Things to do in Bradenton

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Bradenton

Types of activities

Where to stay

Bradenton Travel Guide

Boulders placed on beach to prevent erosion.

This is a sugar cane mill. The whole sugar canes are inserted in the middle and a donkey or horse is attached to one end of the tree. The animal walks in circles and the canes are run through the press.

The historical park is free and boasts the 1860 Courthouse, the 1887 Church, the One Room Schoolhouse, the Old Settler’s House, the Potter Barn, the Sugar Cane Mill and Smokehouse, the Wiggins Store, a blacksmith shop, a 1913 Baldwin Steam locomotive, the Fogarty Boatworks and a Cowhunter Bunkhouse.

The 1903 Wiggins General Store. Inside there are various tools and gadgets from the past with signs encouraging visitors to guess what the purpose of these implements may have been.

The historical park is free and boasts the 1860 Courthouse, the 1887 Church, the One Room Schoolhouse, the Old Settler’s House, the Potter Barn, the Sugar Cane Mill and Smokehouse, the Wiggins Store, a blacksmith shop, a 1913 Baldwin Steam locomotive, the Fogarty Boatworks and a Cowhunter Bunkhouse.

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What to do in Bradenton

Popular places to visit

IMG Academy

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit IMG Academy, during your travels in Bradenton. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch

You can take time to visit Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch during your travels to Lakewood Ranch. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

LECOM Park

Catch an event at LECOM Park during your trip to Bradenton. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

upscale shopping in Lakewood Ranch Main Street area, life work and play in a master planned community

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

You can do some window-shopping at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch during your visit to Lakewood Ranch. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Riverwalk

Riverwalk is just one of the places to see in Bradenton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

South Florida Museum featuring interior views

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

This museum features informative displays that detail prehistoric sea life, local maritime culture and traditions, and the area’s complex tropical ecosystems.

IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy

Catch an event at IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy during your trip to Bradenton. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Palma Sola Botanical Park

Palma Sola Botanical Park is just one of the places to see in Bradenton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

The settler's house was built in 1912 and is furnished with period artifacts. Currently, the house is setup with an exhibit about the customs and cultures of showing the bodies of deceased family members.

The historical park is free and boasts the 1860 Courthouse, the 1887 Church, the One Room Schoolhouse, the Old Settler’s House, the Potter Barn, the Sugar Cane Mill and Smokehouse, the Wiggins Store, a blacksmith shop, a 1913 Baldwin Steam locomotive, the Fogarty Boatworks and a Cowhunter Bunkhouse.

Manatee Village Historical Park

You can browse the exhibits at Manatee Village Historical Park, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Bradenton. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Areas of Bradenton

Aerial view of city and gulf Cape Coral, Florida. Typical architecture of South Florida. Large houses built on the banks of canals, canals into the sea.

South Bradenton

If you're spending some time in South Bradenton, Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf and DeSoto Square are top sights worth seeing.

Palma Sola

Travelers like the gardens in Palma Sola, and Robinson Preserve is a top attraction you might want to visit.

City skyline from Bayfront Park over Sarasota Bay at night in Sarasota Florida USA

Bayshore Gardens

Bayshore Gardens is well-liked for its beaches. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy and Powel Crosley Estate.

West Bradenton

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West Bradenton and surrounding area, you can visit The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park.

The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Brandeton, Florida

Sabal Harbour

While Sabal Harbour might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like LECOM Park and Rosedale Golf and Country Club.

West Samoset

Travelers like the shopping in West Samoset, and Red Barn Flea Market Plaza is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Upper Myakka Lake in late afternoon light in Myakka River State Park in Sarasota Floirida USA

Myakka City

Frequently asked questions

Is Bradenton worth visiting?

Offering a blend of history and culture, there are many things to do in Bradenton. While you're here, check out Coquina Beach, a major attraction in the area.

How do I spend a day in Bradenton?

When you've checked off major attractions like Coquina Beach and Manatee Public Beach, spend the rest of your day exploring Bradenton's shopping and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Bradenton?

The top tourist attraction in Bradenton is Coquina Beach, so make sure to add it to your agenda.

Is three days enough to stay in Bradenton?

Three days in Bradenton is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, De Soto National Memorial and arcadeland are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Sarasota.

Is Bradenton a walkable city?

With exciting neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Bradenton is a great place to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and Astro Skate and Fun Center. Then take a stroll through South Bradenton, located 3 kilometers from downtown, and West Bradenton, which is roughly 3 kilometers away.

What are some activities to do in Bradenton with kids?

Whether you're traveling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our ideas for what to do in Bradenton with kids.

What to do in Bradenton for adults?

There are lots of things to do in Bradenton, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to West Coast Surf Shop or Aluna Wellness Center & Spa.

Are there free things to do in Bradenton?

From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Bradenton. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. De Soto National Memorial is a must for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.

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