Bradenton Beach at a glance
Bradenton Beach is the town at the southern end of Anna Maria Island, and it is on the island itself. Bradenton is a different place: a city on the mainland. The names are close, so check the address when you book. The city of Bradenton Beach has about 1,000 year-round residents (2026) and was incorporated in the early 1950s.
The town combines Bridge Street with its pier, Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach, and it sits next to the fishing village of Cortez. If you want to go out on the water, the island's dolphin and sunset boat tours are the easy way to start.
Bridge Street and the pier
Bridge Street leads to the pier. The surviving island part of the former wooden bridge now serves as a fishing pier. The pier has a shaded pavilion, public restrooms, a sales and supply area and a floating day dock. The dock is for temporary tie-ups by availability, and no berth is reserved for you.
Check the signs on site for the pier hours and fishing fees before you plan. The Anna Maria City Pier is a different pier, in the northern city of Anna Maria, and it is still being rebuilt. Read the piers guide for the status of all the island's piers.
The ferry service that runs between the Bradenton Riverwalk, the Historic Bridge Street Pier and Coquina Beach is a separate service from the trolley. It currently runs Thursday to Sunday, and the crossing from the mainland takes about 50 minutes. Check the timetable before you go, because days and times can change.
Our pick: a guided kayak tour from Bradenton Beach
This tour starts in Bradenton Beach itself and gives you two and a half hours on the water with a guide.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat trips and tours from Bradenton Beach
Dolphin watching, sunset cruises and other trips from the southern end of the island, with live prices and availability.
Cortez, the old fishing village
Cortez is a historic fishing village, once called Hunter's Point. Its Historic District has been on the National Register since 1995, and the museum there offers a walking-tour brochure for the village.
Cortez village and Cortez Beach are different places. Cortez Beach is a county beach in Bradenton Beach, with parking, a trolley connection and lifeguards.
The Florida Maritime Museum is closed while the building is rehabilitated. An outdoor event or an open event parking lot does not mean the museum is open, so do not plan an indoor visit.
Bradenton Beach or Bradenton?
The two names are easy to confuse.
| Bradenton Beach | Bradenton | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | On Anna Maria Island, in the south | On the mainland |
| Known for | Bridge Street, the pier, Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach | Robinson Preserve, a large county preserve with trails and kayaking |
| Beach on the doorstep | Yes | – |
If you want a beach stay, book Bradenton Beach. If you want the mainland, for example for a day at Robinson Preserve, Bradenton is the place. Sarasota and Longboat Key are neighbouring towns. They are not part of the island.
Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach
Coquina Beach at 2650 Gulf Drive is the main beach of Bradenton Beach, with restrooms, showers, picnic areas, a playground and parking. The lots are free and close at 9 p.m. Cortez Beach also has parking and a trolley connection and is guarded, but do not assume that it has the same facilities as Coquina Beach.
The full picture of both beaches, including the sand work planned for autumn 2026, is on the Coquina Beach page.
Roadworks on the way to Cortez
The Florida Department of Transportation is building a replacement for the SR 684 link between Gulf Drive and 123rd Street W. Traffic is to be kept moving during the construction phases, but allow extra time on days when you cross to the mainland.
Plan the rest of your trip
More to read about the island.
Bradenton Beach: frequently asked questions
Is Bradenton Beach the same as Bradenton?
No. Bradenton Beach is a town on Anna Maria Island. Bradenton is a city on the mainland.
What is Cortez?
Cortez is a historic fishing village, once called Hunter's Point, and its Historic District has been on the National Register since 1995. Cortez Beach is a separate county beach in Bradenton Beach.
Is the Florida Maritime Museum open?
No. It is closed while the building is rehabilitated. An outdoor event nearby does not mean the building is open.
Can I fish from the Bridge Street Pier?
Yes, it is a fishing pier. Check the signs on site for pier hours and fishing fees, and for a licence, see the fishing guide.
Can I get around Bradenton Beach without a car?
Yes, to a good degree. The free Route 5 trolley runs along Gulf Drive between City Pier and Coquina Beach.
Which road leads to Bradenton Beach?
Cortez Road (SR 684) reaches Bradenton Beach from the mainland. The state is building a replacement for the SR 684 link between Gulf Drive and 123rd Street W, and traffic is to be kept moving during construction, so allow extra time.