Happy Monday! Today is back to school in Orlando, Florida and for once, I am so ready! My role as the school Media Specialist is my favorite job yet and I cannot wait for another great year. I work with some awesome people and I honestly think I have the best job in the school. I did have one last little getaway before school started. The last two weeks of July, Mo’s family flew in from London to visit Disney World and some of Florida’s beautiful beaches. We were most excited to join them for the beaches part, though we braved the Disney crowds with them for a few days. But let’s fast forward to the beach! His family stayed right in Longboat Key at a resort right on the beach. It was stunning and we were lucky enough to join them for a little, even though we stayed at a separate hotel, just for a long weekend.
We ended up staying in Bradenton, about 25 minutes outside of Longboat Key. It was a really cute area and way less expensive than Longboat Key or Anna Maria Island. If you have a car while you’re visiting, I definitely recommend staying outside of the main beach area to save a little cash and have more places to explore. We were able to drive onto Longboat Key to join the family each day. But with no car, it’s totally worth the splurge of staying on the beach.
We stayed at the Hampton Inn & Suites Bradenton, in its Historic District. I was obsessed with this hotel! It was very ritzy and the building kept a lot of the original designs from when it was built 100 years ago. It was like the Tower of Terror but without the cobwebs or lightning. I absolutely recommend it – the staff was some of the friendliest we’ve ever experienced plus it came with free breakfast (an extremely underrated perk).
Things to Do:
The Beach: Obviously if you’re at the Gulf, you have to go to the beach, even if it’s just for a walk. Longboat Key is just south of Anna Maria Island, so you can explore both! The clear blue water never disappoints. During July, you can expect it to feel like bathwater. It’s warm, but it still offers relief from the hot sun. On the weekends, it can be hard to find free parking, but most resorts are sitting right on the beach so you won’t have to drive if you’re staying on the island.
Historic Bridge Street: Be sure to explore the historic Bridge Street! There are so many shops and cute little restaurants here. It’s on Anna Maria Island only about a 5 to 10 minute drive from Longboat Key.
The Gulf Islands Ferry: WOW, so in Downtown Bradenton, you can catch a boat that takes you straight to Bridge Street Pier on Anna Maria Island. We got the ferry from the Bradenton Riverwalk, which was less than a 5 minute walk from our hotel. And it’s only $6 per person! And then $6 back if you’re not staying on Anna Maria. It’s a really nice boat ride with lots to see, so the 45 minute ride flies by. We learned you can also bring a drink on the boat.
Dining:
Mo’s brother in law was an absolute expert at finding restaurants on the water with stunning sunsets. We only had the chance to eat at a few places, but you really can’t go wrong anywhere with a view!
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub: Probably my favorite restaurant. We sat right on the sand but there is indoor seating as well. This bayside restaurant is decked out with string lights in the palm trees and boasts a STUNNING view of the sunset.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar: Located right on the Bridge Street Pier, this restaurant is more for my seafood eaters. As a vegetarian, I didn’t have many options on the menu however, the views were fantastic!
Oak and Stone: This one is located in downtown Bradenton, but it’s really worth visiting. The restaurant is on a rooftop overlooking Manatee River which feeds into the Gulf. The views were great, of course, and so was the food! It’s known for its artisan pizza. Also, if you’re a beer drinker, this is the spot for you! There are over 50 beers on tap and you can get a wristband that works as a “tab.” It’ll have a QR code to scan each time you pour yourself a glass – you can pours as much or as little as you’d like so you can easily sample a few beers.
Honorable Mentions:
Daiquiri Deck: For a delicious frozen drink, try Daiquiri Deck, located on Bridge Street, and of course, overlooking the ocean with a lovely view (how many times can she say “view” in one post… keep reading). These frozen drinks hit the spot after sunbathing in 100 degree weather all day!
Old Main Street Bradenton: If you like a night out, and feel like venturing off the island, Old Main Street in Downtown Bradenton is great! It’s small, especially if you’re used to city life, but there are a few great bars here and it feels very alive!
Bradenton Riverwalk: We took a walk along the river the morning before we left. I was really hoping to see dolphins but no luck. Still it was a nice peaceful way to end the trip!
Longboat Key is a great spot for families, friends, couples, bachelorettes, honeymoons, all the things! I can’t believe places like this exist just a few hours outside of Orlando. 10/10 recommend!! xo
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