30 Fun Things to Do in Bradenton

Looking for the fun things to do in Bradenton, Florida? Whether you are here on vacation, or just looking for something different to do on the weekend-trust me, you’ve got options.

In the past decade that I have lived here, I’ve found some great local hangouts.

Think waterfront restaurants, quiet nature trails, and fun day trips.

There’s also dolphin sightings on kayak tours to sunset beach bike rides, which are the perfect way to end your day. Bradenton is full of experiences that blend natural beauty, small-town charm, and just the right amount of adventure.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or having a staycation, here are 30 things to do in Bradenton that I recommend.

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🐬11 Best Water Activities in Bradenton & Sarasota

Vacations or staycations are about getting out on the water and feeling that instant shift—sun on your face, salt in the air, and the kind of calm that only happens when you’re surrounded by nature.

Plus, there’s nothing better than paddling through calm mangrove tunnels in a kayak. The quiet, the stillness—and then the surprise when a manatee surfaces beside you or a dolphin swims by in the distance. It’s peaceful and wild all at once.

To make it easier to plan your perfect day, I’ve grouped these water activities into three categories: Family Fun, Adult Adventures (great for grown-ups or kids over 12), and Sunset & Nightime Excursions.

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Family Friendly Water Fun Bradenton & Sarasota

Bradenton offers a variety of water activities suitable for all ages. No special skills needed—just a love for being outside.

From easy kayak tours to dolphin tours, these picks are perfect for kids and parents. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and a sense of adventure. These are the moments your family will remember.

• Clear Kayak Glass Bottom Day Tour-Anna Maria Island: This excursion has 2 seater Kayaks so you can bring a child. What makes this water activity different is the kayaks are clear so that you can see what’s underneath. A life jacket is provided. But bring water and sunscreen.

• Parasailing in Sarasota: Don’t book parasailing with just anyone. This company uses the latest systems for a safe, controlled experience. Several people can go on one ride, so you can enjoy the view with the family by your side. You’ll get to see the beaches as most people never do…from above & in the water!

• HydroCats-2 Hour Sightseeing: Soak up the Sun and the scenery with your own 2-seater catamaran. Children over 5 are welcome. This is a small group of no more than 8 people. See Sarasota Bay, Bird Key & Lido Key. And..probably dolphins & manatees!

• Anna Maria Island Private Sandbar Excursion: This adventure has 5 Stars!! What would you like to do today? On this trip, you have a choice. You can take a tour or decide to swim, shell and chill. Enjoy the 8-person floaty pool in shallow water. Snorkel equipment, snacks, drinks, shelling bags & buckets included!

• Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sunset Boat Tour: 5 Stars! Will you see dolphins? There is a chance, and the fabulous sunset is thrown in for free! Unwind, let the Captain drive, and enjoy.

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Adult Water Adventures Bradenton & Sarasota

🌅Sunset & Night Kayak Tours Bradenton & Sarasota

Being out on the water as the sun starts to set is one of my favorite things to do.

It’s that time of day when most of the boats are heading in, the water calms down, and everything feels a little more peaceful. The air finally cools off, there’s a breeze coming off the bay, and the sky starts putting on a show.

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Night Kayak Tours

If you’ve never kayaked at night, you’re in for a seriously cool experience—and if you have, doing it in a glass-bottom kayak lit up with LED lights takes it to another level.

One of my favorite tours in Sarasota is a night kayaking adventure where you paddle through the mangroves and shallow grass flats just as the sun sets.

The boats glow beneath you, lighting up the water so you can spot stingrays, crabs, and even shrimp swimming below. In some areas, you’ll even get to feed the fish—totally safe, and honestly kind of wild how close they come.

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🍝Food and Walking Tours

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What a fun way to learn about new restaurants, and the area and meet new people!

I try to take a history tour, food tour or some kind of wine/booze walk around when I travel.

Not only do I get to talk to a local but I have met some pretty cool people from other parts of the world that I still stay in contact with.

There is something about food and wine that bring people together regardless of where you are from.

Downtown Walking Food Tour: I took this tour (link pictured below) a couple of years ago when I first moved to the Bradenton/Sarasota area. Not only did I have some great meals and cocktails but I learned a few things about how Sarasota was developed. I also saw some great street art and was introduced to a few urban neighborhoods. If you have time, this is a great tour.

Twilight Evening Walking Drink Tour: This small group tour meets in downtown Sarasota and gives you a glimpse into Sarasota nightlife and craft cocktail bars.

Not only will you get a chance to partake in award-winning mixology but hear some history of Sarasota and catch one of our spectacular sunsets!

If you are looking for something fun and different to do in the evening, then you will want to check out this event.

🚴🏼‍♀️Sunset Bike Ride Siesta Key

The tour company uses electric bikes, so if you can ride a bike you definitely can do this! The electric bikes are easy to handle and allow you to control how much effort you put into riding the bike.

Siesta Key has a nice wide, sand-packed beach which is perfect for this experience.

My husband and I recently took the Siesta Key Electric Bike Sunset Tour. Although I live here I saw the beach from a different perspective.

The breeze and the beautiful water paired with a fabulous sunset were a perfect way to spend an evening. I truly felt like a kid again!

When it’s time to celebrate the sunset, the guides top it off with a toast of champagne.

There’s plenty of time for photos and they take breaks frequently.

If there is just one thing you have time for, you seriously should consider this.

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🏃🏻‍♂️Outdoor Activities in Bradenton

Try Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 6180 Edgelake Drive, Sarasota: This is considered to be the world’s first indoor trampoline park. Looking for a workout as well as fun?  Check out the fitness activities such as Skyfit and Wingman Wednesdays.  There is something here for the young and the young at heart!

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Robinson Preserve: The main entrance: 1704 99th st, Bradenton Fl 34209. Park hours vary by season. During the summer months, the park is open basically from dawn to dusk. Similar in the winter too. Admission is free.

Robinson Preserve is a 682-acre coastal preserve located nearby Anna Maria Island, just to the north before you get across the causeway. You will find walking trails, bike paths, and areas to kayak and paddleboard.

If you like to fish, there are plenty of bridges and onshore spots to do that too. You will also find shaded park benches, picnic areas, and bathrooms.

Manatee County’s Park Department offers things to do at Robinson Preserve throughout the year. Use the link above to get the monthly calendar.

De Soto National Park: 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209. Operating Hours are 9 AM-5 PM. This is part of the United States National Park Service. Admission is free.

De Soto park just happens to be my favorite park in Manatee County. Why? It is located on the Manatee River and normally you will have a beautiful view with a gentle breeze, even on a hot summer day.

This dog-friendly park has shaded, sandy soft walking paths. You will also find winding paths (some are walking bridges) that take you over mangroves and protected areas.

There are also several shallow, sandy beach areas perfect for you and your dog.

I have met so many nice people who decided to drop anchor and take a dip.

You will also find picnic areas, bathrooms and several park benches to stop and enjoy the beautiful views.

You will also find things to do inside the park. Regardless of the time of year, this park offers fishing clinics, Ranger-led kayak tours, and additional children’s activities.

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⛳️Miniature Golf in Bradenton

Golf among the alligators at Smuggler Cove Mini Golf, 2000 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton:  Voted best mini golf in Florida for the past five years. This is an 18-hole adventure course that will lead you to waterfalls, caves, pirate ships, and even live alligators.

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🐾Dog Parks in Bradenton Area

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Bradenton has some great dog parks.  GT Bray Park, 5502 33 Ave Dr. West, Bradenton: Happy Trails Canine Park, located in the northeast corner of the park of GT Bray.  There are 3 acres for Fido to run around and there is also an exclusive fenced area for older dogs, small dogs or maybe if your dog is like mine, dogs that are scared of other dogs!  Doggie drinking fountains and free waste bags are available.

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De Soto National Memorial Beach, 8300 DeSoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton: Dog-friendly beach, as long as they are on a leash.  I am not sure who likes this place more, my dog or myself.  You will find beautiful views of Tampa Bay, shaded trails, and several wonderful, quiet spots to sit and read a book.  My dog loves it there too.

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🏞Parks and Walking Trails

Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th Street East, Bradenton: You can not only get great citrus products but also a tour of the orange grove, which includes a wildlife refuge.

Injured birds, reptiles, and various animals are brought here on a rescue basis with the intent of returning them back to their natural habitat.  When you are there, make sure to visit their gift shop and Groveside Cafe where you can enjoy their orange swirl ice cream and other homemade citrus products.

Palma Sola Botanical Park, 75th and 17th Ave., Bradenton: Admission is free. Leashed dogs are welcome.  This 10-acre site is home to exotic fruit and nut trees. The garden is exquisitely decorated with flowers and well maintained with shell walking paths and shaded areas for just enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

Robinson Nature Reserve, 1709 99th St NW, Bradenton: This preserve is 487 acres and offers hiking and biking trails, a kayak launch, and an observation tower.  You can kayak through to Tampa Bay. Leashed dogs are welcome. When you are there, go up to the observation tower.  You can get a great view of Tampa Bay.  Fishing is allowed on the bridges.

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👨🏼‍🎨Art & Art Walks in Bradenton

The Village of the Arts, 1113 12th St West, Bradenton:  From specialty shops, healing arts, and bakeries, this is your place for all things unique.  Be sure to attend the monthly art walks held on the first Friday and Saturday of every month.

Art Center Manatee, 209 9th Street West, Bradenton: Voted People’s Choice in 2015 is a premiere center for art education.  Local artists sell their creations in the gift shop which is filled with photographs, glass sculptures, jewelry, and pottery.  If you are looking for a unique gift, go here first. The art center offers various workshops and classes for all ages.

Pinot Picasso, 1304 6th Ave West, Bradenton:  For that budding artist in all of us. What goes better with learning how to paint than wine? This interactive art studio is perfect for a girl’s night out and learning a thing or two about how to create art by the experts themselves. You can have delicious appetizers or snacks while enjoying the painting work with a group of friends or family. Their calendar changes and some classes are kid-friendly.

Arts A Blaze, 8111 Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 941-306-5840.  This just happens to be owned by a friend of mine, who likes wine…so bring a bottle and a few friends and have a great time! 

Arts A Blaze also does children’s events and birthday parties.  I personally like the event of decorating a wine glass, but hey there is something here for everyone.  Great location, in the heart of downtown Lakewood Ranch.  Something fun is always going on here at Arts A Blaze.  Check out their website for more info.

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☀️Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island has so many things to offer from its sparkling water and fine sand beaches to great dining and entertainment. There is a public trolley that goes up and down the island with plenty of stops in between that allow you to hop off and catch a bit of fun.  So, leave your car behind and run on island time.

Beaches in Bradenton

Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island: If flat, wide, soft sand beaches are your desire, then this is your place.  This is a public beach and it fills up quickly in the winter months.  Parking is alongside the beach. Go early on the weekends to get a spot.

Beer Can Island Beach, Longboat Key: Located at the northern tip of Longboat Key, this is a secluded stretch of shallow beach, perfect for shelling. You can walk the island at low tide.

Manatee Beach,  Located at the west end of Manatee Ave in Holmes Beach, Manatee Beach has public access and is one of the busiest beaches on the island.  There are public bathrooms, picnic tables, grills, and a large covered pavilion that serves breakfast and lunch.  In addition to food, there is a limited bar that serves alcoholic beverages.  

During the winter months, you can enjoy live music on the weekends.  Breakfast early in the morning is a must at least once while you are on the island.

There is nothing better than sitting by the sea, with a cool breeze and a cup of coffee.  There is public parking at this beach, however, it does fill up fast.  If you are staying on Anna Maria Island, take the trolley.  It stops there throughout the day.  Manatee Beach also has a small gift shop that sells ice cream and small water floats.

Coquina Beach Gulf Side, Located at the south edge of Anna Maria Island. There is a large open lot for parking.  The trolley does stop at this beach too.  Public restrooms, changing facilities, picnic tables and large pavilions are available to rent for getting together.  Coquina Beach also has a snack bar, grills and gift shop. This is one of the largest beaches available to the public.  You can access Coquina Beach from Longboat Key as well.

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🐬Snorkeling, Manatees & Boat Tours

See the Manatees & Dolphins, Blackburn Point Park, 421 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey. This easy, 2-hour kayaking tour is the perfect time to enjoy being on the water and seeing manatees and dolphins.

The first time I saw a manatee from my kayak was such an awesome sight. So big, yet so gentle! Everything is provided for you (kayaks, paddle & life vest). Just come ready to enjoy the calm waters and see why we Floridians love this place!

Kayak Tours

I will never forget the time I was kayaking over a sandbar in Sarasota and a manatee swam right by me! Wow!! This girl from Indiana was forever hooked on kayaking.

There are so many beautiful places to kayak in this area. I cannot imagine being here and not taking advantage of the water.

If you are not experienced in kayaking, no worries; these guided tours are in shallow, calm waters.

🛶Boat, Jet Ski Rentals and Paddle Sports

Want to rent a jet ski or a boat?  Try Wave Splash Water Sports,  102 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach: Rent jet skis, go parasailing, or just rent a boat.  Wave Water Splash offers several packages.  Open 7 days a week.

Bradenton Beach Marina, 941-778-2288,  This marina is a full-service marina and also has a boat club as well as daily rentals. Choose from a wide selection of rental boats for a half or full day. You can also rent jet skis, parasail, or take a dolphin or sunset cruise.

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🛍Shopping in Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is sprinkled with boutique shops that offer a variety of treasures to take home.  There are several little villages that make up most of the shopping, but you will also find shops along Gulf Drive as well.

Pine Ave Shops: This little village offers something for everyone, including an art gallery, doggie spa, and donut shop.  Your trip isn’t complete without a specialty donut.  

The donuts are made fresh while you wait, all you have to do is select your decadent toppings and enjoy. The donut shop is only open in the morning so come early, there is always a line during the season.  Pine Avenue also features great restaurants.  After lunch or dinner,  take a short walk to the beach or the City Pier and get a look at the Tampa Bay Bridge.

Bridge Street: Located in the center of the island in Bradenton Beach, Bridge Street is the heart of the island. At any time, you can catch live music, enjoy a fine dinner, and shop.  Bridge Street’s motto is Dine-Shop-Play.  Go and you won’t be disappointed. On Sundays, check out the outdoor open market, starting at 10:00 AM.

Holmes Beach:  Holmes Beach is the hub of major commercial shopping including a Publix grocery store, Walgreens, and CVS pharmacies.  You will also find a small Ace Hardware and other necessity shops along East Bay Drive (corner of East Bay Dr & Manatee).  If you follow East Bay Drive north, the road then becomes Marina Drive.  You will find another plaza known as Tidemark Shoppes.  Tidemark Shoppes has a variety of gift shops and great restaurants too.

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👨🏼‍🍳Restaurants in Bradenton & Lakewood Ranch

Well, restaurants are not really a thing to do in Bradenton, but there sure are a few good ones worth checking out.  A good meal can be an event all by itself.

Habanero’s Mexican Grill, 5120 Manatee Ave West, a few miles off of Anna Maria Island.  This is a small restaurant with great food at affordable prices.  One of my favorite!  They have a full bar and happy hour too.  They serve a killer margarita.

Food Truck Rally-Lakewood Ranch 4 PM-8 PM, January to the end of February: This is located at the Sarasota Polo Club. Food trucks and cocktails, concerts, and cornhole!  I can’t think of a better way to spend a winter evening than having fun with friends and family.  There will be something for every age group.  So, if you are here for just the winter with visitors, come by and have some fun!

The Waterfront Restaurant, Anna Maria Island: This place has history!  Located in an old home that has been renovated with a craft bar, this restaurant not only has charm but a view to die for.  At the north end of Anna Maria Island, you can look out onto the bay and see the Tampa Bay Bridge on a clear night.  Extensive menu and wonderful specials.  Outdoor dining is available on a first-come basis.  Indoor seating does take reservations.

Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus, Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island.  If you are looking for something other than seafood, then you have to come here and bring your appetite.  Great, authentic German food and even better beer.  Save room for dessert because their Black Forest Cake with Cherry Schnapps is to die for!  *Only open for Dinner*  This place is popular, you may want to call or make reservations.

Pier 22, 1200,1st Ave West, Bradenton: You couldn’t miss eating by the water if you are in Bradenton.  Located along the Manatee River, this relaxed atmosphere lets you enjoy the vast menu of sushi and seafood.  A great happy hour too.

Bradenton has plenty of things to do and new events happening daily.  The weather is great and its always a pleasure to enjoy a slice of paradise.

View all Bradenton FL real estate today at https://sarasotasandy.com  See all the properties available in the Bradenton/Sarasota MLS  or call 941-564-9491 to Buy or Sell a House in Bradenton, Sarasota or Anna Maria Island.