Great Sand and Water
This is a very nice beach, with a wonderfully long sandy-white shoreline. It has clear water, calm surf, and plenty of room to spread out. The beach is outlined by towering Australian Pines, providing shade for you and your car. These Australian Pines add a nice touch to the beach, and this is a feature not always available at other Florida beaches. Cortez/Bradenton Beach is a great family beach area.
Activities 
Activities revolve around the beach here. You can fish, swim, go boating, or snorkel right from the beach. This is an expansive beach, ideal for long walks, and beautiful sunsets. And don't forget your fishing pole, There are plenty of bait shops close by to make a great day of fishing all the more enjoyable.
| biking |
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| Do not forget your bikes, and the area around Cortez Village, north around Anna Maria, and south over into Longboat Key are great bicycling places.
★★★★★ |
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| boating |
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| The Manatee County boating scene does not get any better. Fish for some redfish, cruising around the island, or go on a diner cruise.
★★★★★ |
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| boat ramps |
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| Nice Manatee County boat ramps are available just to the south around Coquina Beach.
★★★★ |
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| camping |
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| fishing |
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| Grab your fishing poles and get ready for grouper, redfish, sharks, and more. It all depends on the season, ask what is biting at the Gulf Drive Bait Shop.
★★★★★ |
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| hiking/walking |
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| We like walking around the bayside along Bay Boulevard, but a long walk on the beach is awesome. Try a sunset walk to spice it up and enjoy the scenic views.
★★★★★ |
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| nature trails |
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| Us Floridians call the shoreline the very best nature trail you can find.
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| picnicing |
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| Is there any better picnic trips, than by the beach? Many people celebrate anniversaries and birthdays around the picnic tables of Bradenton Beach.
★★★★★ |
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| playgrounds |
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| As a child I can remember just how much fun were the playgrounds here at the beach.
★★★★★ |
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| swimming |
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| We think the swimming is best on Florida's west coast, as the water is calmer than on the East Coast.
★★★★★ |
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| tennis |
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| Not right here, but many of the local hotels have tennis courts.
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| volleyball |
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| It is so much fun, great fitness, so play some volleyball here at Cortez.
★★★★ |
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| water recreation |
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| You will hear the sounds of people laughing, enjoying the water, and sailboats cruise by. Anna Maria Island has a rich tradition of the best water recreation in Florida.
★★★★★ |
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