Top 10 Beaches near Bradenton in 2025

With Insider Tips

If you’re planning a beach day in Bradenton, you’ll be spoiled for choice. From lively family-friendly shores to quiet hideaways perfect for sunset walks, Bradenton and its nearby islands have some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches.

Here’s your ultimate guide—complete with parking info, best visitors, and the ideal time to go.

1. Anna Maria Bayfront Park / Anna Maria Beach

Tucked away at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, this beach feels like stepping into a postcard—calm waters, open grassy areas, and picture-perfect views of the Sunshine Skyway.

  • Parking: Free lot plus nearby street parking (fills fast).
  • Best For: Families, picnickers, and couples who love a quiet, scenic setting.
  • Best Time to Go: Early morning for dolphin spotting, or sunset for romance.

2. Holmes Beach

Right in the heart of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach is the classic “day-at-the-beach” spot—playgrounds, grills, waves, and plenty of sunshine.

  • Parking: Free public lots, but limited—arrive early.
  • Best For: Families with kids, casual surfers, group picnics.
  • Best Time to Go: Midday for water play and picnic vibes.


3. Manatee Public Beach

If you want everything in one place—food, fun, lifeguards, and volleyball nets—this is the go-to beach for locals and visitors alike.

  • Parking: Large free lot, fills on weekends.
  • Best For: Day-trippers who want convenience and amenities.
  • Best Time to Go: Mornings with kids, or late afternoon for live music at the café.

4. Cortez Beach

With a more natural, laid-back charm, Cortez Beach feels like a step back in time. No frills, just sand, surf, and sea breeze.

  • Parking: Small lots, limited street parking.
  • Best For: Couples and solo travelers seeking quiet.
  • Best Time to Go: Mid-afternoon when bigger beaches are crowded.

5. Coquina Beach

Known as the “social beach” of Bradenton, Coquina is full of energy—playgrounds, picnic areas, kayak launches, and long stretches of sand.

  • Parking: Large free lot, easy access.
  • Best For: Families, big groups, and active beachgoers.
  • Best Time to Go: Midday for activities, or sunrise for peaceful walks.

6. Bradenton Beach

A charming strip lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment—Bradenton Beach blends classic beach fun with small-town charm.

  • Parking: Public lots along Gulf Drive.
  • Best For: Shoppers, foodies, and snorkelers (check out the Regina shipwreck).
  • Best Time to Go: Afternoon for beach + Bridge Street nightlife.

7. Bean Point Beach

A secret paradise at the tip of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point is where locals escape for quiet strolls and breathtaking sunsets.

  • Parking: No official lot—street parking + short walk.
  • Best For: Couples and travelers seeking peaceful vibes.
  • Best Time to Go: Sunset—one of the best views on the Gulf Coast.


8. Beer Can Island (Greer Island)

A hidden gem reached by kayak or a sandy walk at low tide, this is the spot for solitude, shells, and dreamy scenery.

  • Parking: No official lot—limited roadside or boat-in access.
  • Best For: Adventurers, shell collectors, couples.
  • Best Time to Go: Morning at low tide for easy access.

9. North Longboat Key Beach

If you’re chasing peace and untouched beauty, this remote stretch of Longboat Key delivers pure tranquility.

  • Parking: Very limited roadside parking.


  • Best For: Photographers, meditators, and people who want space.


  • Best Time to Go: Sunrise or sunset for golden light and solitude.

10. Siesta Key & Lido Key (Worth the Short Drive)

A little farther south, these famous beaches are worth the detour—powder-white sand at Siesta Key, and upscale dining paired with beach days at Lido Key.

Parking:

  • Siesta Key: Huge free lot.
  • Lido Key: Paid + street parking near St. Armands Circle.

Best For:

  • Siesta: Families, sandcastle builders.
  • Turtle Beach: Nature lovers.
  • Lido Key: Couples and groups looking for dining + beach vibes.
  • Best Time to Go: Midday at Siesta for sand + water; evening at Lido for dinner + sunset.