USA Bradenton Gulf Islands Area, Florida

Kilometres of dream beaches, pristine dune and mangrove landscapes as well as fishing villages, farmers' markets and "the greenest little main street in America": in the Bradenton Gulf Islands region you can experience the original charm of Florida's west coast.

Just 40 miles separate Tampa and its International Airport from Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. And yet the modern business metropolis with direct flights to Germany is worlds apart from the region that for many represents "good, old Florida". The idyllic strip of Gulf coast on the west coast of Florida between Saint Petersburg and Sarasota borders Tampa Bay to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Here you will find private beach villas, family-run guest houses and luxurious resorts that blend harmoniously into the landscape and are mostly inspired by historic architecture.

If you opt for accommodation in downtown Bradenton, you will be staying in the immediate vicinity of local markets, museums, restaurants and small breweries. And the famous Riverwalk, a 2.5-kilometer-long walking and festival trail, is not far away either. If you choose accommodation on Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key instead, you can be sure that it won't take more than five minutes to walk from your bed to the nearest beach - perfect for water sports enthusiasts, beach runners and fans of fine sandy beaches.

On guided or individual kayak and SUP tours, which take you past small islands, tidal currents and mangrove forests, you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins, turtles and even manatees. The gentle manatees, weighing up to 600 kilos, are typical of the region and testify to the intact environment and the high level of commitment to sustainability. It is therefore only fitting that the new community campaign "Love it like a Local" also focuses consistently on sustainability and encourages guests and locals alike to use bikes or golf carts and to store locally. Incidentally, Pine Avenue is a particularly popular shopping destination with its numerous boutiques, delicatessens, artisans and galleries. It holds the honorary title of "greenest little main street in America" due to its innovative environmental protection measures, which have even been recognized by the UN.

Dinner on the beach or jetty. "Dock and Dine" or perhaps "Hook and Cook"? It's best to try out both culinary traditions of the Bradenton Gulf Islands region - in the truest sense of the word. While "Dock and Dine" involves mooring your boat directly at a restaurant after a day at sea to be served fresh seafood, with "Hook and Cook" you simply bring your own "catch of the day" to the restaurant and have it prepared to your personal taste on the spot ...

A pleasure all year round. These and many other experiences, which are rarely offered even in the Sunshine State, can be enjoyed all year round in the Bradenton Gulf Islands region. This is also thanks to the mild Gulf Coast climate, which is characterized by a constant light breeze and up to 361 days of sunshine a year. So it's high time to get to know the other side of the Sunshine State!

More information at www.bradentongulfislands.com