AveGreat food right on the beach!
Awesome dine-in and seafood market. Food served on the docks. CASH ONLY.
102 locals recommend
Star Fish Company
12306 46th Ave WAwesome dine-in and seafood market. Food served on the docks. CASH ONLY.
Upscale beach restaurant on AMI! The parking lot is one block after crossing the Cortez bridge.
152 locals recommend
The Beach House Restaurant
200 Gulf Dr NUpscale beach restaurant on AMI! The parking lot is one block after crossing the Cortez bridge.
Florida's largest beer garden. Outdoor games and live music (check website for schedule)!
80 locals recommend
Motorworks Brewing
1014 9th St WFlorida's largest beer garden. Outdoor games and live music (check website for schedule)!
Scarpino's Family Restaurant
6152 14th St WGreat Italian food!
Traveler advice
Getting around
Check for traffic to the beach
Traffic can get busy on and off the island. We check Google maps on our phones to decide which beach to head to based on bridge traffic. If Manatee Ave bridge is less congested - we head to Manatee Public Beach. They have a large parking lot, a restaurant, bar, and restrooms at the beach. Go early to find parking. If the Cortez bridge is less busy, we head to Coquina Beach. Coquina beach also has a beach restaurant, bar, restrooms, and a large parking lot. Both are beautiful beaches!