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