Top 5 Things to Do
Bradenton, Florida is located on the Manatee River just East of Anna Maria Island. With just a short drive, you will be able to reach Holmes Beach, Anna Maria, and Bradenton Beach. Bradenton is known for its rich history, vast collection of museums and local shops, and thriving artist community. It has become a popular destination for those looking to escape the beach crowds and enjoy the sophistication of cultural art and theater.
Setting your GPS to Bradenton will point you to more than just a coastal vacation on the white sugar sands beaches of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. It will provide you with memories and unique opportunities that you will not find anywhere else. Check out these Top 5 Things to Do in Bradenton, FL.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
This is the largest natural and cultural museum on the Coast and will provide you and your family hours of engaging fun and knowledge that you will not find anywhere else. Featuring fossils, ancient animal inhabitants of Coastal Florida, archaeological materials from our past, and so much more.
This is the largest natural and cultural museum on the Coast and will provide you and your family hours of engaging fun and knowledge that you will not find anywhere else. Featuring fossils, ancient animal inhabitants of Coastal Florida, archaeological materials from our past, and so much more.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature also features a state-of-the-art, all-digital Planetarium. See our universe like you have never seen it before. Once you have finished there, stroll over to the Park Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat and witness the wonderful work their team is doing to help injured manatee from the Florida waters.
You can learn more by clicking here.
Neal Preserve in Manatee County
This 120 acre preserve has mangrove forests, coastal habitats, and saltwater features that are a feast for the eyes. Start your adventure in the footsteps of the Native Americans as you travel land where they lived back in 3000 to 4000 BC.
The Preserve also offers more than just nature sight-seeing. There is a 20 foot observation tower for the best photos in the area, a 0.3 mile Shell Trail Loop, and boardwalks, so you are guaranteed the best viewpoints on the coast.
Learn more by clicking here.
Village of the Arts
Looking for some cultural stimulation that doesn’t only include the beautiful nature of Bradenton? Then check out the Village of the Arts.
This quaint section of Bradenton features shops and studios featuring some of the best local artistry you will find. From sculptures to acrylics, from contemporary art to abstract. No matter your preference or artistic style, you are sure to find it here in the Village. Even if you are not a seasoned art lover, you are sure to appreciate the color-filled streets.
The art doesn’t stop on the canvas. The Village of the Arts also offers tantalizing pleasures for foodies, yoga enthusiasts, metal and steel work, and even quilts!
Plan your trip with more information by clicking here.
G.T. Bray Park
Get your athletic shoes laced up, pack a picnic, and get ready for some family-friendly competition with the many sports options available to you at G.T. Bray Park. From baseball fields to playgrounds for the little ones, G.T. Bray Park offers tennis courts, disc golf, horseshoe courts, a skate park, tennis courts, and even pickleball courts!
Need to burn off some of those extra local cuisine calories, or maybe you just want to keep up with your normal exercise routine? Whatever you are looking to do, you will find it here. G.T. Bray Park also offers a Multi-Purpose Trail (1.2 miles) so you can walk while the kids play.
Get your score cards ready and start planning with more information by clicking here.
Lake Manatee State Park
Pack your fishing and hitch up the boat or canoe and get ready for a day on the lake. Lake Manatee State Park offers plenty of water and natural beauty that no lover of the outdoors can ignore.
The park offers a boat ramp for smaller boats and plenty of shore for excellent freshwater fishing. Soak up the rays, take in a lung-full of fresh air, and cast away at Lake Manatee State Park. There is also a picnic area for those that want to pack a lunch.
Learn more about the park by clicking here.
No matter what you are looking to do on your next vacation to the Western Coast of Florida, Bradenton offers something for every age and interest. Expand your destination wish-list to include this amazing town that sits just East of the Gulf of Mexico.
Don’t forget to book your vacation rental in Bradenton, either. Don’t stay in the usual hotel or local motel, stay in comfort, luxury, and a place that offers a pool and its own private boat dock. Check out Royal Blue Dreams and book directly online on our Bradenton Vacation Rental page.
