Located on the banks of the Manatee River, Bradenton is full of colorful attractions and outdoor activities. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the city’s vibrant art community, local food scene, and historic landmarks. Keep reading for recommendations on some of Bradenton’s most popular attractions and things to do.
Surrounded by water, Bradenton is no stranger to boating, sailing, and other aquatic activities. However, this 20-mile stretch between Tampa and Sarasota is also home to a variety of other attractions.
Discover the city for yourself with some of the best things to do near Bradenton:
Fish, canoe, and swim at Lake Manatee State Park
Hike, bike, or jog through the beautiful Emerson Point Preserve
Learn about Florida’s maritime history at The Florida Maritime Museum
Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city on the Manatee Riverwalk
Explore the sandy beaches and hot dining spots on Anna Maria Island
With beautiful beaches and a vibrant local art scene, Bradenton is a hotspot for both natural and cultural activities. These are some of the best tourist attractions in the city (your Instagram will thank you later).
Popular attractions near Bradenton include:
Kayaking or paddle boarding around the city’s scenic waterways
Searching for shells on the beaches of Beer Can Island
Taking a dolphin, manatee, or sunset tour with Captain Patsy Charters
Eating a meal at The Waterfront Restaurant, a local favorite with a great view
Getting a good seat for the Bradenton Area River Regatta
This seaside town offers plenty of activities for tourists and residents. Consider adding a few of these recommendations to your daily or weekly routine.
Fun things to do in Bradenton today include:
Manatee Beach, one of the most popular beaches on in town
The Red Barn Flea Market, a local favorite for more than 30 years
Darwin Brewing Company & Taproom, one of the best breweries in the city
The Sea Hag, an quirky store that hosts book signings, fishing festivals, and pirate-themed shows
Pine Avenue Shops, a small village with art galleries, puppy spas, and a truly unique donut shop
At nighttime, Bradenton comes alive. With a healthy selection of breweries, restaurants, and live music venues, there’s a little something for everyone.
Some of the best evening activities near Bradenton include:
The Lost Kangaroo Pub, a dog-friendly bar and eatery
Motorworks Brewing, a microbrewery with taproom tours and a neon-lit beer garden
The Swordfish Grill, a homey waterfront restaurant with fresh seafood and live music
3 Keys Brewing & Eatery, a brewery with live music and home-brewed amber nectar
The Freckled Fin Restaurant, a beach-themes eatery with pizza, live music, and outdoor seating
Bradenton is home to a ton of free and inexpensive activities for the whole family. With options ranging from museums to oranges groves, you’re sure to find an activity that can entertain the pickiest children.
Some of the best things to do in Bradenton with kids include:
Touring the orange groves at Mixon Fruit Farms
Taking a ecotour of the bay with the help of Captain Kathe’s Boat Cruises
Playing a round of minigolf with the whole family at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Attending Family Night at the South Florida Museum on the first Saturday of the month
Playing conductor and learning about the history of the state’s railroad system at the Florida Railroad Museum
Bradenton is known for its beaches, but it still offers several relaxing things to do indoors. With everything from spa treatments to art classes, there are plenty of ways to explore the great indoors.
Some of the most popular indoor activities in Bradenton include:
Treating yourself to a relaxing massage from Spa Northwest
Taking a pottery workshop at the Art Center Manatee
Learning about our solar system at the Bishop Planetarium
Exploring your artistic side with a glass of wine at Pinot Picasso
Sipping ceylon during an afternoon tea party at The Londoner Bed & Breakfast
Sports and outdoor activities in BradentonView All
Unleash your adventurous side while horseback riding on the beach or hiking through the Florida wetlands. You can also try your hand at fishing from one the city’s many piers—you never know what you’ll catch.
Bradenton’s best outdoor activities include:
Hiking through the wetlands in the Robinson Nature Preserve
Horseback riding and swimming with the help of Beach Horses
Fishing at one of the best spots in town, Sunshine Skyway Piers
Testing your balance during paddleboard yoga with Happy Paddler