The beautiful city of Bradenton, Florida sits on the Gulf Coast across the bay from St. Petersburg. Many tourists may believe that a trip to the coasts of Florida means endless days spent at the beach, but Bradenton has much to offer in the way of cultural fulfillment and adventure. Just 40 miles from Tampa International Airport, Bradenton is a coastal paradise you should surely not miss. Below are some of the top things to do in Bradenton and how to go about enjoying your stay.
The skyline of Brandenton and the Riverwalk from across the river (Photo: jorge molina via Flickr)
#1 - Downtown Riverwalk
The Manatee River borders Bradenton in the north, and the Downtown Riverwalk is a bustling cultural center and staple of Bradenton. The best place to begin your Riverwalk journey is Old Main Street, just south of the river. Old Main is home to the Bradenton Farmer’s Market every Saturday, so be sure to plan accordingly to experience music, food, fresh produce and the lovely residents of Bradenton. For more information, click here.
Walking down Old Main to the river, be sure to stop by the Oak & Stone Rooftop Bar, located within the SpringHill Suites hotel. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the marina and Manatee River as well as their large selection of craft brews. As you reach the Riverwalk and continue along the water, watch the passing boats and take in the sights. If vacationing with children, stop by the Riverwalk Splash Park for a great place to cool off. There are many restaurants that line the Riverwalk, including Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille serving brunch, lunch and dinner. Enjoy a game of beach volleyball or even watch the local skaters at the skatepark.
#2 - Trolley Hopping on Anna Maria Island
The Free Island Trolley at Coquina Beach
Anna Maria Island is located just east of Bradenton and conveniently connected by Manatee Avenue. After traveling to Anna Maria, park at the public beach where you can pick up the free trolley. Both the northbound and southbound routes have things to see and do, so explore the whole island if you have the time!
Northbound:
Dining/Bars
Ugly Grouper – Family Friendly Restaurant and Bar with live music every night
Doctor’s Office – Bar with renowned craft cocktails
Eliza Ann’s Costal Kitchen - Local seafood and comfort food dishes
Sandbar Seafood and Spirits – Right on the beach, seafood and cocktails
The Donut Experiment – Coffee and made-to-order donuts
Olive Oil Outpost – Wine tastings and fine foods
Two Scoops – Ice cream and chili dogs
The Waterfront Restaurant – gourmet dishes and craft cocktails
Activities
Restless Natives – Thoughtfully selected local arts and crafts
The White Egret – Coastal accessories for the home
Pink and Navy Boutique – Clothing boutique along Pine Avenue
Anna Maria City Pier – Watch dolphins and look out over the water (currently under construction as it was destroyed during Hurricane Irma)
Southbound:
Dining
Gulf Drive Café – Breakfast on the water and drinks and live music at night
Smoque House – Barbeque and comfort food with a modern feel
Joey’s Eats and Sweets – Homemade Ice Cream and Fudge
Activities
Historic Bridge Street – Iconic street lined with restaurants, shops and bars
Coquina Beach – Sandy white beach and local farmers market on the weekends
#3 – Kayak Tour
Kayaking through Robinson Preserve with the Skyway-Bridge in the background
Kayaking around Bradenton is a phenomenal way to truly enjoy the natural splendor of the area from tranquil waters. The region offers several optimal places to begin your kayak journey, including the Surferbus at Palma Sola Causeway Park or Robinson Preserve through Kayak Jack’s Paddle Sports. Several variations of guided and self-guided tours are available, but all provide the opportunity to experience the gorgeous mangrove-lined canals of Robinson Preserve. The waters are calm and suitable for most skill levels.
After exploring Robinson Preserve, you may want to continue east down the Manatee River towards Bradenton, or even west towards Anna Maria Island to experience the island in a different way.
#4 – Village of the Arts
The Village of the Arts is located just south of downtown and the Riverwalk, and functions as a vibrant community where many people live and work. As the name may suggest, the community is full of unique art galleries and studios where fantastic artistic minds work and display their art. Many healing and specialty shops line the streets and are hard to miss, as they are often housed in colorful cottages. The Village of the Arts is the largest art community on Florida’s West Coast.
As for restaurants, The Village is a great place to find something new and unique. A must-visit local eatery is Birdrock Taco Shack, creating artistic gourmet tacos of almost every variety. Our collective favorite is the goat cheese and beetroot taco, created from the mind of Chef David Shiplett.
#5 – Cortez Fishing Village
Cortez Fishing Village is the ultimate destination for history buffs, as the village showcases true maritime heritage and the authentic Florida lifestyle circa 1880. The village is home to the Florida Maritime Museum, showcasing all facets of Florida’s maritime culture and history. Just exploring the village itself can provide a glimpse into the past, as the docks still feature century-old cottages and look almost as they were over a hundred years ago.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a fishing village without seafood. Cortez Fishing Village is a great place for lunch or dinner right on the water. We recommend Star Fish Company, Cortez Kitchen Restaurant and Bar, and Tide Tables.
#6 – Play Golf
The IMG Golf Course in Bradenton (Photo: IMG Prestige)
Eternal sunshine means year-round golf, and it may explain why Florida is home to the most golf courses per capita in the United States. There are 86 golf courses in the Bradenton area and 26 in Bradenton proper. The courses are suited for all skill levels, and will provide an afternoon of fun and relaxation under the gorgeous Florida skies.
Some courses to check out include the IMG Academy Golf Club and the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club which was rated the best course in the Bradenton area. Both are reasonably priced and sure to provide a phenomenal golfing experience
If you are looking for a place to get away from your everyday life and relax in the sun, Bradenton is certainly the place for it. All of these activities could fill numerous vacations, so you will never run out of things to do. While the activities and dining are fun, it is truly the people of Bradenton that make the experience. We’ll see you on the Riverwalk!