Quick Summary: Overlooking the Manatee River, south of Tampa, Bradenton is a sunny, friendly city that offers a plethora of attractions, activities, and outdoor recreation. Boasting a vibrant, Old Florida history with beautiful architecture, green parks, and nature reserves, Bradenton has a warm and welcoming ambiance that attracts tourists to enjoy its many sights and sounds. Explore the vibrant artists community of the Village of the Arts, which features an eclectic collection of colorfully restored 1920s and ‘30s cottages, and the bustling downtown area; stroll along the Riverwalk and soak up the scenic views; discover the history of Bradenton and Manatee County with a visit to the South Florida Museum; or head into nature at the Robinson Preserve, the Cortez fishing village, or the DeSoto National Memorial Park.


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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

Emerson Point Preserve

© Courtesy of Lauren Parker - Fotolia.com

Florida Maritime Museum

© Florida Maritime Museum

Village of the Arts

© Village of the Arts

De Soto National Memorial

© Courtesy of fredlyfish4 - Fotolia.com

The Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial

© Courtesy of spiritofamerica - Fotolia.com

Lake Manatee State Park

© Courtesy of tyler - Fotolia.com

LECOM Park

© Courtesy of mtsaride - Fotolia.com

Manatee County Agricultural Museum

© Manatee County Agricultural Museum

Manatee Village Historical Park

© Manatee Village Historical Park

Palma Sola Botanical Park

© Courtesy of Steve Carroll - Fotolia.com

Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge

© Courtesy of Olivier JULLY - Fotolia.com

Riverwalk, Bradenton

© Courtesy of crlocklear - Fotolia.com

Robinson Preserve

© Courtesy of Lauren Parker - Fotolia.com

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

© The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

Sarasota Bay RV Park

© by-studio/stock.adobe.com

TreeUmph Adventure Course

© Courtesy of lisovoy - Fotolia.com

Florida Railroad Museum

© Florida Railroad Museum

Back Alley

Bradenton Farmer's Market

© Courtesy of Marija - Fotolia.com

Neal Preserve

© Kevin/stock.adobe.com

Hunsader Farms

© Hunsader Farms

Perico Preserve

© shymar27/stock.adobe.com

Timberlane RV Park & Resort

© Andrey Armyagov/stock.adobe.com

Art Center Manatee

© Art Center Manatee

Bradenton is a 45-minute day trip from Tampa.


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