Palma Sola Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018
One of the weirdest wildlife encounters I had in Florida was with this wacky bird! I'm guessing he's an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga). He stayed nearly completely submerged, swimming underwater, stalking a school of fish. He'd only pop his head up every few minutes for a quick breath or when he'd catch a fish in his mouth sideways. Then he'd pop his head up with the fish in his mouth, flip the fish up in the air and catch it in the correct orientation to swallow it down. Then back underwater for more hunting. This went on for at least 20-25 minutes. I have never seen a bird behave like this. I've seen cormorants dive down and disappear for a half a minute or so, but this was incredible to watch! Palma Sola Botanical Park is a 10 acre botanical garden located in Bradenton. It's beautiful AND free! The park showcases collections of rare palms, fruits, and flowering trees, as well as three lakes, a butterfly garden, gazebo, pavilion, and playground.
One of the weirdest wildlife encounters I had in Florida was with this wacky bird! I'm guessing he's an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga). He stayed nearly completely submerged, swimming underwater, stalking a school of fish. He'd only pop his head up every few minutes for a quick breath or when he'd catch a fish in his mouth sideways. Then he'd pop his head up with the fish in his mouth, flip the fish up in the air and catch it in the correct orientation to swallow it down. Then back underwater for more hunting. This went on for at least 20-25 minutes. I have never seen a bird behave like this. I've seen cormorants dive down and disappear for a half a minute or so, but this was incredible to watch! Palma Sola Botanical Park is a 10 acre botanical garden located in Bradenton. It's beautiful AND free! The park showcases collections of rare palms, fruits, and flowering trees, as well as three lakes, a butterfly garden, gazebo, pavilion, and playground.
A bright orange cluster of blossoms on a tree. Palma Sola Botanical Park is a 10 acre botanical garden located in Bradenton. It's beautiful AND free! The park showcases collections of rare palms, fruits, and flowering trees, as well as three lakes, a butterfly garden, gazebo, pavilion, and playground.

Popular places to visit

The trunk of the floss silk tree

Palma Sola Botanical Park

Palma Sola Botanical Park is just one of the places to see in Bradenton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Palma Sola Botanical Park
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IMG Academy

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit IMG Academy during your travels in Bradenton. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

IMG Academy
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Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch

You can take time to visit Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch during your travels to Lakewood Ranch. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch
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LECOM Park

Catch an event at LECOM Park during your trip to Bradenton. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

LECOM Park
upscale shopping in Lakewood Ranch Main Street area, life work and play in a master planned community

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

You can do some window-shopping at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch during your trip to Lakewood Ranch. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch
BRADENTON RIVERWALK

Riverwalk

Riverwalk is just one of the places to see in Bradenton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Riverwalk

Activities

Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach: Parasailing Tour

Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour

NZ$172
per adult
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour
Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour

Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour

NZ$113
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour
Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure

Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure

NZ$96
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure
Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Anna Maria Island

Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Anna Maria Island

NZ$113
per adult
Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour - Anna Maria Island
Mangrove Tunnels in Anna Maria

Mangrove Tunnels Pedal Kayak Eco-Tour in Anna Maria

NZ$120
per adult
Mangrove Tunnels Pedal Kayak Eco-Tour in Anna Maria
Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour - Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

NZ$113
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Anna Maria Island - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
See all activities in Bradenton

Our pick of the best Palma Sola Hotel Deals

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

3 out of 5
4675 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota FL
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,226 reviews)
great staff

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

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Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy Sarasota FL
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,942 reviews)
I love this place quaint clean efficient! You could lose the $200 credit card deposit. Nice people at the front desk!

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

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Kompose Boutique Hotel
Tropical Beach Resorts

Tropical Beach Resorts

3.5 out of 5
6717 Sara Sea Circle Siesta Key FL
The price is NZ$355 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
NZ$355
per night
29 Jan - 30 Jan
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Siesta Key. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5,254 reviews)
Amazing job

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Tropical Beach Resorts
RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
6000 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
The price is NZ$388 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
NZ$388
per night
29 Jan - 30 Jan
Stay at this beach resort in St. Pete Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,605 reviews)
We had a wonderful stay. We will definitely be coming back.

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds
Bilmar Beach Resort

Bilmar Beach Resort

4 out of 5
10650 Gulf Blvd Treasure Island FL
The price is NZ$344 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
NZ$344
per night
29 Jan - 30 Jan
Stay at this beach resort in Treasure Island. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
Property was well kept. Front desk staff was so nice, helpful and knowledgeable. Room was very clean. We will definitely be back

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Bilmar Beach Resort
Island Grand at TradeWinds

Island Grand at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
5500 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
The price is NZ$420 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
NZ$420
per night
29 Jan - 30 Jan
Stay at this beach resort in St. Pete Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
Nice and very convenience location. They offer lots of activities for kids. However, it required to walk to the other building which is a little far when it is cold. Overall is great.

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Island Grand at TradeWinds
See all 17,144 properties in Palma Sola
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Palma Sola

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Shore Acre Heights

Shore Acre Heights might not have many top sights, but The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Shore Acre Heights
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Belair Bayou

When in Belair Bayou, you can plan a visit to Palma Sola Bay and The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Belair Bayou
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Harbor Hills

While Harbor Hills isn't home to many top sights, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Harbor Hills
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West Bradenton

While there might not be top attractions in West Bradenton, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park.

West Bradenton
Bradenton, Florida, USA Downtown on the Manatee River

River District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in River District and surrounding area, you can visit The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park.

River District
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Pine Lakes

Though Pine Lakes may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like LECOM Park and The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

Pine Lakes

Palma Sola Travel Guide

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