Girls Just Wanna Have Sun: The Ultimate Bradenton Area Getaway

It’s time to gather your best girlfriends and head to the ultimate beach escape on Florida’s West Coast. Whether you’re celebrating lifelong friendships, planning a bachelorette party on the beach, or simply needing a sunshine-filled getaway, a girls’ weekend in the Bradenton Area is just what the soul ordered.  

From boutique shopping and coastal cuisine to sunset cruises and spa experiences, the Bradenton Area is designed for unforgettable girl time.  

Why the Bradenton Area Is Perfect for a Girls’ Getaway  

Located on Florida’s West Coast, the Bradenton Area offers a unique blend of island charm and mainland fun. Anna Maria Island is a 7-mile paradise of white sand beaches and walkable towns, while Bradenton brings arts and culture, nature, and nightlife into the mix.  

And let’s be honest, Anna Maria Island was named after two sisters, so you could say it’s always been a place for women to reconnect.  

Easy Travel, Stress-Free Arrival  

Life may have scattered your squad across time zones, but getting to Anna Maria Island is a breeze. Fly into Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, offering nonstop service from nearly 70 cities. It’s just 15 miles from the beach! Or, for added flexibility, fly into Tampa International Airport, about an hour away.  Once you land, the sunshine and serenity begin. 

Where to Stay: Stylish & Group Friendly Accommodations  

Whether the group consists of early risers, night owls, or a blend of both, the Bradenton Area offers accommodations as unique as your traveling sisterhood. Vacation rental homes comprise nearly 80 percent of the accommodation options on Anna Maria Island. You and your girlfriends can share a room in cozy beachfront bungalows to luxurious villas with rooftop decks. Anna Maria Island has a varied selection of properties, boutique hotels and villas.

An Insta-worthy gem on the sands of Manatee Beach, Mello On the Beach is mid-century glam, featuring a color pallet with a perfect backdrop for a girls’ getaway with kitchenettes and a pool. Silver Surf Gulf Beach Resort is walking distance from Bridge Street’s shops and nightlife and is ideal for large groups (bonus perk: it has private beach access). On Longboat Key, Zota Beach Resort is modern, sleek, and full-service, making it perfect for girls who love a luxe waterfront vibe. Near the Manatee River is new the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa which opened in 2024 and features rooftop dining, a full-service spa and beach club, or stay on the Bradenton side of the river at the Springhill Suites, complete with a rooftop pool and bar of its own.

Quaint Shopping Experiences Found Here!

No girls’ getaway is complete without a little retail therapy. The Bradenton Area delivers a stylish mix of local boutique shops, coastal artisan galleries, and quaint Florida finds perfect for your group.  

Whether you’re searching for beachwear, handmade jewelry, tropical home décor, or the perfect souvenir to remember your trip, this shopping scene is full of treasures waiting to be discovered.  

Here’s where to shop with your girls:  

Pine Avenue

You’ll find Pine Avenue stretching across the north end of AMI culminating at the Anna Maria City Pier. This walkable street is a must-stop for shopping lovers. It’s filled with locally owned stores and eco-conscious stops that reflect the island’s laid-back vibe. In need of bright, colorful resort-style wear? Head into The Island Cabana for bright and colorful style finds. Want to mark your unbreakable bond? Island Charms has “permanent” jewelry for every style. Shiny Fish Emporium allows for your group to cultivate its creative side with paint-your-own sand dollars. Want to stay in and cook an amazing meal (or just get a really good bottle of wine)? The Olive Oil Outpost is great spot for gourmet foodie gifts, wine, and snacks.  

Bridge Street

Bridge Street is Anna Maria Island’s hot spot for good drinks, food and shopping. This lively strip is perfect for a girls’ afternoon of shopping and cocktails. For funky island apparel and beach souvenirs, walk into the Bridge Street Bazaar. Back Alley Treasures serves up jolts of energy at its espresso bar nestled next to a selection of art and gifts all in one cozy shop. Plus, don’t miss their boozy smoothies and wine flights. Beach Blossom Studio has bling for you to always remember this trip with handcrafted pieces perfect for gifting (or keeping!)  

Eat, Drink & Be Together: Must-Try Restaurants  

On the northern tip of Anna Maria Island, dip into The Waterfront, an upscale coastal cuisine with views of Tampa Bay. Try the fish tacos and smoked margarita at this restaurant, housed in one of the original cottages on the island. The Porch dates to 1913; its flavors however are modern with chic ambiance and craft cocktails. Never let the sun set on your bonds with your girls, unless it’s at Sandbar Seafood & Spirits. This iconic beachfront restaurant is right on the sand, the ideal backdrop for this new album of memories. 

Our food map continues to Holmes Beach, the middle section of Anna Maria Island, where The Doctor’s Office is a great place to start (or end) the night with handcrafted cocktails and creative bites. Reserve a large table at Chateau Anna Maria, an elegant French-American fusion, or unwind at the Ugly Grouper known for its fun vibes, live music, and fresh fish.  

Directly south of Anna Maria Island is Longboat Key, with several must-dine restaurants. Whitney’s is a trendy roadside diner with a tropical twist. The vibes at Shore are upscale and breezy with modern coastal dishes.  And don’t forget dessert—key lime pie is practically a requirement and every stop.  

Relax, Recharge & Reconnect  

It’s a beach day, not an ‘arm’ day. Use one of several beach concierge companies like My Beach Concierge, AMI Cabanas, or Beach Suites which set up tents, chairs, coolers, and games so you can just show up and enjoy.  

After some soul-nourishing girl time, treat yourselves to self-care in paradise: Sea-renity Spa & Eco Boutique specializes in beachside massages. They’re mobile too, meaning they can meet you and the crew where you’re at! Unwind with group yoga and even SUP (standup paddleboard) yoga classes on the water with The Salty Buddha. Take in all 700 acres of serene natural space at Robinson Preserve where you can kayak, hike, and birdwatch! Did you know dolphin pods are often made up of females? Book a dolphin tour and glee at the girl power in our local waters.   

Make this an educational trip by reserving a mixology class with Gulf Coast Bartender Co. Learn to make cocktails (or mocktails) and laugh while you do it.  

Get Around With Ease: Beachy, Fun & Free Transportation  

You don’t need a car to enjoy the Bradenton Area, cruise from downtown Bradenton to Bridge Street Pier on the Gulf Islands Ferry. Nothing is more fun than a trip on the Monkey Bus. For just $5, ride across the island with DJ energy and local charm. Even cheaper is the Island Trolley – a free ride which runs daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. across the entire island. Our laid-back pace extends to our roads (speed limit 35!), try a bike or golf cart rentals for slow-paced island exploring your way.  

Your Florida Girls’ Trip, Your Way  

Whether your dream getaway includes spa days, shopping sprees, sunset selfies, or seafood feasts, a girls’ weekend in the Bradenton Area is full of unforgettable moments.  Let the Bradenton Area host your next chapter of friendship, fun, and sunshine on Florida’s West Coast.  

Arts & Culture

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