12 of the best things to do in the Bradenton Area

1. Laze on lovely beaches on Anna Maria Island

Beach lovers adore Anna Maria Island’s 11.2km-long (7 miles) coastline. The island is ringed by warm turquoise waters and soft, sugar-white sand and has something for everyone, from activities and watersports to crowd-free stretches.

The quietest beaches tend to be at the far north and south, so make a beeline for Bean Point or Cortez Beach if you’re seeking serenity. In between, spots like Manatee County Beach bring the energy with beach cafés, bars and volleyball courts.

Travelling with the family? Little shell hunters will be kept busy on Coquina Beach, where all manner of cool and unique shells wash up on the shore. You might even find a shark’s tooth!

2. Stroll along the Bradenton Riverwalk

More fun in the sun comes by way of the Bradenton Riverwalk, a scenic 3.2km (2 miles) park and promenade along the Manatee River.

Playgrounds, a splash pad and a skatepark will keep kids and kids-at-heart happy here, but you can also spot sculptures, catch live music at the amphitheatre and join a game of beach volleyball.

3. Discover a world of colour in the Village of the Arts

It’s hard to miss this shock of colour in the centre of Downtown Bradenton. All brightly painted cottages and quirky art, the historic Village of the Arts is where the city’s artists live, work and play.

Visitors are welcomed into this little boho community with open arms, and there’s vibrant art galleries, working artists’ studios and specialty shops to discover.

Even the food here is unique, and at Ortygia Restaurant you can try a delicious Sicilian-French fusion menu that dates back centuries.

4. Visit the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

A natural history museum, planetarium and manatee rehabilitation centre in one, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is a brilliant educational day out.

Exhibits are a time trip through eons of Florida’s natural history, taking you from the Pleistocene dinosaur era to the region’s modern marine life. And in the planetarium, which is a huge 15m (50ft) full-dome structure, you can step into the wonders of the galaxy.

The museum also houses the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, where injured or orphaned manatees are cared for before being released back into the wild.​

The latest success stories – Wicket, Morado and Klondike – are making their journey back into the wild, so keep in mind that the habitat is currently closed while they wait for new residents.

5. Take to the waves with watersports

With its envious location on both the Manatee River and the Gulf Coast, getting out on the water is a given in the Bradenton Area.

Start in the calm waters of Palma Sola Bay, where the conditions are perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, no matter your experience. Rental companies such as Beach Bums and Surferbus will get you kitted out for the day.

You could also set off from the shores of Anna Maria Island to get high-octane thrills on a jet-ski, join a catch-and-cook fishing expedition or spot bottlenose dolphins on a boat tour. With hundreds calling these waters home, there’s a 95% chance you will.

6. Step back in time at Manatee Village Historical Park

Florida’s past comes to life at Manatee Village Historical Park, where a collection of beautifully preserved buildings whisks you back to the 19th century.

Highlights include the one-room schoolhouse, a general store stocked with old-timey goods, and a blacksmith shop where metal still clinks against anvil. But the park’s real crown jewel is the 1887 church, an architectural gem that looks straight out of a storybook.

7. Get back to nature at Robinson Preserve

Spread across more than 600 acres of marshes, mangroves and coastal grasslands, Robinson Preserve is a wildlife haven in northwest Bradenton.

Twitchers will be in their element here, with spoonbills, storks and bald eagles calling the wetlands home. Hire a kayak to paddle through the mangroves and you may even get to see flocks of white pelicans up close.

Prefer to stay on dry land? There are plenty of hiking opportunities across the park’s 12km (7.5 miles) of trails, or you could simply enjoy a quiet picnic in the sun.

8. Shop ‘til you drop at Ellenton Premium Outlets

You’ll find more than 100 brand-name stores at this open-air shopping hub in Ellenton, about 20 minutes from Downtown Bradenton.

Prepare to save big on designer labels and everyday favourites like Nike, Michael Kors, Levi’s and Coach, which offer huge discounts of up to 65%. There are also nine cafes and restaurants to keep you fuelled for a day of diving into the racks.

9. Explore the historic fishing village of Cortez

As one of the last working fishing villages in the state, Cortez is Old Florida at its finest. Tucked along Sarasota Bay, this historic waterfront community is where weathered boats bob in the marina and fishermen haul in their daily catch, just as they have for generations.

It’s no surprise that the seafood here is excellent, so plan to stay for a meal. Dockside restaurants like Star Fish Company serve up seafood as fresh as it gets – think crispy grouper sandwiches and plump Gulf shrimp.​

10. Catch a baseball game at LECOM Park

Springtime visitors to Bradenton can catch one of the MLB’s top teams, the Pittsburgh Pirates, warming up for the season ahead at LECOM Park.

This historic baseball stadium is pure nostalgia – even if you’ve only known and loved America’s favourite pastime through Hollywood classics – and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a hot dog in hand.

The stadium is also home to the Bradenton Marauders, a minor league baseball team that plays during the regular season, meaning you can still catch a game almost all year round.

11. Soar through the treetops at TreeUmph! Adventure Course

TreeUmph! Adventure Course takes outdoor fun to the next level – literally. Set in a lush forest, this aerial obstacle course has rope bridges, swinging logs and ziplines that let you soar over the trees.

There’s a course for every skill level, whether you’re easing in on a beginner-friendly climb or tackling the 183m (600ft) ‘TriUmph’ zipline. The three-hour ‘Adventure Ticket’ will give you enough time to tackle them all, but one- and two-hour options are also a great taster.

12. Enjoy unique, independent and artisan store shopping

Think of Pine Avenue and Bridge Street on Anna Maria Island as part shopping spree, part treasure hunt. These quaint streets are a refreshing alternative to American mega malls, with everything from handmade jewellery and beachwear to eco-friendly goods and coastal art.

The pedestrian-friendly areas are perfect for a leisurely stroll under the Florida sun, with plenty of cafés and ice cream spots to relax in between shops. It's a chance to pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs while soaking in the friendly, small-town atmosphere that makes Anna Maria Island so special.