Bradenton: the Florida sun getaway with soul

The Bradenton Area on Florida’s west coast is a getaway you may not know, but should. Set on the shores of the Manatee River and the Gulf of Mexico, its white soft-sand beaches, sea glass-colored waters and welcoming vibes keep savvy travelers coming back year after year.

Once you’ve arrived, chances are you’ll unconsciously take to the rhythm of local life—playing on the water, dining on the day’s fresh catch, and exploring the wilds on foot or bike. And in the first Florida destination to partner with sustainability leader Leave No Trace, it's easy to do all this while staying in Mother Nature’s good graces.