The Best of The Bradenton Area, Florida

The Bradenton Area; where the streets are quaint, charming cottages line the shore, high rises cannot be found, palm trees skirt pristine beaches and where a friendly, laid-back atmosphere will remind you of how Florida used to be. This “Old Florida” feel, white-sandy beaches and turquoise waters are only minutes from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, and no more than a few steps away from character and charm.

1. Bradenton Riverwalk
The Riverwalk stretches along 1.5 miles of the Manatee River. Whilst walking along the river you will find a range of activities to take part in including 19 pieces of interactive art, a splash zone, a skate park and mosaic amphitheatre. You will also find festivals and markets which are held regularly.

2. Bradenton Beach
Anna Maria Island is home to several fantastic beaches, the 7-mile Bradenton Beach, Bean Point in the North and Coquina Beach in the South. It’s hard to resist their relaxing waters, stunning sunrises and sunsets and powdery smooth sand. Indeed, Florida beaches are among the best beaches in the world, consistently taking top rankings in international travel publications and on beach expert lists.

3. The Donut Experiment
Create your own flavours at the Donut Experiment on Anna Maria Island. Choose from a huge range of toppings and icing to create a tasty treat for yourself! From a simple vanilla donut to a hot chilli donut, the creativity is up to you!

4. Dolphin Spotting Boat Tours
Hundreds of bottlenose dolphins inhabit this stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Take a boat tour where you have a 95% chance of seeing some dolphins! Whilst cruising the Gulf Coast you will learn plenty of dolphin facts as well as seeing the historic fishing village of Cortez which has almost been unchanged since the 19th century. Legend has it the oldest living dolphin lives in the area.

5. TreeUmph! Adventure Course
Come out for a day of outdoor play in the trees at Southwest Florida’s only elevated adventure course. Bring the family or get together with friends for an adrenaline-pumping activity that has something fun for everyone. Among the 14 acres and five tree top adventures, swing into action on wobbly bridges, hanging nets, bungee swings, swinging logs, foot bridges, Tarzan ropes, ZIP lines and more.

6. Mixon Fruit Farms
A unique, family owned business for 76 years, voted Florida's #1 Orange Grove Attraction. Take a tour on a working citrus farm which are both interactive and educational plus loads of fun for the whole family! Children will also enjoy the huge play area and Magical Maze. As well as all this, the farm cares for orphaned and injured animals including birds and reptiles. These animals are rehabilitated and returned to the wild.

7. Upper Manatee River Paddling Trail
Subtropical vegetation lines the banks of this gently winding trail. It is an easy half-day trip, or you can paddle both ways, making only one vehicle necessary. Water levels and flows vary with releases from Lake Manatee Dam. Across from the take-out point is the historic site of Fort Hamer. The fort was built during the Indian scare of 1849-1850 to defend Tampa settlers. Due to its scenic qualities, the Upper Manatee River is a state-designated Florida paddling trail.

8. IMG Academy
The IMG Academy is where trainers put the finishing touches to their athlete’s performances using the most high tech equipment. Summer camps take place here where kids and even parents can take part in! From ‘soccer’ camps to tennis and golf, there is plenty of sports to choose from! They run half day sessions too if you are short on time.

9. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
An aquarium, part planetarium and part museum of Florida history; what more could you need! The museum is home to the oldest known manatee as well as prehistoric sharks and a giant mastodon through to life in the early 20th century. There is even an opportunity to meet the manatees as part of the museums conservation project.

10. The Fish Hole Minigolf
Test your golf skills and have a little friendly competition with your friends or family at The Fish Hole Minigolf! There are 18 holes to play through with water misters cooling you down along the way. If you can, try and spot the 50 different plant species around the course! There are two different courses you can visit, on Anna Maria Island and in east Bradenton at Lakewood Ranch.

Book your Bradenton Area holiday before 31st August 2019 to get 10% off your booking. Click herefor more details or call us on 020 8742 8299