Sand Sun Winter Fun

Island Beaches Only a Flight Away You Won’t Want to Miss…

With nonstop flights from Gatwick Airport to Tampa International Airport, you’re only a flight away from the Real. Authentic. Florida. Just south of Tampa, you can lounge on serene island beaches, explore sprawling nature preserves, savor Gulf-fresh seafood, and experience the charm of Florida’s West Coast.Book British AirwaysBook Norwegian AirGet a travel journal & start planning today

Award Winning Beaches

“Old Florida” still thrives on the Bradenton Area’s 16 miles of sugar white beaches, with options for those looking to snorkel, shell, play beach volleyball or enjoy some seclusion. Even better, Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island was recently named one of the world’s top island beaches for perfect sand by Conde Nast Traveler readers.

Ease of Booking

If you’re in need of some expert advice, these tour operators know the Bradenton Area well and will be able to help you plan and book the holiday of your dreams.

Waterfront Dining

From rivers and lakes to bays and the Gulf of Mexico, there’s always a gorgeous body of water to sit by (or jump in) in the Bradenton Area. And the best part is our waterfront dining. Spend your vacation with your toes in the sand and dining on fresh seafood by the turquoise waters of the Gulf on Anna Maria Island, or having a first class steak at the riverside dining establishments in historic downtown Bradenton.

Unforgettable Sunsets

There are plenty of things the Bradenton Area is known for, but perhaps the most impressive are its sunsets. No two sunsets are ever alike – the colors can range from hues of orange and yellow to purple and sky blue, often over the course of just a few minutes. There are plenty of places to watch the sun drop, whether it be sitting on the powder-soft sand of Anna Maria Island or dining riverside in downtown Bradenton. But regardless of where you choose to watch it, a Florida west coast sunset is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Self Catering Accommodations

The Bradenton Area is known for its wide range of homes and apartments catering to all budgets. The large variety of self-catering accommodations available makes life easier when visiting the destination with your family.

Robinson Preserve

Tucked into the corner of northwest Bradenton, Robinson Preserve includes 487 acres of coastal saltern, marsh, and mangrove habitat combined with a hiking/biking trail and endless kayaking opportunities. These systems attract a variety of rare wildlife, presenting careful observers with an opportunity to see roseate spoonbills, wood storks, white pelicans, bald eagles, and least terns in their natural environment.

Eco Kayak Tours

Take a tour through the Bradenton Area’s clear blue waters and into its intricate mangrove system. Their tour leaders are experts on the area’s ecosystem and will tell you all about its native species. And perhaps the most exciting part is that you’ll get to see some of that wildlife! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, splashing mullet, or even sea turtles.