Bradenton Beach / Florida / United States

Bradenton Beach is the southernmost city on the island of Anna Maria in Florida. The surfing offers a beach break, breaking to both the left and the right, and is often pretty quiet so there isn’t much hassle for space. Not really a place for beginners, it can give some excellent waves for those who know what they are doing. Air temperatures range from lows of 50-73 F in January, to highs of between 73 and 91F in August.

The sugar white beaches are all public and access is easy as they’re less than 5 minutes walk from the city. If you don’t want to do that, park right by the beach instead.

The best waves come with a south east or east wind, when you’ll get them building from 1m and holding over 3m. They tend to be short, but they are fast and powerful and a good day can see 150m or more. Consistency could be better, but it can pay to hang around and pick up some of the better waves.

This is another Old Florida city, full of old style hospitality. There is a good range of accommodation types and costs, and plenty of shops and restaurants. The city has a number of parks for recreation, and if you want to go fish then inshore and offshore tours are available. Access to Anna Maria Island is via any of several bridges from the mainland, and once you are there it’s pretty easy to move around.

Strong rips and undertows can catch out the unwary, especially round the piers. Small sharks are in the area.