When I think of a sunny getaway, I think of a tropical destination. When I think of a tropical destination, I immediately think of the Caribbean and the need for a passport. As a full-time professional who prefers warm weather, I understand the importance of time and location when planning a trip. A few years ago, I visited Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida. I loved both, but it was a little too fast-paced.

It was a pleasant surprise to learn that I could easily book a direct flight to Bradenton Gulf Islands from [Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia]. In addition, I could be on a beach on the Gulf of Mexico in less than three hours without the hassle of a passport or the need to sacrifice time!

I spent four days and three nights exploring all the Bradenton Area in Florida has to offer. I was utterly shocked to discover that Anna Maria Island is my travel pace—slow and easy. With its beautiful crystal-clear water beaches, incredible sea life, and fresh seafood, it was exactly what I look for in tropical destinations. 

FOUR reasons why Anna Maria Island is the perfect coastal destination in Bradenton, florida.

1. Skip the hassle of a passport.

I cannot stress how much relief I feel when I don't have to figure out passport requirements, visa, expiration dates, and entry requirements. Bradenton Gulf Islands offers powdery sand beaches and crystal clear waters without a passport. Not to mention, Anna Maria Island is about two and a half hours on a direct flight from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia area. It is perfect for a long weekend getaway, relaxing, and resetting. It is also an ideal destination for remote professionals, especially with accommodations like Mello On The Beach, designed for extended stays. 

I flew directly on Allegiant Air from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The shuttle was a 20-minute ride to Anna Maria Island, so it was a seamless travel day. United Airlines also offers direct flights into Sarasota, so check them out!

2. The Bradenton Gulf Islands beaches.

1. Anna Maria Island has many beaches: Holmes Beach, Bean Point, Manatee Beach, Cortez Beach, Coquina Beach, and Anna Maria Beach. As a certified beach connoisseur and a lover of tropical destinations, I seek the perfect beach experience. I fell in love with the coastal vibes at Anna Maria Beach. Add Anna Maria Beach to your coastal itinerary. 

2. The Gulf Coast alone is worth the visit, especially when greeted with crystal-clear waters and a beautiful sunrise. Anna Maria Beach was steps from my accommodation, Mello On The Beach, so I didn't miss the sunrise, not once. 

3. Mello On The Beach was ideally located near restaurants like Skinny Place. After a long travel day, I had the tastiest burger. The property was exquisite—I stayed in the Fanta Sea suite and didn't want to go home. With complimentary amenities like the pool, lawn games, beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and bike rentals, add a stay at Mello On The Beach to your coastal itinerary.

3. Gulf Coast dining is exquisite.

As a seafood lover, imagine my excitement when I learned I could enjoy fresh grouper on Anna Maria Island. Floridian cuisine has unique citrus flavors that pair well with fresh seafood. 

1. During my coastal experience, I dined at Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier. I tasted some of the best-roasted oysters. The Garlic Parmesan and Grandma Georgie Chipotle were spectacular. 

2. Add the restaurant to your itinerary. For a toe-in-the-sand dining experience, add Beach Restaurant to your list. Cocktails and fresh seafood are even tastier with a view of the Gulf of Mexico. I enjoyed the food, but the sunsets on the Gulf Coast were quite the experience. 

3. Add Chateau Anna Maria to your itinerary for a French-inspired 3-course dining experience. Located at Waterline Marina Resort, dining here makes for coastal memories you won't forget. 

4. A great beach day starts with breakfast, so eat unlimited pancakes at Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe after a sunrise walk.  

5. Also, add Ginny's and Jane E's to your itinerary for the most important meal of the day, breakfast. I still think about the French Creme Brûlée Toast to this day. Ginny and Jane E are two sisters with unique stories; Ginny loved arts and antiquities, and Jane loved cooking and baking. Both are reflected in the restaurant and dining experience. It is worth the Bradenton Area experience!

6. Continuing the beach vacation vibe, I ate lunch poolside at Cheesecake Cutie & Cafe. I had the Lox'n It Up bagel with a cinnamon raisin bagel topped with smoked Salmon, red onions, tomato, capers, and fresh ground pepper.

7. If you love good coffee and acai bowls or need to eat lunch in a quintessential location, stop by North Shore Cafe. I had an espresso and the ‘Yo’ acai bowl. This had plain Greek yogurt topped with homemade granola, seasonal fruit, Florida honey, almond or peanut butter, and coconut flakes. Delicious!

Check this out for top restaurants and great eats on the Florida Gulf Coast. 

4. Endless coastal activities to get lost in. 

1. The last time I saw dolphins, I cruised around the Red Sea in Egypt. I'm glad I didn't have to return for a similar experience. Add the Jacqueline Noelle with AMI Dolphin Tours to your itinerary. During the 2-hour tour, you get up close and personal with the dolphins. The tour is guided by local experts who provide the best possible Gulf views of dolphins. This was such a wholesome way to close out the getaway.

2. Stroll the boardwalk and take in the sights of the Anna Maria landmark at Anna Maria City Pier. This Pier is popular for fishing: Redfish, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, and Sharks. It is a great spot to unwind after lunch or to catch a spectacular sunrise or sunset.

3. Nothing elevates a travel destination like immersing yourself in the culture through local activities. Tap into your creativity at Shiny Fish Emporium. During my sand dollar paint session at the Family Oasis retail store, I remembered how much I loved drawing as a child. My sand dollar is currently in my home as a beautiful memory of the Bradenton area.

4. If you need clothing to tie in the destination, add a shopping experience to your coastal itinerary. I found the perfect dress for the cruise tour at the Pink & Navy Boutique.

There you have it—all the reasons why I can't wait to return to Anna Maria Island and why you should spend your next vacation there. Anna Maria Island has much more to offer: things to do, where to eat, and what you shouldn't miss.

Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I have a video recap of my experience on Instagram; check it out.

Happy traveling!

Xx Kris