Nestled on the Gulf Coast, Bradenton is a bit of an unknown treasure-a mixture of natural beauty, historic charm, and things to do suitable for all family members. Whether you feel like simply enjoying pristine beaches, taking nature trails, or indulging in great food, Bradenton can truly accommodate all tastes. In this guide, we will go through a rundown of the best things to do, see, and experience in this sunny Florida city.
Bradenton Beach
Bradenton Beach is a quaint little funky town. Sun yourself on the beach, wade in the shallow and warm water or sample some of Bridge Street’s shops & restaurants. The south has surfed well near the concrete piers for regional regulars.
Robinson Preserve
Bradenton’s playground is Robinson Preserve. Just short of 700 acres, this is a multi-use park with mangroves, land that has sat as tomato lands for more years than any could count on two hands and tidal marshes. Things to do: 9.2 miles of multi-use trails for walking, hiking and biking These calm inland waters attract a lot of birds and wildlife, so you will have the opportunity to see spoonbills, white pelicans (which we’ve never seen before), bald eagles from your kayak. Don’t miss the mangrove tunnels.
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature: Great place to visit on a rainy day. This facility contains an education zone, the all-digital Bishop Planetarium (holds daily shows), a 60,000-gallon Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat and Mosaic Backyard Universe.
Bradenton Riverwalk
The Riverwalk is 1.5 miles along the Manatee River Great for walking, running, or cycling Lounge on lounge chairs or fish from the enormous pier, and take advantage of features such as beach volleyball courts, a skateboard park (pun intended) spray pad.
DeSoto National Memorial
Hernando de Soto Hernando Plaque This memorial site provides some insights into the Spanish explorer who visited Tampa Bay in 1539. Discover the reconstructed buildings of Uzita and Suncoast Excursion trail from DeSoto expeditions. The site is also home to a small museum of artifacts discovered in the vicinity.
Palma Sola Botanical Park
The 10-acre botanical garden with rare palms and flowering trees is a draw for green thumbs. Stroll the bent pathways in enjoyment while viewing or listening to all of this running water being pumped throughout with one destination. Explore Exotic fruit trees from around the world planted by Manatee Rare Fruit Council.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island has seven amazing beaches and is even more laid-back and cool. For a taste of different types of beaches, make your way to either Coquina Beach or Manatee Public Beach in Bradenton; the beautiful Bean Point up north on Anna Maria Island. It is a popular day trip destination from Bradenton.
Red Barn Flea Market
An institution in Bradenton for more than 40 years, this flea market suffered the same fate as everyone else through no fault of their own. Featuring 400 booths, with unique items and fresh fruits and vegetables. Stop for a little rest and some food in the style that characterizes these types of restaurant circuits.
Ringling Museum
The Ringling Estate: John and Mable, a place that was once their home is now the location of two museums along with Ca’ d’Zan. The Circus Museum displays costumes, reconstructed crusade gears and a small model representation of the circus. The estate is located at 3334 Shell Mound Boulevard, 20 minutes south on US-41.
Florida Railroad Museum
Weekend train rides are also offered by the Florida Railroad Museum, which travels from Parrish to Willow. The 1.5 hr ride includes restored coaches that were once operated by the Barnum and Bailey Circus. Visitors can tour additional rolling stock – such as locomotives and cabooses – at the depots.
FAQ
Bradenton falls under the west coast of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico, south of Tampa and St. Petersburg. Bradenton is part of Manatee County and sits near the mouth of the Manatee River.
Among the many activities that Bradenton has to offer, one may enjoy a visit to the South Florida Museum, which houses exhibits on regional history and an aquarium. The Robinson Preserve in northwest Bradenton offers hiking and kayaking trails, while downtown’s Village of the Arts beckons an afternoon stroll. Beautiful beaches line Anna Maria Island. The historic De Soto National Memorial is one of the most visited attractions in the area.
Not far from Bradenton, there are beautiful pristine beaches: Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, and Coquina Beach. With their white sand and peaceful waves of water, they are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
The best time to go to Bradenton is from November to April of the year when the climate is mild and sunny. In the summer, it gets hot and muggy, but the weather is good enough for beach activities.
Bradenton lies about 12 miles to the north of Sarasota. Depending on the volume of traffic, therefore, one can be in a position to get to it in about 20-30 minutes’ drive.
