The city of Bradenton is located in Manatee County, on Florida's Gulf Coast. Bradenton boasts 20 miles of coastline and is situated between Tampa and Sarasota, making it a popular spring and summertime destination with families and retired folks. However, mild winter weather also attracts snowbirds to the area. Bradenton's plentiful waterways, including rivers, lakes and beaches, draw water enthusiasts to the area for a variety of water sports.
Water Activities
Because of its location near dozens of Gulf Coast beaches, Bradenton visitors can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, kite-surfing, boating, sailing, fishing, snorkeling and diving, or simply swimming or sunbathing. If you want to learn a skill during your Bradenton vacation, head to the Family Scuba Center to get PADI certified or sign up for a local sailing school course.
Hiking
If you have young children and are interested in hiking, head to Manatee Lake State Park, which has several well-marked hiking and nature trails ideal for kids. For a true Florida experience, head to Myakka River State Park, home to the Canopy Walkway, which towers over the forest and Myakka River and takes 30 to 40 minutes to walk. Myaka River State Park also boasts nearly 40 miles of hiking trails for more serious hikers and birdwatchers. Edmont Key and Anna Maria Island also have about 10 miles of hiking trails
Beaches
If you're heading to Bradenton, you likely want to spend at least a couple days on the city's beaches. Long Boat Key has an attractive sandy beach, and Anna Maria Island, home to the Anna Maria Bayfront Park, has several quiet, undeveloped beaches that are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking and snorkeling. If you're looking for a bit more action, head to Manatee County Beach or Coquina Beach, a popular public beach ideal for jet skiing, water skiing, boating and swimming. The beach also has picnic tables, restroom facilities and on-duty lifeguards. Cortez Beach is undeveloped and quieter, and Beer Can Island is located on a secluded peninsula that can be reached by foot or boat and is ideal if you just want a quiet place to sunbathe or swim.
Farmers Markets
The Bradenton Farmers Market is open year-round and is a good option if you want to purchase locally grown and organic fruits, vegetables and other products. The Sarasota Farmers Market on Main Street, just a short drive from downtown Bradenton, also sells healthy produce. Another smart food option is SunCoast Organics, which delivers organic produce to individuals and businesses in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.
Attractions near Bradenton
If you have a car, you'll probably want to visit some of the many attractions in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. Case Key, Siesta Key and Edmont Key State Park all boast attractive beaches and water sport opportunities, as does Cayo Costa State Park. If you're interested in playing a sport, jogging or walking, head to the Lake Manatee, Oscar Scherer or Gasparilla Island State Recreation areas. If you're intrigued by wildlife, don't miss Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, a large swamp forest home to dozens of bird, animal and plant species. You can take guided canoe trips through the nearly 20-mile long swamp or walk the 2,000-foot boardwalk to get an up-close look at what is called "the Amazon of North America."
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