A Local’s Weekend Guide to Bradenton & Anna Maria Island, Florida
By someone who grew up here 🤍
As someone who has grown up in Bradenton, Florida, I love sharing the places that truly make this area special—spots owned and operated by locals that give you a real feel for the community.
This guide focuses on Manatee County, starting in Downtown Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, West Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch. (My Sarasota favorites deserve their own list—coming soon.) There’s so much to do here, but if you’re only visiting for a few days or a weekend, these are my go-to’s.
Downtown Bradenton / Old Manatee Historic District
This is our neighborhood—historic, creative, and full of character.
Food + Drink
Central Café
Hands down some of the best french fries around. A downtown staple.
Pier 22
Waterfront dining that never gets old—especially at sunset.
Sage Biscuit Café
Beloved brunch spot with serious comfort food energy.
O’Bricks Irish Pub
Cozy, dependable, and perfect for lunch or late-night food.
Oak & Stone
Bar food with the best views! Rooftop views + craft beer wall = easy win.
Music + Nightlife
Oscura Live
Bradenton’s music venue and favorite community space. If you love jazz, rock, hardcore, metal, punk and other indie rock this is the place for you. With addition to music, if you are in the city on the right weekend you could find an Friendly City Art Festival, artist market, Punk Rock Flea or other community wide events.
www.oscura.live
Shops + Local Finds
Kinspoke Flowers + Art
A shop like no other filled with magic. Fresh + dried flowers, art, and handmade goods made by local and independent artists.
The Vintage Vine Market
The best Vintage Store in the whole area. Clothing, home goods, and other treasures.
Things To Do
The Bishop Museum
Perfect for kids and adults—science, history, and planetarium shows.
Bradenton Riverwalk
A mile of river views. Walking paths, biking, playgrounds, skate park, splash pad, events, and some of the best views in town.
Robinson Preserve
Kayaking, trails, wildlife, and unbeatable sunsets.
West Bradenton / Palma Sola
Coffee + Food
Fox Merchantile
Coffee + goods! Instagram heaven. Great outdoor area to sit, enjoy Florida weather while drinking a latte.
Sweet Berries
Cafe + ice cream. CHICKEN SALAD. It is one of my favorites. The ice cream is also amazing.
Enrich Bistro
Longtime local favorite and a great place to have a nice dinner.
Parks + Nature
Palma Sola Botanical Park
Lush, peaceful, and one of Bradenton’s most underrated spots.
De Soto National Memorial
History meets waterfront walking trails.
Warner’s Bayou
Low-key local sunset spot.
Anna Maria Island (End Your Weekend Here) ✨
Coffee + Food
The Donut Experiment
Custom donuts—perfect beach fuel.
Sandbar Restaurant
Toes-in-the-sand dining done right.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
Good seafood with a very Florida Feel.
Bars + Drinks
The Doctor’s Office
Speakeasy vibes, craft cocktails, and absolutely worth the effort.
Drift-In AMI (Bradenton Beach):
Known as a historic, quintessential, small dive bar with strong drinks, live music, and karaoke.
Beaches + Outdoor
Bean Point
Quiet, breathtaking, and magical at sunset.
Coquina Beach
Wide shoreline, long walks, and picnic spots.
Leffis Key Preserve
Mangrove trails and golden-hour perfection.
East Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch
Coffee + Food
Atria Café (Lakewood Ranch)
Coffee, sourdough, croissants, the best BLT you’ll ever have—and pizza + small plates at night. Seasonal menus, thoughtful food, and a must-visit no matter the time of day.
✨ Chef’s kiss.
Breakfast, lunch, or Pizza + Small Plates for dinner—go at least once.
https://www.atria.cafe/
Another Toasted Egg
Breakfast/Brunch, casual atmosphere.
Osteria 500 (Waterside)
Experience Italy in a walkable area with other shops + restaurants.
