Guide To The Best Things To Do In Bradenton, FL

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On the edges of the Gulf of Mexico and the Manatee River, is the charming city of Bradenton. As part of the Suncoast area of western Florida, the city provides both culture and recreation. With plenty of wildlife to explore, and nature to enjoy, Bradenton is great for families as well as those seeking a waterside city, packed with things to do.

Our handy guide will help you choose which things to do in Bradenton to help you plan your trip. Explore the beaches, spot manatee in the heart of manatee county, visit water inspired attractions, such as the aquarium, and discover the best way to explore Bradenton and the surrounding areas. What to do in Bradenton is never a problem, as there is plenty to do both indoors and outdoors, so you can visit year-round!

Top Things To Do In Bradenton

Image via Unsplash by Ryan Thorpe

1. The Bishop Museum Of Science And Nature

Image via Flickr by Mark Evans

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the largest natural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Established in 1946 as the South Florida Museum, it started as home to the Montague Tallant collection, showcasing artifacts from Florida’s early inhabitants. Over the decades, the museum has expanded to include a range of exhibits that trace the region’s history from the Pleistocene epoch to the present day. Notably, the museum was home to Snooty, the world’s oldest known manatee in captivity, until his passing in 2017. Today, the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat continues Snooty’s legacy by caring for rescued manatees, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe these gentle creatures up close. 

Beyond its historical exhibits, The Bishop Museum offers interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. The Mosaic Backyard Universe provides a hands-on environment for children to explore scientific discoveries, before visiting the state-of-the-art Planetarium for an immersive journey through the cosmos. The museum also hosts rotating special exhibitions, so check their website to see what is on when you visit. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is a great visit for families and those who just love to discover more about nature, it is also an important cultural landmark in the region.

2. Riverwalk

Image via Pexels by Lucian George

The Bradenton Riverwalk is a vibrant 2.03-mile urban park that stretches along the southern shore of the Manatee River, between the Green and DeSoto bridges in downtown Bradenton, Florida. Opened in October 2012, this scenic waterfront promenade transformed a once-underutilized area into a dynamic community space. The Riverwalk features a variety of outdoor adventures, including a skatepark, beach volleyball courts, a splash pad, and a 400-seat amphitheater that hosts concerts and events throughout the year. Visitors can also enjoy fishing piers, playgrounds, and interactive public art installations, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Beyond its recreational sites, the Riverwalk serves as a cultural hub, with spaces dedicated to art, education, and community gatherings. It is also home to the Tidal Discovery Zone, an educational area that highlights the local ecosystem. The park hosts regular events such as festivals, art talks, and yoga sessions, there is always something going on, making it a lovely and lively atmosphere to explore. The Riverwalk’s design was based on accessibility for all the local community, with wide, paved pathways suitable for walking, biking, and electric scooters.

It is also super easy to get to, as it is close to downtown attractions, including the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, so is the perfect place to pass some time in Bradenton. Whether you’re seeking leisure, culture, or community engagement, the Bradenton Riverwalk is well worth the visit. It is also free to access the park and is a great place to get panoramic views of the Manatee River.

Some activities you do need to book in advance, and if you are short on time we recommend allocating your time to the TreeUmph Adventure Course. Swing between the treetops and see the park from new heights! It is one of the best fun things to do in Bradenton FL.

3. Anna Maria Island Beaches

Image via Flickr by AnnaMariaIslandVacationRentals

Anna Maria Island, a seven-mile-long barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is renowned for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere. The island comprises three distinct cities: Anna Maria to the north, Holmes Beach in the center, and Bradenton Beach to the south. Each area has unique beaches, from secluded spots to family-friendly shores. If you are looking for tranquility Bean Point Beach at the island’s northern tip is celebrated for its peaceful ambiance and stunning sunsets and is a favorite peaceful retreat, the perfect place to pass a day napping in a beach chair. If you would like something more active, Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach has amenities like volleyball courts, cafes, and restrooms, perfect for families and active beachgoers. 

Further south, Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach is really accessible with plenty of parking, picnic areas, and a beachfront market, providing a lively beachside environment. Swim in the beach’s clear waters and gentle waves, ideal for families with children. Most of the areas of the island has plenty to offer as beach activities, try paddleboarding and kayaking, or go shell hunting and dolphin watching. The islands are committed to preserving natural beauty and that old Florida charm, shop at the boutiques and gift shops or dine at a restaurant overlooking the Gulf, after a blissful beach day.

One of our favorites is Cortez Beach with its white sandy beaches and warm Gulf waters. There are plenty of nature trails and bike trails, and there are beautiful pines and palms marking the area as well as the beach. You can enjoy a picnic at the tables near the trails. This beach and the others nearby are among the best things to do in Bradenton, Florida and in the Anna Maria Island area.

The perfect way to close the day is taking an Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour, watch manatees grazing, dolphins playing and birds swooping over the clear waters. All with the stunning backdrop of sunset over the Gulf.

4. ArtCenter Manatee

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Culture buffs will love the diverse ArtCenter Manatee, it is a great thing to do in Bradenton and worth adding to your list. The center was established in 1937 and stands as the premier hub for visual arts and education in Bradenton, Florida. This nonprofit center has three galleries with monthly rotating exhibits showcasing local, regional, and national artists. It is also home to five classrooms, an art library with over 3,000 volumes, and the LiveArtfully Artisan Boutique, offering unique, handcrafted items by local artists.

The center offers over 400 classes and workshops annually in various disciplines, including painting, pottery, jewelry design, and photography, catering to both adults and children. Programs like KidsArt Summer Camps and After School Programs provide young artists aged 4 to 15 opportunities to explore their creativity in a supportive environment. 

In 2023, ArtCenter Manatee began constructing a new, state-of-the-art facility named the Herrig Center for the Arts, located at 888 Avenue of the Arts. This 28,000-square-foot building will more than double the current space, featuring expanded galleries, additional classrooms, a jewelry and pottery studio, and outdoor areas for community events. When completed, the center aims to serve as a cultural gateway to downtown Bradenton, enhancing the city’s vibrant arts scene. The project has garnered significant support, including a $2 million donation from the Steve and Natalee Herrig Family Foundation and funding from the Manatee County Tourist Development Council.  

5. Robinson Preserve

Image via Flickr by Rick Schwartz

Robinson Preserve in Bradenton, Florida, is a 682-acre coastal sanctuary that showcases the region’s natural beauty and commitment to conservation. Once farmland, the area has been transformed into a vibrant ecosystem featuring mangroves, salt marshes, and tidal creeks, providing habitats for over 100 bird species and numerous marine life forms. Visitors can explore over 5 miles of shell and coastal trails for hiking and 2.5 miles of paved paths perfect for biking and rollerblading. The preserve also offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, which is a great way to explore the scenic waterways. Make sure you check out the 40-foot observation tower, offering panoramic views of Tampa Bay and Anna Maria Island. 

Beyond its natural attractions, Robinson Preserve is a hub for environmental education and family-friendly activities. The Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology (NEST) is a two-story facility designed to engage visitors with interactive exhibits and observation decks. Adjacent to the NEST, the Canopy Zone has rope bridges, slides, and climbing nets, great fun for children and adults! The historic Valentine House, which was relocated to the preserve, serves as a visitor center offering insights into the area’s history and ecology. There are plenty of picnic areas, restrooms, and ample parking, so Robinson Preserve is an ideal destination for outdoor activities and learning opportunities in a serene setting.  

6. Kayaking The Mangroves

Image via Flickr by Bureau of Land Management

One of the top things to do in Bradenton, FL lies just to the south, in Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach in Sarasota. Here you can kayak through the mangrove tunnels and immerse yourself in the Gulf Coast’s enchanting ecosystem. Paddle through serene waterways surrounded by ancient mangroves, and spot diverse wildlife such as herons, egrets, and even manatees. The park’s trails wind through the mangrove forest and are suitable for both novice and experienced kayakers. It is also a great idea to join a guided tour like this one to learn about the preserve’s rich biodiversity.

The calm waters at Ted Sperling Park make it easy for even novice kayakers to navigate, and the overhead mangrove canopy is a welcome shade from the heat of the Florida sun. As you cruise through the water you can watch the marine life beneath you, and the unique ancient mangroves above you. It is the perfect way to connect with Florida’s natural beauty. 

A Quick Bradenton Travel Guide

Image via Unsplash by Paul Cook

Money – The city has numerous banks and ATMs scattered about, with many close to the downtown area.

When is the best time? – Fall, spring and winter are best times to visit, as summers in Florida are hot.

Getting here – You can fly into Tampa Airport (TPA) and drive or take a shuttle to Bradenton. It is less than an hour by car, and I-75 south takes you right to Bradenton.

You can also fly into the Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) Airport.

Getting around – Public transportation is limited. Anna Maria Island has a free public trolley to take you from one end of the island to the other. Visitors explore this island by foot, bike, scooter, segway or electric golf cart. Downtown Bradenton, including the Riverwalk, shopping, dining and Bishop Museum, are walkable.

You can rent a car at either airport, this is the better way to get around the Bradenton area, so you don’t waste time on public transport. If you do, remember to take advantage of our car rental coupon codes.

Where To Stay In Bradenton

Packing List For Bradenton

Of course, the exact specifics of what to pack heavily depends on the time of year you decide to travel, but Florida stays pretty warm to hot most of the year. Here’s the top items we recommend for a trip to Bradenton!

• Casual clothes: Most of the top things to do in Miami involve getting outdoors! So, make sure you bring comfortable and casual clothes on your trip. Because of how hot it tends to be in Florida, we really recommend packing a few pairs of shorts too!
• Binoculars: Bring some binoculars so you can get a closer look at some of the wildlife and the landscape views.
• Pack a hat: Florida isn’t called the Sunshine State for nothing! When you’re out all day exploring, you’ll need a good hat to protect you from the sun. 
• Bring plenty of sunblock: Make sure you have a bottle of sunblock with you at all times. Add it to your daypack when you’re out and about sightseeing and reapply it throughout the day to avoid getting a nasty sunburn! 
• Your best camara: With so much sightseeing and wondering you’ll be doing, you’ll want to snap some pictures of your adventure!
• Comfy walking shoes: This trip involves a lot of walking trails, so make sure you pack some comfortable trainers. You might even want to consider bringing a pair of walking sandals too so you can wear those on extra warm days.
• If you’re visiting from another country, remember you’ll need a travel adapter and a voltage converter. In the US they use plug types A and B, so maybe bring one of each just in case!
  • As the US runs off 120V electricity outlets, if you have electronics that run off 240V it’s worth investing in a voltage converter. They’ll save your electronics from getting destroyed!
• Anyone who isn’t a US national should also be up to date with VISA requirements before organizing a trip to Miami. You can find out more and check if you need a VISA or ESTA here.

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Frequently Asked Questions