Things to do in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island

Bradenton and Anna Maria Island sit about two hours to two hours fifteen minutes southwest of Orlando via the I-4 and I-75, and they are two different places. Bradenton is a mainland city on the Manatee River, with a Riverwalk, a history museum, and the Village of the Arts district.

Anna Maria Island is a seven-mile barrier island just offshore, made up of three small towns with a height limit on buildings and a free trolley that sets a deliberately slow pace. High season runs November through April, dry and mild; summer brings daily afternoon storms, and hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30.

A day trip from Orlando works, but the island rewards at least two nights, since parking on Anna Maria Island fills fast in season and most visitors are better off leaving the car on the mainland and riding the trolley instead.