the best ways to celebrate dad

Celebrate Father’s Day the Bradenton Area way!

Make this Father’s Day one to remember with an unforgettable experience in the Bradenton Area. From the great outdoors to craft brews and mouthwatering bites, this coastal gem has everything you need to spoil Dad with a day tailored to his favorite things. Whether he loves adventure, relaxation, or simply a great meal, you’ll find the perfect way to celebrate together.

Where to Stay: Make It a Father’s Day Weekend to Remember

Why celebrate Dad for just one day when you can turn it into a full-blown getaway? The Bradenton Area is made for long weekends, with plenty of places to stay, whether you’re bringing the whole crew or planning something just for Dad. Traveling with the whole family? A vacation rental might be the move. With room to spread out, kitchens for snacks (or midnight grilled cheese), and often steps from the beach, it’s the perfect setup for the whole family, including grandma and grandad if you’re into multigenerational travel. Companies like Anna Maria Island Accommodations, Once Upon a Beach, Seabreeze Vacation and more offer the space and comfort to bring everyone together. Enjoy home-like amenities and the flexibility to create your own schedule.

dad-approved hotels

If Dad’s more of a hotel guy, we’ve got that covered:

Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy: Adjacent to the renowned IMG Academy, this boutique hotel combines luxury with athletic excellence. Guests can enjoy a heated resort-style pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and even a putting green on-site. IMG Academy offers adult golf and tennis camps, providing an opportunity to refine skills with professional coaching.
SpringHill Suites Bradenton Riverwalk: Located in downtown Bradenton, this hotel boasts a rooftop pool with stunning river views, making it ideal for families wanting to be close to urban attractions.
Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa: Experience luxury with multiple pools, a full-service spa, and access to The Beach Club at Rivera Dunes featuring pickleball courts and mini-golf. (They also offer Day Passes to the Beach Club)
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville: Get dad a cheeseburger in paradise. Embrace the laid-back, tropical vibes with waterfront views, a resort-style pool, and on-site dining options that capture the essence of tropical living.
Bali Hai Beach Resort: Situated directly on the beach, this resort offers a tranquil setting with lush tropical gardens, providing a serene backdrop for dad to enter full relaxation mode.

Outdoor Adventures

Explore Nature Together

The Bradenton Area’s parks and preserves offer the perfect backdrop for a Father’s Day escape. Take Dad for a hike through Rye Preseve or Neal Preserve, where scenic trails, wildlife sightings, and peaceful waterways await.

If he prefers to be on the water, rent a kayak or canoe and paddle through Robinson Preserve or Emerson Point Preserve, where you can spot birds, manatees, and endless species of fish. For a longer getaway, head to Lake Manatee State Park and enjoy a family picnic or an overnight camping trip just steps from the water.

Fishing Fun

For dads who love to fish, the Bradenton Area delivers. Book a trip with a local fishing captain like Captain Kim Charters, Bass N’ Bay Charters, AMI Charters, for a deep-sea adventure or a calm intercoastal cruise. Whether he’s after snook, snapper, or grouper, expert captains will make sure it’s a trip to remember. Prefer freshwater? Jiggs Landing is a classic Florida fish camp where Dad can cast a line, rent a boat, and enjoy live music or even an overnight cabin stay.

For Sporty Dads

Hit the Greens

Treat Dad to a day on the links at one of the Bradenton Area’s top golf courses. Tee off at The Concession Golf Club or Bradenton Country Club, or enjoy a laid-back round at River Run Golf Links. No matter his skill level, these courses offer beautiful views and challenging play.

Pickleball, Baseball & Beach Sports

For the dad who stays active, head to G.T. Bray Park or UMR Sports for a game of pickleball. (We even put together a guide to the best places to play pickleball.) Or hit the sand for beach volleyball at Manatee Beach or Coquina Beach. To round out the day, catch a Bradenton Marauders game at LECOM Park, where the whole family can celebrate Father’s Day with food, fun, and baseball.

Feed him right!

You know what they say: the way to Dad’s heart is through his stomach. Good thing the Bradenton Area delivers, with flavors and spots to match every kind of dad’s appetite.

Indulgent Eats: Think BBQ, fried seafood, and ice-cold beer. The kind of place dad can be himself in his natural habitat. Skinny’s Place serves up legendary burgers. Swordfish Grill, Bridge Tender Inn, Woody’s River Roo and Floridays Grill & Bar offer laid-back waterfront dining with a heavy helping of local seafood flavor. For something unexpected, head to Hickory Hollow or Linger Lodge for a quirky, memorable meal. Or let him build his own beer-and-pizza combo at Oak & Stone. Don’t miss their rooftop for sunset views of the Manatee River!

Fine Dining: Take him out for a memorable meal at one of the Bradenton Area’s fanciest fine dining establishments. Try Oyster River on the rooftop of the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa, a European-inspired dinner at Chateau 13, or elevated seafood offerings with your toes in the sand at Beach House.

Buffets: If he’s a fan of variety (or he just really likes to eat a lot), treat him to a buffet brunch or dinner at spots like PIER 22, GROVE, or Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille.

Breweries & Distilleries: The Bradenton Area is packed with places to raise a glass. Try Motorworks Brewing for craft beer and a lively beer garden, 3 Keys Brewing for creative seasonal brews, or Good Liquid Brewing Co. for food and drinks right in the heart of Downtown Bradenton. For something stronger, stop by Loaded Cannon Distillery to sample locally made spirits.

Whether you’re hiking through the preserve or sipping something cold by the water, the Bradenton Area is the perfect backdrop for celebrating the dads in your life. Plan your Father’s Day weekend now and make some unforgettable memories.

Find Your Perfect Beach

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Waterfront Dining

Lined with waterfront restaurants offering everything from boat up restaurants, to rooftop craft cocktails, the Manatee River is the perfect setting for a meal with a view.

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