Fun things to do in bradenton fl

For information on Hurricane Ian’s impacts and local recovery efforts, please check here

Explore Bradenton’s Old Florida history and visit its museums, parks and preserves.

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For information on Hurricane Ian’s impacts and local recovery efforts, please check here
Events in BradentonView All
Sports and outdoor activities in BradentonView All
What is Bradenton FL known for?
Is Bradenton worth visiting?
Which is better Sarasota or Bradenton?
Is Sarasota safer than Bradenton?

Not to be missed: The vibrant downtown, the RiverWalk and the Village of the Arts – a working artists community.

You'll also want to experience Robinson Preserve, DeSoto National Memorial Park, the Cortez fishing village and the Manatee Village Historical Park. A collection of restored, historic buildings from Manatee County's pioneer past, the historical park includes a courthouse, one-room schoolhouse, farmhouse, general store, boat shop, steam engine and a Florida cowboy bunkhouse. It’s culture and it’s fun.

Plus, Bradenton is a short drive from such Gulf shores as Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach.

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Bradenton
Things To Do

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.

Up to 19% Off Jump Pass or Party at DEFY. Bradenton

7385 52nd Place East, Bradenton • 7.8 mi

4.7

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20,770 ratings

19% discount_off

Valid 90 Days from Purchase; 90-Minute Jump Pass for One Person

Up to 69% Off Two Hours of Bowling and Shoe Rentals

116 Locations • 3.0 mi

4.7

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39,977 ratings

68% discount_off

Two Hours of Bowling and Shoe Rental for Two Guests

55% Off Arcade Game Card at AMF - Bowlero - Bowlmor

266 Locations • 3.0 mi

4.6

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10,909 ratings

One $25 Arcade Game Card (50 Credits)

Up to 63% Off Beer Bundle at Motorworks Brewing

1014 9th Street West, Bradenton • 0.6 mi

4.7

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1,974 ratings

Beer Bundle for Two

Up to 43% Off Beach Horseback Rides at Carousel Sea Horses

8400 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton • 4.6 mi

5.0

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4 ratings

90-Minute Sand and Swim Beach Horseback Ride for Two People; Valid Wednesday-Saturday

Up to 48% Off on Room Escape Game

441 Cortez Road West, Bradenton • 2.7 mi

4.9

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151 ratings

30-Minute Smash Room Experience for Two

Up to 51% Off Distillery Tour at Loaded Cannon Distillery

3115 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, Bradenton • 8.9 mi

4.9

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246 ratings

Distillery Tour for Two with Tasting Package; Valid Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday

TreeUmph Adventure Course

21805 East State Road 70, Bradenton • 17.0 mi

4.7

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1,130 ratings

$65.13

TreeUmph Adventure Course

Online Booking - Round of Golf at River Run Golf Links

1801 27th Street East, Bradenton • 3.2 mi

4.0

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1,365 ratings

$14.00

Tee Times

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

Events in BradentonView All

The Brewery Comedy Tour at 3 Keys

2505 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton • 2.6 mi

31% discount_off

Thursday, Nov 3, 2022 / 7:00pm - General Admission

52% Off SeaWorld Orlando & Busch Gardens Tampa Howl-O-Scream

2 Locations • 38.8 mi

4.7

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1,338 ratings

52% discount_off

SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Scream Single-Night Ticket: Valid Any Night, 9/9- 10/31

Single Adult Admission at The Dalí Museum

1 Dali Boulevard, St. Petersburg • 18.8 mi

4.8

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1,908 ratings

34% discount_off

Single Adult Admission

Up to 50% Off on Amusement Park at Sunken Gardens US

1825 4th St N, Saint Petersburg • 20.5 mi

4.8

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18,910 ratings

47% discount_off

Two adult admissions

Up to 35% Off on Cinema / Movie Theater at Sarasota Film Society

2 Locations • 11.2 mi

5.0

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312 ratings

24% discount_off

One Movie Ticket, One Medium Drink, Choice of One Candy and One Medium Popcorn

HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS at Universal Orlando Resort. Save up to $56.

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando

38% discount_off

Single-Night Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights

1,000+ bought

Admission to a Haunted House at HarvestMoon Fun Farm

15990 Stur Street, Masaryktown

4.7

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1,205 ratings

10/28/22: Haunted Trail Admission for Two , Valid to

Date Night Package at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key

3501 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota • 14.0 mi

4.7

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5,581 ratings

Date Night Package; Valid Monday–Thursday

Up to 47% Off Admission to the Imagine Museum

1901 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg • 19.5 mi

4.9

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724 ratings

Admission for One Person

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
Renting a jet ski from Wavesplash Watersports

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What is Bradenton FL known for?

The city is the birthplace of horse surfing. Located in Bradenton is the historic Gamble Mansion, which is the oldest standing antebellum plantation in southern Florida. Bradenton is the home of the oldest working fishing village in Florida, Cortez Historic Fishing Village.

Is Bradenton worth visiting?

Well worth visiting in its own right, it has lots of scenic nature spots, interesting cultural attractions and superb outdoor activities for you to check out. Known as 'The Friendly City', it lies alongside both the glimmering Gulf of Mexico and slow-moving Manatee River.

Which is better Sarasota or Bradenton?

Sarasota is a little quieter than Bradenton and perhaps a little bit more exclusive too, which may make it a better choice for some. However the cost of living, as well as hotels, is more expensive in Sarasota than Bradenton. Their populations are similar in size, but Sarasota has almost twice as much land area.

Is Sarasota safer than Bradenton?

Crime and Safety Are Equal Bradenton has more assaults than in Sarasota. However, burglaries, thefts, and motor vehicle thefts are lower. The other property crimes or violent crimes are more or less around the national average.