Sell Your Boat Sell Your Boat LEARN MORE

Spring Break, Easter and Mother's Day…Beach and Boating Ideas for Florida's Peak Season

olive at the beachThe sun is out and the temperatures are not too cold and not too hot, which means it’s prime time here and Florida, or as locals call it, it’s “season.” So,  it’s time to get out on the water and enjoy the “Floridays” (thanks to Jimmy Buffett for coining that term).  We wanted to share two of our favorite things to here in paradise, especially when we have the most glorious weather right at our finger tips.   And if you’re looking for something out-of-the-ordinary to do for Easter or Mother’s Day, either of these ideas will make every member of your family smile.

Explore Coquina Beach

Many boaters enjoy anchoring around the Longboat Pass at Beer Can Island or Jewfish Key, but just across the pass is a wonderful place to explore – Coquina Beach.  We recommend you get off the boat and explore everything Coquina has to offer! Offering lots of shade from Australian Pine trees and plenty of pavilion shelters, this makes a nice spot for a picnic.  If you want to have a larger family get-together, call the Manatee County Parks & Natural Resources and reserve one of the larger pavilions.  We love visiting this spot on Sundays when the “Beach Market” takes place from 10 – 4. Grab an ice cream cone from the recently-remodeled concession stand and browse through the arts and crafts booths that line the shady pathway. Another spot to check out is the Leffis Key trail (just across Gulf of Mexico Dr.) for beautiful vistas and a little peace away from the crowds.
2650 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, Florida 34217

Visit Old Florida at Snook Haven

Sometimes, you need to head the opposite direction of the beach to see the other side of Florida’s beauty, so head East out to grab a bite and a good time at Snook Haven.  Far more than a restaurant, this historic spot is perched on a pretty peninsula of the Myakka River and features live music every day of the week.  We love the history of this spot, it started as a smuggler’s outpost during the prohibition period in the 20’s, became one of Hollywood’s favorite filming locations in the 30’s and then a fishing camp/brothel in the 40’s. The restaurant has since dropped the brothel bit and now is a family-friendly gathering spot where you can boogie down to the Blues and Rock fests every Sunday afternoon or listen to The Banjo Society every Thursday from 11 – 1:30. You can also see more of the Wild and Scenic Myakka River by hopping on one of Logan’s Scenic River Tours.
5000 East Venice Avenue, Venice, FL 34292