Things to do in The Bradenton Area
Shopping, museums, art galleries, nature, biking, walking, water activities or just lazing on the beach, The Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key area has something for everyone.

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The Bishop Museum of Science & Nature
The Museum is designed for kids and grown-ups of all ages who are interested in exploring and learning. The Bishop’s special learning programs are a driving influence of the local learning ecosystem, leveraging The Bishop’s thought-provoking exhibits and interactive environments like The Mosaic Backyard Universe—Southwest Florida’s coolest backyard—where students have hands-on opportunities to learn about science, engineering, and experimentation. Through outreach programs, the Learning team brings Museum collections and compelling local science stories to people throughout the region.
The Planetarium is a remarkable astronomy education resource, allowing visitors to explore the universe through immersive, virtual journeys to the far reaches of the cosmos.
The Bishop also plays a much-needed role in the rehabilitation of Florida manatees. The Bishop’s Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat is a Stage 2 rehabilitation facility—a temporary home where manatees come after their initial critical-care needs have been met in manatee hospitals. This second-stage facility offers manatees the opportunity to gain exposure to natural foods and feeding strategies while gaining weight for their return to the wild. With thought-provoking exhibits, a Planetarium, a Manatee Habitat, and Bishop After Dark shows and events, there’s something for everyone.
Village of the Arts
The Village is an eclectic mix of early 20th century residential bungalows, Florida Cracker homes, and later additions.
The Village of the Arts is a vibrant community of artists living, working and selling direct to the public in Bradenton, FL. The Village is Florida's largest art community on the West Coast and home to over 35 businesses. Galleries, studios, cafes, healing arts, jewellery, fashion and books can all be found as you wander the streets of this charming area of restored 1920's and 30's cottages. Located south of downtown & the new Riverwalk, the Village is one of Bradenton's most exciting areas. Free on-street parking.
ArtWalks are the first Friday and Saturday of each month. Signature events include Festival of the Skeletons, An Olde Fashioned Village Christmas, Studio Tours, Annual Brunch & Fashion Show and The Garden Walk. See details at www.villageofthearts.com Pick up a free Village Map from participating galleries.
Village boundaries stretch from 9th Ave West to 17th Ave West between 9th St West and 14th St West. Over 275 individual properties are within the Village. Lecom Park, voted Florida’s best minor league ballpark is a block away, and downtown Bradenton and the Riverwalk, are within easy walking distance.
Dolphin tour or Sunset Cruise
Get up close and personal with our resident bottlenose dolphins on this fun-filled 2 hour tour! Experience the timeless charm of Anna Maria Island, as you travel along this seven-mile strip of pristine white beaches. Soak in the breath-taking beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and the back bay as you coast through the crystal clear waters.
Not only are you sure to encounter plenty of playful dolphins throughout the journey, but you may also catch sight of sea turtles, manatees (seasonal), eagles, osprey, and more! Our expert guides have an intimate knowledge of the island and can provide you the best possible views of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats.
Get onboard for a sunset cruise of a lifetime! As the sun sets there is truly no better way to experience Anna Maria’s stunning views and vibrant wildlife than from the water. Sit back and relax as the setting sun paints the Gulf Coast in a stunning array of hues and playful dolphins swim alongside your boat.
Begin your 1.5-hour journey by exploring the Gulf of Mexico and the beautiful back bay. Travel along Anna Maria Island, a seven-mile strip of land renowned for its pristine beaches and timeless charm.
End your evening in the best way possible – with a spectacular Florida sunset! Admire the sun’s magnificent reflection on the water as it slowly sinks below the horizon.
Pine Ave & Historic Bridge Street
Explore Shopping and Dining on Pine Avenue: Anna Maria Island’s Greenest Main Street - Anna Maria Island’s Pine Avenue is a picturesque slice of authentic Florida charm, blending history, eco-consciousness, and a vibrant mix of shopping and dining. Strolling along this quaint stretch, you’ll find colourful Adirondack chairs beckoning you to relax, unique boutiques brimming with treasures, and delightful eateries serving up everything from tacos to homemade desserts. Pine Avenue stretches from the serene Gulf beach to the iconic Anna Maria City Pier, offering fishing and stunning views of Tampa Bay.
Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is a lively hub of activity that captures the essence of Anna Maria Island’s charm. With its colourful buildings, towering palm trees, and a vibrant mix of shopping and dining, this historic street offers something for everyone. From its early days as a means to reach Anna Maria Island, Bridge Street has transformed into a beloved destination.
Water Ferry & Free Trolley Bus
Upgrade your beach day! Park in downtown Bradenton, hop on the Gulf Islands Ferry, and enjoy a scenic ride to and from Anna Maria Island and the Bradenton Riverwalk. These Coast Guard-certified catamarans, at nearly 60 feet long and remarkably stable, offer unmatched convenience for reaching the island or downtown Bradenton. With stops at the Riverwalk, Historic Bridge Street and the Anna Maria City Pier, the Downtown Duchess and Miss Anna Maria make exploring more convenient and traffic-free and all for $10 roundtrip for adults and $6 for children aged 4-18.
Navigating Anna Maria Island is easy with the FREE Island Trolley, which runs the length of the island. Trolleys typically arrive every 20 minutes until 9 PM and every 30 minutes until 10:30 PM. With 35 stops in each direction, you’re never far from a trolley stop, often located every two to four blocks. For schedules, download the myStop app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store for real-time updates.
De Soto National Memorial
Florida is known for its awe-inspiring parks – and we’re not just talking about the Mouse-made kind. Here in the Bradenton Area, our nature parks and preserves offer their own kind of thrills and attractions, and even some exciting rides (you won’t have to wait in line for). Case in point: De Soto National Memorial, a hidden gem where you can embark on a quest for new and rare birds, traverse Tampa Bay on a ranger-led kayak tour, and even suit up in the armour of a 16th-century European conquistador. It’s nature, adventure, and history all rolled into one.
De Soto National Memorial is located in Bradenton, Florida, along the south shore of the Manatee River and at the mouth of Tampa Bay. This roughly 26-acre national park is an idyllic spot for soaking up the natural beauty of the sunshine state. There’s the beautiful coastal shoreline for fishing or boating; a gentle, half-mile walking trail that winds you through four distinct ecosystems, including a tranquil mangrove forest; plus ample green space for picnicking
Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Tour
Take a 1.5 hour guided tour in a Clear Glass Bottom Kayak through the clear waters of Anna Maria Island, FL! You may see manatee, dolphin, conch, and other exciting sea life! Here’s your chance to get the best window seat possible. Depending on the tide, we may have the opportunity to get out and walk through shallow waters on a sandbar and look for some great marine life, shells and more!
Bradenton Riverwalk
The Bradenton Riverwalk is a 2.03-mile stretch of land lying between the Green and DeSoto bridges along the banks of the Manatee River. It is a major expansion of Rossi Park. Visitors can enjoy a safe walking path along the river, fishing, interactive public art, a splash pad and playground, beach volleyball, a skateboard park, entertainment events and many educational activities along the way.
Manatee Village Historical Park
Step back into time at the Manatee Village Historical Park. Visit this collection of restored buildings from Manatee County’s settlement history and experience life in Manatee County before the arrival of modern conveniences such as automobiles and electricity.
With 15 points of interest, there is something for everyone. Guests can enjoy viewing permanent and temporary exhibits in the Wiggins General Store, a stroll through Manatee County's oldest organized cemetery, or seeing what life was like on the Florida Frontier in our Stephens Settler's House.
Paddleboard
Imagine gliding gently across the water, passing peacefully through magnificent mangrove tunnels, revealing rarely seen shorelines and animals found only in the Bradenton Area. You’ve just pictured stand-up paddleboarding, locally referred to as “paddle boarding” or “SUP”. This popular activity combines fun and a little bit of skill, and provides an excellent opportunity to experience the destination from a different perspective — from atop the water.
Palma Sola Bay is a popular location for novice and advanced paddleboarders, and you’ll quickly understand why. Besides the peaceful location and proximity to Robinson Preserve, you’ll find the Surfer Bus parked next to the beach, with paddleboards, kayaks, and paddles on display for rent. This shallow bay is shielded from the wind, which makes it a wonderful spot to try SUP for the first time, or to gain confidence in your abilities. As your proficiency grows, you can venture off into the mangrove tunnels to the west, which connect you to the trails of Robinson Preserve.
If you’d prefer to begin your adventure in Robinson Preserve, check out Kayak Jacks, where you can rent a paddleboard and chart your own adventure. Better yet, you can partake in an expert-guided eco-tour of this fascinating, 682-acre park. With nearly three miles of aquatic trails that lead you though tidal marshes, small bays, and other coastal waterways, you’re sure to spot some magnificent scenery and wildlife. This preserve is well known for its many inhabitants, including osprey, rosette spoonbills, and even a bald eagle or two.
Visit a Preserve
The Bradenton Area is home to a dozen nature preserves that are spread all across the destination for everyone to enjoy. But not all preserves are alike. Some are hundreds of acres, some are small natural wetlands, and some are relics of an ancient time. But one things for sure – all of them are a great way to spend your day.
Robinson Preserve: Tucked into the corner of northwest Bradenton, Robinson Preserve includes 682 acres of coastal saltern, marsh, and mangrove habitat combined with a hiking and biking trail and a 40 foot observation tower right at the heart of the park. The preserve is a favourite for kayakers, featuring 2.5 miles of crystal blue waterways through the natural mangrove tunnels. Robinson Preserve is a family favourite as it features the newly built NEST The kids will be sure to love the NEST’s Canopy Zone and extended slide, open all year round!
Leffis Key: On the south end of Anna Maria Island, across the way from Coquina Beach, you’ll find the small but stunning Leffis Key Preserve. What was once an overgrown spoil full of invasive species plants, Leffis Key Preserve has now become a impressive example of what a community can do to save its natural wetlands and estuaries. Leffis Key has 1,500 feet of boardwalks that take you around the island and lead up to a 26-foot high hill that features stunning panoramic views of Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Island. There’s also various viewing platforms with benches that make for a relaxing, short hike where you can enjoy all of the natural sea oats, marshlands, and spot wildlife like manatees, dolphins, jumping fish and species of birds galore!
Neal Preserve: On your way in to Anna Maria Island you’re sure to spot Neal Preserve while making your way across Perico Island. Neal Preserve is set against the stunning waterways around Anna Maria Island and offers fantastic examples of Florida’s natural wildlife and native plants. But there’s more to this 120 acre preserve than meets the eye. The land the preserve is on was inhabited as early as 3000 BC, and Native American burial mounds were found there in the 1930’s by the Smithsonian Institute.
Jiggs Landing: Situated right in the heart of the Bradenton Area is Jiggs Landing – a preserve and fish camp that lies on the Braden River. Jiggs Landing offers fresh water fishing, kayaking and canoeing, with a boat launch that gives you 24-hour access to the entire Braden River.
Rye Preserve: In the eastern part of the Bradenton Area is acres and acres of open land, many of which are protected like Rye Preserve. Here, you can truly be one with nature and experience a barely-untouched part of Florida. Rye Preserve has its own piece of Bradenton Area history – the Rye river community was once a thriving township of pioneers in the late 1800’s who occupied the area. At Rye Preserve you can see the Rye Family Cemetery, the last remaining reminder of the community. The preserve also offers viewings of wildlife like rare gopher tortoises and Florida scrub-jays, kayaking and canoeing, and a playground for the little ones. If you find that you love Rye Preserve so much that you don’t want to leave don’t worry – this preserve is one of the few that has a camp site and allows for primitive tent camping!
