Point Of Interest

Just off the premises one block north is Cortez Rd. where you can walk [or ride] to several restaurants, including Applebee’s and The Outback, a super Publix grocery store with a drug store and liquor store included, a bowling alley, a multi-screen movie theater, shops, and many other things. If you are a shopper, check out Beals Outlet on the other side of Cortez Rd or Marshalls. The famous IMG Bolletieri Tennis and soccer Academy is located at 5 minutes drive. See the link at the the following address: Sports Academy: Athletic & Education Performance | IMG Academy

BEACHES

The most fun place is the Manatee Public Beach (Holmes beach) at the very end of Manatee, right on the Gulf on the famous Ana Maria Island. This is an easy 20-minute drive south on the beach from the condo. They have meals all day and music most evenings in case you want to have an ice cream cone & sit & listen. But the favorite meal is in the morning - all-you-can-eat pancakes & sausage. Sit outside & enjoy the beach. Do not go Sunday morning during the season - too crowded.
Address: 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, FL 34217 Manatee Beach Park (Holmes Beach) - please check all you need to know BEFORE you go at  Anna Maria Island 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor

See the  website for Bradenton beaches: Parks, Preserves & Beaches - Manatee County (mymanatee.org) Parks & Beaches - Manatee County (mymanatee.org)

Cochina beach- Coquina Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) (tripadvisor.com)
Bradenton beach: Bradenton Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) (tripadvisor.com)
Bean Point on Ana Maria Island: Bean Point - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) (tripadvisor.com)
Famous Longboat Key beach with more details here: Longboat Key, FL 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor
Amazing Siesta Key beach with more details here: Siesta Key, FL 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor

GOLF COURSES
Just north of our property there is Pinebrook/Ironwood  which is a great golf spot with beautiful views and a course that suits all skill levels.
Pinebrook Ironwood | Golf Course in Bradenton, Florida
4260 Ironwood Cir, Bradenton, FL 34209 
+1 941-792-3288

PLACES TO SHOP OR VISIT

1) Beer Can Island: I highly recommend Beer Can Island. It is on the very north end of Longboat Key. When you cross the Longboat Pass bridge onto Longboat Key, look to your right. That is Greer Island, locally know as Beer Can Island. It is like being on Robinson Crusoe’s Island. You must drive to the first street, turn right, drive a couple of short blocks until you are near the beach & park on the right shoulder (where parking is allowed). Walk to the beach, then turn north and keep walking north & then east until you are almost to the bridge. A couple of years ago we had to swim, but sand has filled it in again so we can walk.
2) AMI Bayside Piers: You will also want to walk out on the two bayside piers at the north end of the island - and maybe fish.
3) Free Trolley on Anna Maria Island Click on the site below to read about the free trolley & download a map & schedule. Island Trolley - Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce
4) The Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton: “Our outdoor gathering place overlooking the Manatee River, the Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile park that spans downtown Bradenton. Web addres: Bradenton Parks - Bradenton, Florida (cityofbradenton.com). You will have a wonderful time here.
In case of rain, here are some indoor suggestions.
5)Ringling Museum of Art (free on Mondays) The Ringling Museum of Art (U.S-41 at University, near SRQ airport) is free on Mondays. There's a nice restaurant in the museum, also. http://www.ringling.org/artmuseum.aspx
6) Manatees:Meet Ripkin and Toober manatess at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton.  Go at feeding time.     Meet the Manatees - The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (bishopscience.org)
7) Mote Marine Labs Another favorite of EVERYBODY is Mote Marine Laboratories & Aquarium.  You go to the south end of Longboat Key, cross the bridge and turn left immediately.  The aquarium is about one block east on the right side.  Just a little farther is the Marine Mammal Center on the left.  Your ticket gets you into both parts.  There is a new otter habitat & in there are sea turtles & 2 manatees.  On the aquarium side there are many things, including a touch tank, shark tank, short movie & (my favorite) petting the stingrays. www.mote.org
8) DeSoto National Historic Site. Wonderful walking trails.  Right on the Manatee River at the north end of 75th St - very close to the island.  Also great for kids.  They can try on armor & watch a short movie about how the explorer DeSoto came to Florida. Adults like the short movie, also. Operating Hours & Seasons - De Soto National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
9)Ellenton Premium Outlets (A wonderful discount mall)      http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/ellenton
10)If you like Wal-Mart or have never been to a “Super Wal-Mart” you might want to visit the one about 4 blocks away.  Turn left on Cortez Rd and it will be on your left just after the first traffic light.