The Ultimate Bradenton RV Summer Getaway: Beaches, Parks & Cold Drinks

🌴 Introduction: Why Summer in Bradenton is Worth It

I’ve lived in Bradenton for years, and I’ll tell you this: summer here hits different. The beaches are warm, the seafood is fresh, and even though the sun cranks up the heat, the pace slows down. Tourists head back north, the locals take their time, and if you plan it right, it’s the perfect season for a no-stress escape.

Now here’s the move: rent an RV and stay local. Whether you’re coming in from Tampa, Sarasota, or just want a staycation without the chaos, an RV getaway gives you the freedom to build the trip you want—cool spots, good food, and zero hotel hassle.

So I put together my go-to summer itinerary—a few days of Gulf Coast vibes that combine beach time, air-conditioned breaks, and great eats. You’ll avoid crowds, get closer to the fun, and still have your own private, AC-cooled retreat at the end of the day.

🏖️ Day 1: Set Up at a Local RV Resort + Sunset on the Water

Your trip starts with a smooth check-in at one of my two favorite parks near the beach:

🔹 Holiday Cove RV Resort

📍 Cortez, FL – just across the bridge from Anna Maria Island
✅ Clean sites, full hookups, pool, and close to Coquina Beach

or

🔹 Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort

📍 Also in Cortez – easy bike ride to the beach
✅ Friendly, quiet, great for couples or small families

Once you’re set up (or even better—we’ve delivered the RV and set it up for you), take it easy. Grab a cold drink and settle in. You’re close to everything, but you’ve got peace and privacy.

For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Star Fish Company—a dockside seafood shack that’s been serving the freshest catch in Cortez since before Airbnb was a thing. Fried grouper sandwich, hushpuppies, cold beer, boats coming and going? Perfect intro to the area.

Wrap up the day with a sunset at Coquina Beach. It’s just a five-minute drive from either park, and there’s always space to watch the sky turn orange and purple over the Gulf. Bring your own chairs or just stretch out in the sand.

🌞 Day 2: Explore Nature in the Morning, Chill Indoors in the Afternoon

You’ll want to start your second day early—beat the heat and catch the breeze. Trust me, Florida mornings in the summer are underrated.

🌿 Morning: Robinson Preserve or Kayaking the Mangroves

Just a short drive from most RV parks near Cortez, Robinson Preserve is my top pick for a cool, breezy start to the day.
There are miles of shady walking and biking trails, observation towers with wide views of the mangroves, and even kayak launch spots if you’re up for paddling. You’ll see birds, crabs, and maybe even dolphins near the mouth of the bay.

Want to rent a kayak or paddleboard?
Check out Surferbus near Palma Sola Causeway—they’ll get you outfitted fast, and it’s only 10 minutes from the park.

🥗 Lunch: Downtown Bradenton

By mid-day, you’ll want AC and food. Head to Old Main Street in downtown Bradenton and grab a table at:

• Birdrock Taco Shack – funky vibe, awesome tacos, and cold drinks
• O’Bricks Irish Pub – classic pub with a Florida twist (great salads + seafood)
• Oak & Stone – rooftop bar with a pour-your-own beer wall

Parking is usually easy mid-day, and everything is walkable.

❄️ Afternoon: Bishop Museum of Science & Nature

One of my favorite ways to beat the afternoon heat: The Bishop Museum of Science & Nature. It’s indoors, family-friendly, and way cooler than it sounds.

You’ll see fossil exhibits, Florida wildlife dioramas, and best of all—a manatee rehab tank with rescued manatees you can watch swim right up to the glass.

It’s quiet, relaxing, and a nice balance to the outdoor stuff you did earlier. Bonus: it’s right next to the Bradenton Riverwalk, so you can take a shaded stroll before heading back.

🏡 Evening: Back to the RV for Dinner or a Lazy Night In

After a full day out, it’s time to soak up what makes RV travel so great. You can cook dinner right in your kitchen, stretch out on the couch, or set up a little table outside with string lights and fans.

Or if you’re still hungry:

• Grab takeout from Danny’s Pizzeria
• Pick up sunset snacks from Publix GreenWise Market

Wind down with a card game, a cold drink, and a soft bed you didn’t have to share with strangers down the hall. You’ll be glad you booked the RV.

🏝️ Day 3: Island Time on Anna Maria

Today’s all about sun, sand, and slowing down. If you’ve never been to Anna Maria Island, you’re in for something special. It’s laid-back, beautiful, and somehow still feels like old Florida—no big hotels, no high-rises, just good vibes and blue water.

☀️ Morning: Hit the Beach at Bean Point or Manatee Beach

Start early and head straight to the beach. You’ve got two solid options:

• Bean Point – Quiet, scenic, and less crowded. Great for a peaceful walk or sunrise if you’re up early.
• Manatee Beach – Family-friendly, full facilities, lifeguards, snack shack, and shaded picnic areas.

Local tip:
Bring a beach cart and plenty of water. Even the locals melt out here in July.

🚲 Midday: Explore Pine Avenue + Snacks & Shops

After beach time, dry off and hit Pine Avenue. It runs from the bay to the Gulf and is packed with cute shops, snack spots, and beach gear rentals.

Favorites on Pine:

• Ginny & Jane E’s – Coffee, smoothies, and funky gifts
• The Donut Experiment – Build-your-own donuts. They’re fresh and way too good.
• Shiny Fish Emporium – If you’ve got kids, this place is gold

If you rented bikes or a golf cart, this is the best place to cruise around slow and easy. Parking is tight, so riding is usually better anyway.

🍽️ Evening: Dinner with a View

Wrap up the day with dinner by the water. Two solid choices:

• The Waterfront Restaurant – Upscale, but relaxed. Sit on the patio and watch the boats roll in.
• Poppo’s Taqueria – Quick and fresh burritos with local ingredients, perfect for a casual bite.

Sunset from the island is always a good call. If you’re feeling it, swing by Bayfront Park and watch the sky fade out behind the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

💤 Back to the RV for a Cool, Quiet Night

After a day of sand and salt, nothing beats coming back to your own bed, your own shower, and some blessed air conditioning. No crowded hotel halls, no sand in the sheets (unless your kids sneak it in). Just calm.

Tomorrow you can explore more—or just sit still and enjoy it.

💡 Tips for a Cool and Comfortable RV Summer Stay

Florida in the summer is warm—no sugarcoating it. But with the right setup, an RV getaway is actually one of the most comfortable ways to enjoy the season.

Here’s how to do it right:

🔌 Rent an RV with Strong A/C and Full Hookups

All of our rental units come with A/C, but if you’re booking for July or August, go for newer models with ducted air or extra cooling capacity. Hook up at a full-service park like Holiday Cove or Buttonwood and let it run.

🌴 Pick Parks with Shade

Sites under big trees or near the water (like Fort De Soto or Myakka River SP) naturally stay cooler. Ask us for suggestions when booking—we know the best shady spots.

❄️ Take Indoor Breaks Mid-Day

Plan outdoor stuff early or late, and hit museums, breweries, or shaded parks from noon to 3. That’s how locals do it.

🧊 Bring Cooling Gear

Cooling towels, a portable fan, and insulated drink tumblers go a long way. Many of our RVs already include outdoor setups with shade awnings, chairs, and tables.

✅ Why Renting an RV Is the Smart Summer Move

Hotels? Crowded. Vacation rentals? Overpriced. Tent camping? Brutal in July.

But a delivered RV rental gives you:

• Your own space
• Climate control
• Total flexibility
• Lower cost than most multi-night hotel stays
• The freedom to park, play, and chill on your own schedule

We deliver to local parks, set everything up, and handle pickup—so you just show up and relax.

👉 Book Your Summer RV Getaway in Bradenton Now

Ready to make this summer one for the books?

🎯 Reserve Your RV at Bradenton.FiresideRVRental.com
Whether you’re staying local or exploring the Gulf Coast, we’ll help you stay cool, comfortable, and stress-free all summer long.