Beach Town South of Tampa (Sarasota, Bradenton: restaurants, bars, park)

[Goose308]

I had heard there was a cool little beach town south of Tampa, how far I am not sure, brick streets, some fun bars. Any guesses from locals?

I'm from the Northeast, DE (Dewey Beach), which I love. Dewey is about a mile long, no boardwalk, just bars and restaurants, but fairly quaint. That is what I am looking for in FL.

[BucFan]

Bahia Beach/Lil Harbor? Its a small beach, water isn't very swimmable there (like the CLW, ST Pete beaches). One or two restaurants. Not what I would call a cool place. Can't think of any other places until you get to the Bradenton beaches.

[tampaguy03]

Small beach town with Brick Streets, fun bars???...not sure but maybe Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island?

[Keeper]

Pass a grille maybe although it doesn't have a lot of bars.

[gypsychic]

I am thinking it has to be Sarasota - downtown is not that big, and they did redo some streets with brick inlays. Lots of great independent restaurants and small bars and of course there is the bayfront and marina park with a neat Tiki Bar and a fancy restaurant and dinner cruise boats. We love it!

Otherwise I can't think of a single other place that remotely matches that description south of Tampa, and I am a native.

ETA: Could they be referring to Siesta Key, which is part of Sarasota? That's a pretty cool place!

[Tampasteve]

I would second the Siesta Key location if you are looking for a nice bar area. If you are looking for an upscale area that has great beaches and some older architechture, check out Gasparilla Island/Boca Grande.....not too many bars but great restaurants. Next stop...Key West??? :-)

[dvegarrett]

I would second Siesta Key, there are quite a few bars on the Pinellas coast that are very enjoyable but they are not centrally located .