Bradenton, Anna Maria Island & Longboat Key

With miles upon miles of unspoiled beaches and activities to suit the whole family, the Bradenton Area offers authentic Florida at its best. Less than two hours from Orlando, and less than an hour from Tampa, and both offering direct flights from the UK, this is the slice of paradise that is just what you’ve been looking for in Florida.

Lying just to the west of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island boasts 7 miles of pristine white sandy beaches. The island’s development policy restricts any buildings over three storeys high so you’ll easily feel you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle.

Here, you’ll find cosy family homes and apartments, beautifully decorated, on or near the beach, catering to all budgets. There are splendid oceanfront restaurants serving delicious fare throughout the day, with plenty of independent and authentic eateries to choose from including al-fresco options to catch those stunning sunsets. As with most people, you’ll find it difficult to visit Anna Maria Island and not fall in love with the unspoiled vibe of the area.

There’s plenty to do here but no pressure to do much at all. You can laze the days away on the beach or get out on the water and spot wild manatees; you can browse boutique shops and historic houses or find a pavement café and tuck into some delicious local crab. Families can escape the fast and furious theme parks and let their children explore in a safe environment. Excitement here comes from nature rather than artificial thrills – kids can see wild dolphins, fish for their own crabs and pick Florida oranges straight from the tree.