What to do in Bradenton, FL

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Bradenton

Types of activities

Where to stay

Bradenton travel guide

Boulders placed on beach to prevent erosion.

This is a sugar cane mill. The whole sugar canes are inserted in the middle and a donkey or horse is attached to one end of the tree. The animal walks in circles and the canes are run through the press.

The historical park is free and boasts the 1860 Courthouse, the 1887 Church, the One Room Schoolhouse, the Old Settler’s House, the Potter Barn, the Sugar Cane Mill and Smokehouse, the Wiggins Store, a blacksmith shop, a 1913 Baldwin Steam locomotive, the Fogarty Boatworks and a Cowhunter Bunkhouse.

The 1903 Wiggins General Store. Inside there are various tools and gadgets from the past with signs encouraging visitors to guess what the purpose of these implements may have been.

The historical park is free and boasts the 1860 Courthouse, the 1887 Church, the One Room Schoolhouse, the Old Settler’s House, the Potter Barn, the Sugar Cane Mill and Smokehouse, the Wiggins Store, a blacksmith shop, a 1913 Baldwin Steam locomotive, the Fogarty Boatworks and a Cowhunter Bunkhouse.

Places to Visit in Bradenton

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Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Bradenton attractions from NZ$21, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Bradenton tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 82 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Bradenton. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Recommended things to do in Bradenton

Number of things to do	82
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia	Self-Guided Sarasota Scavenger Hunt: Sarasota Spectacles: NZ$21
Top 5 things to do	Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour Tierra Verde: Kayak Tour at Shell Key with Capt Yak
Half-day tours	Sarasota - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour Tierra Verde: Kayak Tour at Shell Key with Capt Yak
With kids	St. Pete Dolphin Watching and Shelling Adventure HydroCats - 2 Hour CraigCat Sightseeing Tour Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure Anna Maria Island: Sunset Dolphin Cruise Anna Maria Island: Dolphin Cruise

What to do in Bradenton

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bradenton

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

South Florida Museum showing interior views

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

This museum features informative displays that detail prehistoric sea life, local maritime culture and traditions, and the area’s complex tropical ecosystems.

IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy

Catch an event at IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy during your trip to Bradenton. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

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.

The settler's house was built in 1912 and is furnished with period artifacts. Currently, the house is setup with an exhibit about the customs and cultures of showing the bodies of deceased family members.

The historical park is free and boasts the 1860 Courthouse, the 1887 Church, the One Room Schoolhouse, the Old Settler’s House, the Potter Barn, the Sugar Cane Mill and Smokehouse, the Wiggins Store, a blacksmith shop, a 1913 Baldwin Steam locomotive, the Fogarty Boatworks and a Cowhunter Bunkhouse.

Manatee Village Historical Park

You can browse the exhibits at Manatee Village Historical Park, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Bradenton. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Explore areas of Bradenton

Aerial view of city and gulf Cape Coral, Florida. Typical architecture of South Florida. Large houses built on the banks of canals, canals into the sea.

South Bradenton

While visiting South Bradenton, you might make a stop by sights like Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf and DeSoto Square.

Palma Sola

Travellers like the gardens in Palma Sola, and Robinson Preserve is a top attraction you might want to visit.

City skyline from Bayfront Park over Sarasota Bay at night in Sarasota Florida USA

Bayshore Gardens

Visitors to Bayshore Gardens appreciate its beaches. A visit to IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy and Powel Crosley Estate might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

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.

The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Brandeton, Florida

Sabal Harbour

Sabal Harbour might not have many top sights, but LECOM Park and Rosedale Golf and Country Club are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

West Samoset

Travellers like the shopping in West Samoset, and Red Barn Flea Market Plaza is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

Day trip destinations from Bradenton

Ellenton

Longboat Key

Holmes Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is Bradenton worth visiting?

Offering a blend of history and culture, there are many things to do in Bradenton. While you're here, check out Coquina Beach, a major attraction in the area.

How do I spend a day in Bradenton?

When you've checked off major attractions like Coquina Beach and Manatee Public Beach, spend the rest of your day exploring Bradenton's shopping and food scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Bradenton?

The top tourist attraction in Bradenton is Coquina Beach, so make sure to add it to your agenda.

Is three days enough to stay in Bradenton?

Three days in Bradenton is more than enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, De Soto National Memorial and arcadeland are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Sarasota.

Is Bradenton a walkable city?

With exciting neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Bradenton is a great place to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and Astro Skate and Fun Centre. Then take a stroll through South Bradenton, located 3 kilometres from downtown, and West Bradenton, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in Bradenton with kids?

Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our ideas for what to do in Bradenton with kids.

What to do in Bradenton for adults?

There are lots of things to do in Bradenton, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to West Coast Surf Shop or Aluna Wellness Centre & Spa.

Are there free things to do in Bradenton?

From relaxing in parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Bradenton. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. De Soto National Memorial is a must for anyone planning to save on their travelling adventures.