Downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island Welcome the Gulf Island Ferry
Visitors and locals alike have been enjoying the new ferry services to and from Anna Maria Island and downtown Bradenton. The two ferry boats, charmingly named, Miss Anna Maria and The Downtown Duchess, will take wonderful care of you as you catch a ride and enjoy the views of the gorgeous Manatee River.
Whether you're staying on Anna Maria Island (AMI), seeking a night on the town, staying in Bradenton or wanting a perfect day on the beach, the Gulf Islands Ferry has got you covered. Ferries departing from the Anna Maria Island Pier and the Riverwalk in downtown Bradenton provide traffic free transportation to and from AMI for prices ranging from $4-$10 (see ticket pricing information below). The ferry departs on the hour Friday-Sunday from 10am to 9pm.
What to do Once You've Reached Pine Avenue
Explore Pine Avenue
When taking the ferry to Anna Maria Island, you will be dropped off right at Pine Avenue. Pine Ave is a street filled with businesses of all kind including beach shops, boutiques, ice cream, restaurants, and even sand-dollar painting. I highly recommend starting your AMI adventure perusing all Pine Ave has to offer, which includes Pink & Navy's original store! We are a boutique where you can find items such as bathing suits, dresses, shirts, pants, skirts, knick knacks, sunscreen, towels, seasonal items, and much more!
Hop on the Anna Maria Island Trolley
My favorite way to travel around Anna Maria Island is the free trolley which has 14 stops along the route from Anna Maria Island Pier to Coquina Beach. The trolley offers a fun free way to travel around the Island to explore beaches, shops, ice cream shops, and all that Anna Maria Island has to offer. If the trolley isn't for you, there are also bicycles and golf carts for rent at a variety of businesses!
Things to do in Downtown Bradenton
Explore Old Main St.
Of course, my first recommendation is to visit Old Main St and check out the wide selection of businesses ranging from ice cream shops to bars to boutiques, such as Pink & Navy Boutique. Old Main St in downtown Bradenton is home to our second Pink & Navy location, open since summer 2021. After a visit with us, I encourage you to walk the rest of the street for more clothing shops, cozy coffee spots, delicious food and drink, live entertainment and more!
See a Show at Manatee Performing Arts Center
If you're a fan of the arts, you could catch a show at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, downtown Bradenton's local community theatre. Manatee Performing Arts Center produces professional quality productions with elaborate scenery, costumes, lights, and unforgettable singing and dancing. Check out their website to browse their season of shows and for ticket prices!
https://www.manateeperformingartscenter.com/2022-23-manatee-players-musical-series-subscriptions/
Visit the Bradenton Market
Looking for a fun Saturday morning activity? Come on down for the Bradenton Market for fresh produce, local art, music, food and more! This charming market has everything you would look for in a local market. Open from 9am-2pm every Saturday from October through May.
Prices for the Gulf Islands Ferry are as follows:
One-way ticket prices:
- Adults 18+………...............……$6.00
- Seniors/Active Military…………$4.00
- Youth(4-18)……….......…………$4.00
- 3 & Under………..............………Free
Round trip ticket prices:
- Adults 18+…….............………$10.00
- Seniors/Active Military…………$6.00
- Youth(4-18)……….......…………$6.00
- 3 & Under………...............………Free
For tickets and more information check out their website!
https://www.bradentongulfislands.com/gulf-islands-ferry