The turquoise waters of Bradenton Beach make for an ideal Florida beach vacation, but did you know that there are several great beaches to explore near Bradenton Beach? The popular Southwest Florida area of Bradenton and Sarasota is home to miles of inviting coastline, with many of the beaches near Bradenton Beach.
Here are the 10 best beaches in the Bradenton Beach area.
1. Bradenton Beach
Of course, we have to list Bradenton Beach! This calm, family-friendly location has an “Old Florida” feel as its lower-rise homes, vacation rentals, and apartments along with several stores and restaurants. If you stay in Bradenton Beach, you are literally just steps away from some of the best beach experiences in Florida.
2. Coquina Beach
A short walk or drive away from Bradenton Beach is Coquina Beach. This is a larger beach area compared with Bradenton Beach and has ample parking and more crowds. Coquina Beach has a refreshment stand and playground. You can also enjoy the Beach Market at Coquina Beach, an outdoors market held most months of the year.
3. Anna Maria Island
For another Old Florida feel, you’re only a free trolley ride away from Anna Maria Island, home to two iconic piers and some charming shopping and restaurants. There are several public access beach areas on Anna Maria Island.
4. Holmes Beach
Located on Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach is where you’ll find a large public beach area with a restaurant (try pancakes with a beach view!), retail shop, public restrooms, a playground, and volleyball courts. There’s also ample parking.
5. Longboat Key
Just a short drive or bike ride away from Bradenton Beach is Longboat Key, a tony area located in both Manatee and Sarasota counties. Longboat Key tends to attract fewer people than the large public beaches like Coquina and Holmes Beach. Plus, there’s some great shelling.
6. Lido Beach
This large, public beach area is adjacent to St. Armands Circle, a large Sarasota shopping district. As the name implies, it’s shaped like a circle. Lido Beach is actually three separate areas—North Lido, Lido Beach, and South Lido, each with its own feel.
7. Siesta Key
This world-famous Sarasota beach area is known for its quartz-white sand and turquoise waters. There’s also a Siesta Key shopping and restaurant area. Arrive early to find the best parking at Siesta Key.
8. Venice Beach
Over millions of years, shark teeth have accumulated near the Venice Beach area, leading this area to earn the name “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” Venice Beach has an iconic pier and restaurant. Plus, you can rent a Florida snow shovel to help you find shark teeth.
9. Caspersen Beach
A short walk down from Venice Beach is Caspersen Beach, also popular with shark tooth hunters. Any time of day, you’ll find beachgoers using Florida snow shovels and other sand tools to look for black or gray shark teeth.
10. Brohard Dog Park
Got Fido with you? Brohard Dog Park, located a stone’s throw from the Venice Beach Pier, is the only public, dog-friendly beach in Sarasota County.
There are lots of vacation rentals in Bradenton Beach. By visiting the many other beautiful beaches near Bradenton Beach, you’ll stay constantly entertained.
