Location: Bradenton
Top Things to do in Bradenton
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10 Things to Do in Bradenton That You Shouldn't Miss
Visitors find the perfect blend of culture and fun in Bradenton. Discover Florida’s Spanish heritage at the De Soto National Memorial, go for a bike tour of the beautiful Robinson Preserve, and explore an authentic fishing village at Cortez. Be sure to visit the South Florida Museum and catch a Pittsburgh Pirates spring training game — and don’t miss vibrant downtown Bradenton, the picturesque Riverwalk, and the working artists’ community at the Village of the Arts.
Restaurants in Bradenton
1. Robinson Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Kathryn B - Lutz, Florida
Locals frequent this location with their pets in tow, or launch your canoe at the entrance to experience the mangroves from a different perspective. Personally, the trails are the way to go- whether hiking or biking. Even better, they are adding additional trails using recently donated property. Shorelines and bridges give easy access to "blueways". Geocaching is an extra. What a treat.
2. Emerson Point Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Reviewed By RachelB54 - Washington, DC
This is a beautiful nature preserve just over the bridge from Bradington. Many peaceful trails with abundant vegetation Most of the trails are short, under a mile. I was hoping for more opportunities to walk. The preserve was not crowded. There is a small beach with lovely views, but not swimming. There is also a bit of Florida history here including evidence of the Portavant Temple Mound constructed by the original inhabitants. Bring a picnic lunch to eat under the large pavilion with picnic tables. Clean restrooms are available. This is a perfect place to spend an hour or half a day.
3. Ellenton Premium Outlets
Overall Ratings
4 based on 719 reviews
Find an exciting collection of 130 outlet stores from the world's leading designers and brand names like Coach, Polo Ralph Lauren and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, offering savings of 25% to 65% every day.
Reviewed By kimsX7442XV - Millersville, Maryland
This is a typical outlet mall with your normal stores (izod, Michael kors, Guess, etc..). They do also have a couple shoe stores (rack, naturalizer), sports (Columbia for example), denim stores (Lee & Wrangler) and speciality stores. The sales are okay, but like someone else mentioned Macy's can have better bargains. Good spot to go with teenage female's though.
4. Catherine's Florida Charters
Overall Ratings
5 based on 114 reviews
We offer a wide range of affordable private boating excursions, from sailing adventures on a beautiful 53'ketch ("Catherine"). Which departs from North Longboat and sails the beautiful waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay. Specializing in Sunset Sails, Day Sails, Wine & Cheese Cruises, Proposals, Couples Retreat, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Photo Shoots, Video Production & More) We also offer affordable private eco tours on our electric powered ("Catherine II") Which departs North Longboat Key and cruises inland waters of the North Island and Longboat Pass basin. With excursions to the famous "Beer Can Island & Jewfish Key Sandbar" Specializing in Sightseeing Tours, Dolphin Watches, Treasure Hunting on Beer Can Island, Sunset Cruises, Wine & Cheese Cruises. Let our USCG Captain Kurt Schulz take you on a great adventure that you and your family will remember forever!
Reviewed By Jennifer A
Our family of five had a first rate experience with Catherine charters. Every detail was explained and made it easy to have a first time sailing tour. Captain Curt really helped make the trip even better with his knowledge and laid-back demeanor. This was definitely a highlight of our family vacation, and will look forward to sailing again!
5. South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 748 reviews
As the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida's Gulf Coast, the South Florida Museum offers engaging exhibits as well as educational programs that interpret the scientific and cultural knowledge of Florida, the world and our universe. In addition to permanent exhibits, the Museum features a constantly changing lineup of temporary exhibitions -- offering something new to discover with each visit. The Museum includes the all-digital Bishop Planetarium Theater and the Parker Manatee Aquarium. Celebrating its 50th anniversary year, the Bishop Planetarium is the Gulf Coast's premier astronomy education facility, outfitted with a state-of-the-art Planetarium and projection system with stunning multimedia capabilities. The Parker Manatee Aquarium is home to Snooty™, Manatee County's official mascot and the oldest known manatee in the world, as certified by Guinness World Records. Snooty shares his Aquarium pool with other manatees that have been injured or orphaned and are being rehabilitated for return to the wild as part of the Manatee Rehabilitation and Release Partnership.
Reviewed By d s - Denver, co
There seems to be a lot of emphasis on dinosaurs and the like, with some decent dioramas of plants, animals, a log cabin, and early Native American life. Other than that, not a lot of history. The Manatee exhibition was disappointing. The planetarium was really good, and the explanation of the night skies was fun.
6. Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By bblonde52 - Sarasota, Florida
I was here with two friends visiting this historic house where Judah P Israel hid for several days before going to the UK and working for Queen Victoria. The guide was less than friendly. He gave information so fast it was difficult to understand him and he was unwilling to answer questions. The house has been “restored” but sadly none of the original furniture is in place. However they have put period pieces (tables/beds etc) as they might have been at the time. There were two gentlemen visitors who we spoke to - history buffs - and they were more interesting than the official guide.
7. De Soto National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 627 reviews
Reviewed By TFopinion - Pennsylvania
Before visiting here, the Robinson Preserve was my favorite park to visit. The dog friendly, fee free DeSoto National Monument is so much better because it combines history with a superb waterfront setting for short walks and hikes. Before you even get to the Visitor's Center (VC), you'll be drawn to the spectacular waterfront views straight ahead as you first enter. This is an explore at your own pace setting.
Make sure you stop in the VC to see the short video on DeSoto's journeys in this area of the U.S. You'll learn a lot that you might not have known before plus the video gives you a good background before you embark on the walking paths along the river. There isn't much else in the VC except a gift shop and restrooms so the short 20 minute video is a good place to start. The walking paths are nicely marked with historical markers along the way. The paths aren't lengthy but are varied including an extended walk to large cross. It's a very peaceful setting. The closer you get to the cross the easier it is to stroll along the beach with your feet in the water.
This is a really nice spot that will become an annual visit for me each time I'm in Bradenton.
8. McKechnie Field
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 456 reviews
Reviewed By TFopinion - Pennsylvania
Having been to a number of Spring Training parks in both Florida and Arizona, I can truly say this is one of my favorites. Last week was my first time here and was immediately surprised (and pleased) with how close to the field and the players we were. All parks I’ve been to you feel somewhat removed from the action by being so many rows and high above the field. Here you are right there, almost at ground level - I believe there are only 6 rows or so of seats separating you from the field. This is truly a benefit to the fans coming here.
The park is designed kind of old school, somewhat like Wrigley, but feels somewhat smaller than other Spring Training parks. It has a continuous walkway around the park like most do nowadays. I did like that the main food concourse is just off the field in a separate, outside area just steps from the action. While there is no grass seating anywhere, the park is populated with neat viewing and food service venues around the park. Prices for food, drink and souvenirs are typical.
There is hardly a bad seat here but be aware, as others have stated, that some seats have restricted views. Check that out beforehand. We got restricted view seats on this visit but I politely went to the box office and they graciously assigned me two, different, unobstructed seats in the same section. Staff here was EXCEPTIONALLY accommodating and pleasant. Thank you. Maybe it’s not new but it was the 1st time I experienced metal detectors at the entrance gate. Great idea though. Since I walked to the park I can’t speak to parking but there appeared to be plenty of lots close by offering $5 or $10 parking.
Two suggestions:
1). do what they do in AZ and provide fans free sunblock in dispensers.
2). Add more balls - strikes scoreboards especially when looking towards home plate. There are a number of vantage points in the park where you cannot easily see a ball - strike count.
9. Manatee Village Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By fisherpl - Sheffield, UK
Perfectly preserved historical buildings crammed full of fascinating artifacts & nic nacs. Above the Wiggins Shop are exhibitions connected to the local history & industries of the Manatee area. There is a charming gift shop which they will open if you ask (usually only open for group visits).
10. Riverwalk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
Reviewed By AnKnee448 - Waterloo, Canada
What a lovely place for a relaxing stroll in Bradenton. The views are calming and there are people to nod to along the way. Wearing the Tshirts from our hometown was a sure conversation starter for our fellow Canadians. We spent more than one day enjoying the Riverwalk, culminating with a bit of a nosh at Mattison's City Grille. This was a wonderful Find for us.
Good Job, Brandenton!!!!
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