Spanning 1.5 miles along the sparkling Manatee River, the Bradenton Riverwalk is a great way to spend your sunny Florida afternoon. Grab a sweet treat at Corwin’s Ice Cream and Smoothies and hang out on one of the outdoor livings rooms, or bring the family and enjoy the splashpad and playground. There is truly something for everyone!
The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Bradenton
The city of Bradenton is full of rich culture and natural beauty. While it would be nearly impossible to list all of the exciting things the city has to offer, this list is a good place to start. Here are some of the top 10 things to see and do in Bradenton.
1. The Bradenton Riverwalk
2. The South Florida Museum
Boasting a natural history museum, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a second stage rehabilitation aquarium for injured manatees, the South Florida Museum is a gem not to be missed. With all it has to offer – from learning about some of the oldest history known about Florida to watching the gentle giants of the sea do barrel rolls in their temporary home – it’s easy to spend hours in this small but mighty museum.
3. Village of the Arts
This collection of brightly painted old Florida bungalows is home to one of the largest live-work artist communities in the country. The funky neighborhood includes unique galleries, mouth-watering restaurants, and even yoga studios and mystics! It’s without a doubt the perfect place to get a special souvenir.
4. LECOM Park
One of the oldest operating ballparks in the world, LECOM Park has plenty of fun to offer, from local craft brews on tap to its 360 degree views of the field. And with it being the home of the Pittsburgh Pirates during the spring and full time home of the Bradenton Marauders, it’s easy to catch a game almost any time!
5. Manatee Village Historical Park
Even paradise has a history, especially a city as old as Bradenton (established in 1842), and Manatee Village Historical Park is a great way to explore that history! The park is home to a collection of some of the oldest Bradenton has to offer, including the town’s original community church, the 1903 Wiggins General Store, a 1912 Florida pioneer farmhouse and an 1800’s original settler graveyard.
6. Old Manatee
Nearby the historic Village is the area of Old Manatee. While it’s one of the oldest parts of Bradenton, this area boasts fresh restaurants like Central Café and Drago’s, and fun shopping for vintage items at Retro Rosie’s and shabby chic home décor at The Farmhouse. An added bonus: The Farmhouse makes delicious custom made-to-order mini donuts that are the perfect way to treat yourself.
7. Breweries
Bradenton is a city dedicated to living local, and that extends to its beer. Craft breweries like Darwin Brewing Company, Motorworks Brewing and 3 Keys Brewing and Eatery use local flavors to make some tasty brews that are best enjoyed while relaxing under the warm Florida sun.
8. The Manatee Performing Arts Center
You don’t have to hit Broadway to catch an outstanding show. At Manatee Performing Arts Center you can see a professional-grade play sure to make your emotions soar. The theater puts on shows ranging from family-friendly musicals to thought-provoking dramas so you’re sure to find something everyone will want to watch.
9. Farm Tours
Head east of downtown and you’ll see that the rich Florida farm culture is alive and well in Bradenton. The area has everything from authentic Florida orange farms to large dairy farms where you can feed a baby calf! For the freshest of fresh fruit, head to O’Brien Family Farms for a U-Pick extravaganza. And if you really want something different, try doing some yoga with goats at Geraldson Community Farm!
10. ArtCenter Manatee
The cultural hub of Bradenton, ArtCenter Manatee is the premier place to get your art on. The center features three galleries with breathtaking monthly exhibits, five classrooms for their fun and unique classes, and an artists’ market gift shop that’s the perfect place to find a special gift or souvenir made by a local artist. ArtCenter Manatee is one of the best ways to enjoy the rich artistic culture that makes Bradenton special.
Pro Tip: Walk Bradenton
Looking for something specific? Fortunately there is a handy website called Walk Bradenton. Let this tool be your tour guide in the palm of your hand. Just pull it up on your phone or mobile device and you’ll see everything around you that Bradenton has to offer! And with ten different categories to choose from, such as history, dining, shopping and more, you’re sure to find something nearby that piques your interest.
