Flying Solo in the Bradenton Area

Everyone likes to vacation with the family and loved ones – but every once in a while don’t you find yourself itching for some time to yourself? Many have now discovered the wonders of traveling solo, and the Bradenton Area is the perfect place to do it! Whether you’re an experienced solo traveler or you’re just testing the waters, here are some of the best ways to get in touch with yourself and enjoy a Bradenton Area vacation all on your own.

Take a Class

Traveling on your own means you have the freedom to do anything you want. So why not spend some time learning something? Instructor led classes are a great way to experience something new and the Bradenton Area is abundant with opportunities. Try stand up paddleboard yoga, led by Salty Buddha Paddle & Yoga Company. Yes, yoga on a paddleboard! Will you get wet? Most likely, but it will certainly be an experience to remember.

For a unique souvenir to take home, an art class might be right up your alley. ArtCenter Manatee in Downtown Bradenton offers dozens of classes from traditional fine art painting classes to jewelry crafting. And nearby Gypsea Soul Boutique roffers hands-on classes where you can make everything from glass resin art to decorated mermaid tails (with margaritas to boot!).

Get Pampered

There’s nothing like kicking back and relaxing when you have all the time in the world to yourself. After all, self-care is everything. So be sure take to some time on your vacation to pamper yourself! Start by rewarding yourself with a relaxing massage right on the beach with Sea-renity Beach Spa & Eco Boutique, an experience in a private draped tiki hut with gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico and relaxing sea-salt air.

Next you’ll want to let the experts at Salon Salon on Anna Maria Island take care of you. They offer everything from top-notch hair services to aroma therapy and luxurious facials. By the time you’re done there you’re sure to feel like a new person.

Do a Tour

Exploring the Bradenton Area on your own is sure to be a blast but why not take a tour with the locals? For area experts in kayaking look no further than Surfer Bus – an actual roadside bus that launches their eco kayak tours into Robinson Preserve. You’ll learn all about the Bradenton Area’s mangrove system and might even see some wildlife!

If you’re a foodie a must-do is a tour with Key Culinary Tours. This walking tour will take you to all of AMI’s foodie hot spots like the Sandbar Restaurant – known for its farm-to-table and gulf-to-fork offerings – to Ginny’s and Jane E’s for one of their world famous oversized cinnamon rolls.

Hit the Beach

No trip to the Bradenton Area is complete without hitting one of its world-famous beaches. The sugar white sand and unbelievable sunsets make these beaches the top of everyone’s bucket list and enjoying them in quiet solitude is one of the best ways to visit. Start with a call to Beach Suites – a luxury beach rental company that will make your day comfortable and stress free. Just kick back in one of their chairs and doze under your umbrella with a good book.

If you’re looking for tucked away, hidden gem beaches you are in luck. Bean Point beach on the northern tip of AMI is known for its quiet location and stunning views of Tampa Bay. Cortez Beach is also a top choice for solo travelers with its smaller parking lots and central location on Anna Maria Island, but any beach in the Bradenton Area is sure to wow you and you may find it hard to leave.