The Bradenton Area - Where Old Florida Still Exists

Downtown

Downtown Bradenton offers all sorts of indoor and outdoor fun, including a history museum, aquarium and planetarium; a performing arts centre; an enchanting park that rambles alongside Manatee River; a bustling marina; a major league baseball stadium; and the galleries, boutiques and restaurants of Village of the Arts.

Riverwalk

Overlooking the Manatee River, the Riverwalk is a one and a half mile long boardwalk and outdoor space designed to offer something for everyone to enjoy. Spanning the downtown area, the Riverwalk features an amphitheatre, skate park, beach volleyball court, fishing pier and family fun zone.

The shaded Outdoor Living Rooms are furnished with comfortable seating, and offer a peaceful place to hang out, relax, and enjoy a view of the river. Music events and festivals are held in the large open space and there's always something going on to watch on the river.  Take a picnic or perhaps join a yoga class on the lawn.



The Riverwalk has been designed to be suitable for all agility levels, with consideration taken for wheelchair users.

Village Of The Arts

The Village of the Arts is an eclectic live-work community made up of colourful historic cottages that house everything from award-winning restaurants to specialty shops, studios, healing arts, bakeries and Bradenton’s best art galleries.

A stroll through the colour-filled streets offers something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, a vinyl enthusiast or a quilt lover, with services that range from knife sharpening to yoga.

The popular artwalks take place on the first Friday night and Saturday afternoon of every month.  Enjoy live music, incredible food and unique indie art spanning every genre.

Robinson Preserve

Formerly farmland, this 600+ acre Preserve is a coastal mosaic of mud flats, mangrove swamps and beaches located in northwestern Bradenton. The expanse of waterfront habitats has undergone extensive restoration, from removal of invasive species to re-creating tidal creeks and basins nourished by the rise and fall of Tampa Bay. The interior of the preserve features hiking paths, kayak and canoe waterways.  Climb to the top of the 5-story observation tower for sweeping views of Tampa Bay with Anna Maria Island, Egmont Key and Fort DeSoto. 

While walking through the preserve, you’ll enjoy some of the best birding on the Gulf Coast, no matter the time of day. With trails for hikers, cyclists, and paddlers to explore, this family-friendly preserve is an excellent coastal destination.

De Soto National Memorial Park

De Soto National Memorial commemorates the 1539 landing of Spanish conquistador Hernando de Soto and his men and the first extensive organised exploration by Europeans of what is now the southern United States.  The Memorial includes 26 acres where the Manatee River joins Tampa Bay, and is found in Manatee County, 5 miles west of Bradenton. 

Head to the Memorial to discover American history and enjoy a nature trail through the mangrove swamp and boating on the river. The seasonal migration of birds brings many bird watchers to the park in the autumn and early spring. 

Cortez Fishing Village

A living remnant of Old Florida, Cortez is about as authentic as it gets. Located off Anna Maria Island across the Cortez Bridge, the Village is an easy walk from the island. The village serves as a living testament to what much of coastal Florida once looked like.

Spend a day walking around soaking up the atmosphere.  Wander the historic sites, window shop and dine of the freshest seafood. Tour the docks or local fisheries and see the remaining houses of the original founding families.

As many locals are seasoned fishers, you may consider booking a charter and heading out with an experienced Captain. Deepwater surrounding the area is buffered by barrier islands, which makes Cortez an ideal fishing spot.