The vibrant city of Bradenton allows you to both discover Florida’s storied past and its teeming wildlife. It is home to various museums that provide a glimpse of the rich local history, along with parks and nature reserves where you can get closer to nature.
At Manatee Village Historical Park, you can explore restored buildings from Manatee County’s early days. These buildings include a boat shop, farmhouse, general store, and more. If you love nature, visit Robinson Preserve, which also features an observation tower that lets you marvel at 360-degree wilderness views. For families with kids, spending a day at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is an excellent idea. Here, you can explore educational displays, including a planetarium.
Of course, one of the biggest draws here is the beaches. If you want to stay near one, keep reading for the top beach resorts near Bradenton, Florida.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Plaza Beach Hotel Beachfront Resort, St. Pete Beach (from USD 189)
Plaza Beach Hotel – Beachfront Resort is located in St. Pete Beach, only about a 30-minute drive from Bradenton. A family-owned and family-operated resort since 1988, it is an excellent home base for families on a beach vacation. Only 39 guest suites are available, so you can expect attentive hospitality in a peaceful beachfront environment. All suites have kitchenettes, so you can easily prepare light meals anytime.
Further, guest laundry facilities are available. For a breath of fresh air, you can hang out in the garden. Or, head to the private beach and sunbathe to your heart’s content. While you’re there, you can also challenge your companions to a game of volleyball thanks to the professional grade net available.
Plaza Beach Hotel Beachfront Resort
Address: 4506 Gulf Blvd
8.32 km (5.2 mi) from John's Pass
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
after check in we received a text to see how we liked our roomCleanliness:
the room was clean and comfortablewe loved the 1950's themed resort and it was clean throughout the resortHost:
great staff great hotel it's like a little gem on the beachstaff were responsive and the place was very comfortableRead more reviewsLocation:
location is perfect we found our getaway placehotel right on the beach front you cannot beat the location had a lovely stayEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
2. TradeWinds Island Grand, St. Pete Beach (from USD 199)
Set on a 16.19-ha (40-ac) beachfront land in St. Pete Beach, TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach is only 40.23 km (25 mi) away from Bradenton. It offers nearly 900 guest rooms, suites, and villas, so you have plenty of accommodation options based on your budget and needs. Over 600 cabanas are also available, so you can easily enjoy the ocean breeze while chilling outdoors. For added fun, opt for a floating cabana right on the sea.
If you do not feel like swimming on the beach, you can dip in any of the nine swimming pools.
TradeWinds Island Grand
Address: 5500 Gulf Blvd
7.21 km (4.5 mi) from John's Pass
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
so much fun for a family pools wateaides trampoline—- something everydayHost:
beautiful beach and great staffRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to take the family on vacationEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
3. Beachcomber Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach (from USD 149)
The Beachcomber St. Pete Beach Florida sits by St. Pete Beach, only about a 45-minute drive from Bradenton. It features chic guest rooms and suites with incredible views.
With the nightly resort fee included in the rates, you can enjoy an array of amenities and services throughout your stay. You have access to a beach cabana or lounge chairs that can seat up to two people, subject to availability. These facilities are available between 9am and 5pm. Other amenities include one parking space for each room, complimentary towels, in-room coffee, and access to two outdoor heated pools.
Beachcomber Beach Resort
Address: 6200 Gulf Blvd
6.7 km (4.2 mi) from John's Pass
Top guest reviews
Host:
the staff was very nice and helpfulstaff were so kind and helpful especially derrickeverything was very nice and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
warm quiet perfect get awayEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
4. RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds, St. Pete Beach (from USD 199)
Promising world-class seafront hospitality in St. Pete Beach, RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds is only roughly 40.23 km (25 mi) away from Bradenton. The resort has many delightful amenities, including an aquarium with more than 30 species, giving you an up-close encounter with local marine life. Throughout your stay here, you can also enjoy unlimited rides on Surf WipeOut, The High Tide Slide, The Zing Ray Zip, and Waterway Paddleboats. After a packed day, you can unwind and roast s'mores by the fire pit.
Five onsite dining outlets are available, including RumFish Grill, which serves the finest and freshest local seafood. The 33,500-gallon (126,811.24-liter) aquarium is also in the restaurant.
RumFish Beach Resort by TradeWinds
Address: 6000 Gulf Blvd
6.8 km (4.3 mi) from John's Pass
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room and balcony made everything though loved the sunsets and all the space especially with a babyCleanliness:
very clean and friendly helpful staffHost:
the staff was all friendly but it wasn’t decorated for the holidays like it’s partner the tradewinsRead more reviewsLocation:
it was perfect clean friendly staff and walking distance to everything we neededEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
5. Bilmar Beach Resort, Treasure Island (from USD 211)
Bilmar Beach Resort is nestled right on the sand on Treasure Island, only roughly 45 minutes away from Bradenton. It houses 166 stylish guest rooms, suites, and penthouses, so you’ll have plenty of accommodation options.
The 35-USD amenity fee per night included in your rates will allow you to enjoy all resort amenities throughout your stay. You can use the in-house fitness centre or dip in any of the two heated swimming pools. For relaxation, you may also lounge on the rooftop sun deck or soak in the whirlpool.
Bilmar Beach Resort
Address: 10650 Gulf Blvd
2.24 km (1.4 mi) from John's Pass
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
sloppy joes restaurant has a wonderful breakfast (omelette and taters)Host:
however the staff was so wonderful they help my extra guests the way outRead more reviewsLocation:
i love the layout and location of the property and roomsEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
6. Dolphin Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach (from USD 169)
Are you looking for quality accommodations for your next beach trip with your family or friends? Dolphin Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach is worth considering. It features spacious guest rooms and suites that can make you feel at home, whether you’re on a short-term or extended stay. The nightly resort fee of 50 USD gives you access to various amenities and services. You can use the heated outdoor swimming pool, play volleyball, and enjoy live entertainment on Fridays through Sundays. You’ll also get two coupons which you can exchange for signature drinks. If you’re heading to the beach, you can grab a drink at Flipper’s Beach Bar and chill at the complimentary cabana when you need some shade.
Bradenton is only about a 35-minute drive away.
Dolphin Beach Resort
Address: 4900 Gulf Blvd
8.02 km (5.0 mi) from John's Pass
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
hotel was super clean just outdated and the few updates done where poorly installedRead more reviewsLocation:
i loved the location being right on the beachall in all a great place to staynothing fancy but staff very friendly beach close by pool and bar niceEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
7. Gulf Winds Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach
Gulf Winds Resort delivers quality hospitality in St. Pete Beach, only about 41.84 km (26 mi) from Bradenton. It offers privately owned and fully furnished studio units, and one- and two-bedroom condo units with well-equipped kitchens. Providing unrivalled beach views, some units have private balconies. Each condo comes with one complimentary parking pass, so parking will be the least of your worries if you intend to bring a car.
Thanks to the state-of-the-art laundry facilities, you can wash your clothes using your credit card. Nevertheless, coins are still an option. There’s also an app which will tell you when your clothes are done, and when washers and dryers are available.
This resort also offers direct access to Upham Beach, along with a beach shack in case you get hungry or thirsty.
Gulf Winds Beach Resort
Address: 6800 Sunset Way
6.17 km (3.9 mi) from John's Pass
8. Lido Beach Resort, Sarasota (from USD 279)
Situated in Sarasota, Lido Beach Resort is only about half an hour away from Bradenton. It has a dog-friendly atmosphere, allowing you to bring your well-behaved four-legged friends, as long as each weighs no more than 13.61 kg (30 lbs). The extra fee for staying with pets is 100 USD per dog per night.
The 40 USD daily resort fee will allow you to enjoy various amenities and services, such as pool towel service in the pool areas. You may also use the beach chairs on the resort’s private beach.
Lido Beach Resort
Address: 700 Benjamin Franklin Dr
56.56 km (35.2 mi) from John's Pass
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
superb amenities and well appointed roomRead more reviewsCleanliness:
wonderful staff so friendly breathtaking views hotel smelled amazing and very cleanEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
9. The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Longboat Key (from USD 485)
The Resort at Longboat Key Club promises a relaxing stay in Longboat Key with its modern oceanfront guest rooms and suites. Conveniently, it is only about 25.75 km (16 mi) from Bradenton. If you are on a family vacation, consider getting the Two Bedroom Suite. It has everything you need to feel at home, including a well-equipped kitchen, washer, and dryer.
The resort fee starts at 40 USD a day, or 50 USD for two-bedroom suites, and it allows you to enjoy different services and amenities. Specifically, you may use at least two beach chairs for the beach. You can also access private club facilities, such as the fitness centre and golf driving range.
The Resort at Longboat Key Club
Address: 220 Sands Point Road
53.49 km (33.3 mi) from John's Pass
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
room was beautiful and quietCleanliness:
i hope they cleaned them for the next guestHost:
management kind and promptmanagement was very helpful and politeexcellent food very service oriented staffthe staff was very friendly rooms were spacious and comfortable grounds/ beach were beautifulterry the pro and phil j the starter were extremely welcoming and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
great place to have a relaxing vacation
10. Seaside at Anna Maria Island Inn, Bradenton Beach (from USD 786)
Providing upscale beachfront accommodations in Bradenton Beach, Seaside at Anna Maria Island Inn is only roughly a 20-minute drive from the heart of Bradenton. It features guest rooms and suites with incredible ocean views. The beach itself is steps away from the premises, and has lounge chairs and umbrellas, so you can relax and enjoy the calming sea breeze.
For a minimal extra fee per dog per night, you may bring your four-legged friends here. A maximum of one dog weighing 50 lb (22.68 kg), or two dogs that weigh the same combined are permitted in each room.
Seaside at Anna Maria Island Inn
Address: 2200 Gulf Dr N
35.03 km (21.8 mi) from John's Pass
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
for the price we could’ve stayed at a much better place as far as overall quality and cleanlinessRead more reviewsLocation:
great location very relaxing will return hope to return this summerlocation is and the pool are perfect
Have a meaningful Bradenton beach trip
Bradenton is not only famous for the opportunities it offers to learn about and appreciate local history, but also for the beaches surrounding it. As you prepare for your visit, check out these top beach resorts near Bradenton, Florida, for a perfectly relaxing vacation!
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