Why The Bradenton Area
Meetings shine brighter here
The Bradenton Area is one of the few places in the state where groups can still experience Real. Authentic. Florida.™ Known for its natural beauty and undeniable coastal charm, the destination offers endless opportunities for teams to relax, reconnect, and return with a renewed sense of focus.
Explore things to do around the bradenton area
Click on the map icons below to explore the different local attractions and experiences located within walking distance of the Bradenton Area Convention Center – or just a short ferry ride or drive away!
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Anna Maria City Pier
Originally built in 1911, the Anna Maria City Pier is one of Anna Maria Island’s most beloved landmarks. Stretching more than 700 feet over the water, it offers sweeping views of Tampa Bay and the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Reopening in 2026.
The Bishop Museum of Science & Nature
Learning is always fun at this natural science and history museum, with exhibitions and beloved mainstays like the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. Plus, a variety of unique meeting spaces (including one with a view of the manatees!)
Bradenton Area Convention Center
The newly transformed Convention Center is centrally located near the scenic Manatee River, offering on-site accommodations and plenty of amenities within walking and driving distance.
Bradenton Riverwalk – Ferry Stop
This ADA-friendly walking path, overlooking the scenic Manatee River, features public art installations, beach volleyball courts, a splash pad, and an outdoor amphitheater. It’s also where you can catch the ferry to Anna Maria Island.
Historic Bridge Street + Ferry Stop
Taking the ferry to Anna Maria Island? You’ll dock here! Explore this historic street and popular hangout for local treasures, delicious dining, and fun activities for all ages.
Coquina Beach
Named after the brightly colored mollusks that line its shores, Coquina Beach is located just off Bridge Street in Anna Maria Island. Enjoy sun-soaked team building at the beach, where attendees can go shelling, play volleyball, or simply relax together.
Cortez Village
Discover the Bradenton Area’s commercial fishing heritage – and enjoy incredibly fresh seafood – when you visit the state’s oldest continuously operating fishing village.
De Soto National Memorial
This national park not only showcases the natural beauty of the Manatee River but also brings history to life, with artifacts of the American Indians and Spanish explorers and engaging reenactments.
Egmont Key
Ellenton Premium Outlets
With more than 130 discount designer stores, this shopping destination is a great place to unwind post-meetings and pick up a few souvenirs.
Gulf Islands Ferry
Traveling between downtown Bradenton and Anna Maria Island is easy with the Gulf Islands Ferry. Stops include the Bradenton Riverwalk Pier and the island’s historic Bridge Street Pier.
Herrig Center for the Arts
Anchoring downtown Bradenton’s Avenue of the Arts, this renowned and recently built arts center is a must-see. Tour diverse exhibits that change monthly or partake in one of their many group classes. You can also find unique, memorable gifts made by local artists.
IMG Academy
IMG Academy is the perfect place to host your sporting event or team field day. This sprawling sports campus includes a state-of-the-art stadium, a 56,000 square-foot performance center, a golf tour studio, and elite sports amenities like basketball, tennis, and multi-sport fields.
Lake Manatee State Park
Fun awaits in this 584-acre state park, with recreation, camping, and fishing areas for unrivaled family fun.
Lakewood Ranch Main Street
Check out this inviting neighborhood enclave, lined with local boutiques, theaters, and chef-owned restaurants. It’s also home to a variety of events throughout the year, including a popular monthly market.
LECOM Park
This iconic Spanish Mission-style park is home to the Pittsburgh Pirates for spring training and the Bradenton Marauders during the regular season. With many hospitality and suite options, come for the game and stay for the unforgettable team building.
Manatee Beach
Enjoy the sugar-white sands and crystal clear, turquoise waters on Manatee Beach, a local favorite for its amenities – and only 11 miles from the Convention Center.
Manatee Performing Arts Center
A fun outing for teams or individual attendees! From inspiring theater performances to captivating concerts, the arts are alive and thriving in the Bradenton Area.
Pine Avenue
Stroll along Anna Maria Island’s green and eco-friendly Pine Avenue, featuring one-of-a-kind local shopping, fresh dining experiences, and endless Florida charm.
Powel Crosley Estate
Bask in the beauty of this 1920s Mediterranean revival-style mansion. This glamorous location is the ideal venue to host a reception or welcome party for your special event.
Robinson Preserve
With more than 670 acres of diverse habitats, from mangroves to grasslands, this natural preserve is the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with nature. Visitors can explore by foot, bike, or paddle, and many area hosts offer guided group tours.
University Town Center
Enjoy open-air shopping and dining in the Bradenton Area. With more than 200 shops, 80 dining options, diverse attractions, and convenient access off I-75 and University Parkway, the UTC district is a popular spot for downtime entertainment.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Attendees are sure to arrive in style and stress-free at the Bradenton Area’s local airport, with service from nearly 70 nonstop flight destinations, shorter check-in lines, and spacious terminals.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Connecting Tampa to Bradenton, this bridge is not only a convenient way to travel but also offers beautiful views of the Gulf.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Located 40 miles from North Bradenton, the Tampa International Airport is another convenient choice for attendees traveling to the Bradenton Area.
Village of the Arts
Experience the unique and eclectic vibe of the Village of the Arts, a live-work community where artists come together to thrive. Visiting the first Friday or Saturday of the month? Stop by the neighborhood’s lively Art Walk to meet some of the artists, enjoy local food, and listen to live music.
Unforgettable experiences for everyone
In the Bradenton Area, meetings turn into lasting memories. Find a unique mix of low-key and lively activities, perfect for entertaining and engaging attendees while accommodating their range of interests and abilities.
Beach Breaks
Outdoor Adventures
Cultural Experiences
Memorable Meals You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
Dining in the Bradenton Area means experiencing local flavor in its purest sense, thanks to our regional Floribbean cuisine and commitment to sustainability. Freshly caught Florida seafood. Just-picked tropical fruits and vegetables. Bold spices and beachy flavor combinations. It’s a journey for the taste buds – made even more irresistible when paired with our signature waterfront views and toes-in-the-sand dining. And those flavors don’t just stay at our restaurants and bars – our catering vendors also draw inspiration from our unique cuisine to delight your attendees. Unforgettable flavors abound in the Bradenton Area!
Travel made easy
Getting here
While the Bradenton Area feels worlds away from the everyday, getting here is quite easy – whether traveling across the country or around the world. Fly directly into Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) or explore convenient options at other major Florida airports, like Tampa International Airport – just 45 miles away.
Getting around
Event-goers can easily grab a local bite to eat, hop on a ferry to the island, or take a stroll along the riverfront – thanks to downtown Bradenton’s walkable layout and variety of stress-free and sustainable transportation options.
Local Experts at Your Service
Local Experts at Your Service
When you plan a corporate event at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, you’ll work with the dedicated team at the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau from start to finish. Take advantage of our valuable area expertise and connections to bring your vision to life, coordinate memorable team outings, and ensure every detail has been carefully considered to meet the needs of your whole group.