Bradenton Florida - Things To Do & Attractions In Bradenton FL

Dive into Southwest Florida history, arts, and nature in Bradenton on Florida’s Gulf Coast, about 30 minutes south of St. Petersburg.

Bradenton’s close proximity to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key make it the perfect place to base a vacation to the Gulf islands while enjoying all the city has to offer. Check out Village of the Arts, a working artist community, and explore Downtown Bradenton with a stroll on the 1.5-mile, ADA-accessible Bradenton Riverwalk, taking in the views of the Manatee River.

Go to Old Main Street and shop at the Bradenton Market, which offers fresh produce, lively music, and free family activities, and the Manatee Village Historical Park, where visitors can see historic buildings from Manatee County’s founding period of 1840 to 1918.

Visitors looking for outdoor adventures can fish from the Riverwalk pier, get on the nature trails at Robinson Preserve, take a kayak tour at De Soto National Memorial Park, and visit the area’s beaches.

Plan your trip at Bradenton Gulf Islands.

 

BEACHES

The Brandenton area is home to a number of beautiful Gulf beaches.

• Anna Maria Beach
• Cortez Beach
• Coquina Beach
• Manatee Beach
• More beaches

FAMILY FUN

Families with children will enjoy The Bishop Museum’s manatee habitat and planetarium, and area beaches and parks offer plenty of outdoor fun, including accessible playgrounds.

• The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
• Riverwalk Splash Park
• Parks

MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Visit art galleries, explore the museums, and watch live orchestra and theater performances.

• The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
• Manatee Village Historical Park
• Manatee Performing Arts Center
• The Pops Orchestra of Bradenton

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Fish from the pier, take a ranger-guided kayak tour, hike, and bike the natural areas of Bradenton.

• De Soto National Memorial Park
• Robinson Preserve
• Bradenton parks
• Fishing, watersports, and more

PET-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

Grab a bite or a drink with your four-legged best friend, hit the trails, and explore pet-friendly parks.

• Motorworks Brewing
• Springhill Suites Bradenton Downtown/Riverfront
• Robinson Preserve
• De Soto National Memorial Park
• Pet-friendly travel

ACCESSIBILITY

The Bradenton area offers a number of accessible experiences and attractions, including accessible playgrounds, parks, and nature preserves.

• Lewis Park ADA-compliant playgrounds
• Wheelchair-accessible attractions
• Sensory-friendly attractions
• Accessible tourism

DINING

Bradenton restaurants offer riverfront dining, open-air seating, and fresh eats.

• Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille
• Ortygia
• Sage Biscuit Café
• More places to eat

SHOPPING

Shop for local art and check out boutiques in downtown Bradenton.

• ArtCenter Manatee
• The Market Boutique & Events
• More places to shop

SPAS

Relax and rejuvenate at a Bradenton spa.

• Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki
• Spa Northwest
• More spas and wellness centers

SPORTS

See where the Pittsburgh Pirates come for spring training and tee up at the area’s best golf courses.

• Bradenton Golf Courses
• LECOM Park

PLACES TO STAY

Whether you want to book a vacation rental, upscale hotel, budget hotel, or campsite, you can find it in Bradenton and the surrounding areas.

• Compass by Margaritaville
• Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa
• Hampton Inn & Suites Bradenton Downtown Historic District
• More places to stay