16 Things to Do in Bradenton, FL This Weekend

On the west coast of Florida, just below Tampa, sits the beautiful city of Bradenton. Located right on the Manatee River, most folks who live here describe Bradenton as a veritable paradise. There are so many things to do in Bradenton, you’ll never, ever get bored. That goes double for fans of fishing, surfing, and long walks on the beach. If that’s you, you’ll be in heaven here year-round, guaranteed! Among the Pros & Cons of Brandenton, the list of amenities and activities are definitely a pro.

Bradenton boasts over 300 days of sunshine and plenty of parks and beaches that seem to stretch on forever. If you’re contemplating a move to our lovely, lively city, we think you’ll be very pleased with what’s in store. To that end, we’ve put together a list of 16 Things to Do In Bradenton just for you! We’re sure that, when you’re done, you’ll start packing your bags and reserving that moving truck! Enjoy!

1: Emerson Point Preserve in Bradenton

With a huge variety of nature trails that are open to both hikers and bikers, Emerson Point Preserve is a real find. Winding through nearly 400 acres at the mouth of the Manatee River it boasts a huge variety of plants and animals. There are many Native American archaeological sites here as well, including the famous Temple Mounds. We suggest visiting in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy nature at its very best.

2: Sarasota Farmers Market in Sarasota

Just down the road from Bradenton is Sarasota and the fabulous Sarasota Farmers Market. If you’re searching for things to do in Bradenton this weekend, here’s one of the best! Open year-round on Saturdays from 7:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon, this is one huge outdoor market! You’ll find local foods, crafts, and art here, as well as a variety of very interesting and creative people. You simply haven’t lived until you’ve tried some local Florida honey and tangy salsa!

3: Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Bradenton

The Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium has one primary goal; to protect and preserve the oceans. Through scientific studies and outreach programs, they do just that and their aquarium is simply amazing. A good suggestion is to call ahead to find out which programs are available, and when, to the general public.

4: Riverwalk in Bradenton

Once you’ve been to Riverwalk you’ll understand why it’s the most popular attraction in all of Bradenton. It’s simply lovely and offers some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ve ever seen. Also, there’s plenty of shops and eateries along the way and playgrounds for the kids too. There is even an amphitheater and a skate park as well as volleyball courts! Even better, everything is wheelchair accessible. Riverwalk alone is a great reason to live in Bradenton.

5: Florida Railroad Museum

For as long as people have been living in Florida they’ve been producing vast amounts of agricultural products here. To ship them to the rest of the United States, many a railroad line was born. Try the Florida Railroad Museum for all your railroad fun facts. For railroad enthusiasts, the best part is that there’s now an official tour by train every Sunday! Never has a history lesson been so exhilarating and fun! We think this is one of the coolest things to do in Bradenton!

6: Village of the Arts in Bradenton

If you’re a bohemian at heart, Village of The Arts is a must-see! Sprawling over 30 acres you’ll find renovated cottages from the 1920s and 1930s where local artists perfect their craft. Interspersed among their studios are a wide variety of restaurants and coffee shops where you can relax and sip a latte. But do bring your wallet because you’re bound to find something unique and interesting.

7: Little Manatee River State Park Near the Manatee River

Little Manatee River State Park opened in the 1960s. If the thought of seeing gators, snakes, and predatory birds send a chill of excitement, this is the place for you! It’s a combination of pine forest, wetlands, and simply amazing flora and fauna. This is one of the most interesting things to do around Sarasota, Bradenton, FL. Whatever you do, do not forget your camera when you come to visit!

8: Florida Maritime Museum in Bradenton

Did you know that Florida has more coastline than almost every other state in the United States? It’s true, and to showcase Florida’s amazing maritime history a 100-year-old schoolhouse became The Florida Maritime Museum. Stretching back to a time before Florida was even a state, you’ll find many exciting exhibits here. That includes logs from old ships, navigational equipment, and plenty of historical memorabilia.

9: The Ringling in Bradenton

Once the world’s premier circus, Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey Circus are no more. But, if you want to see its fascinating history, The Ringling is your destination of choice. The truth is, for hundreds of years the circus was one of the most fascinating forms of entertainment. In fact, in many places, it was the only entertainment and a rare treat indeed. You might not be able to run off and join the circus anymore, it’s true. But if the child in you ever wanted to, The Ringling will be a real treat.

Ringling Museum front of building

10: Palma Sola Botanical Park in Bradenton

Featuring over 10 acres of cultivated gardens, Palma Sola Botanical Park is simply breathtaking. You’ll find literally hundreds of species of plants, trees, and flowers here, as well as enchanting bridges and picnic areas. If life is stressing you out, this is a wonderful place to destress and relax your mind. Do not miss the butterfly garden if de-stressing is your goal.

11: Rosa Fiorelli Winery & Vineyard

If wine is your “thing”, you won’t want to miss the only grape winery and vineyard on the entire Gulf Coast. With special events, private tours, and a wonderful assortment of whites and reds, Rosa Fiorelli Winery and Vineyard is a tasty place indeed. We highly suggest you check out their website before visiting because they’ve always got something fun and exciting going on.

If you’re a wine collector, check out HideAway storage for all your temperature-controlled wine-collecting needs! We have storage facilities all over the Bradenton, Tampa, and Sarasota metro area. All of them are clean, safe, and secure, with 24/7 video security and large, keypad-controlled front gates.

12: Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton

With live music and events happening all the time, Motorworks Brewing doesn’t feel like a brewery. It feels more like a party with hundreds of your best friends! With over 30 craft brews on tap, you’ll have plenty of suds to choose from. One thing to keep in mind is that Motorworks Brewing doesn’t have its own restaurant. However, local food trucks are usually in abundance. Looking for things to do in Bradenton at night? Don’t miss movie night out on the deck on their 22-foot projection screen!

13: Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Sarasota

Whether you’re young or young at heart the world’s first indoor trampoline park is for you. Sky Zone Trampoline Park offers something for everyone. That includes people looking to get fit as they offer several fun fitness activities. This is one of the top family things to do in Bradenton, Florida. It’s the place to go if you’ve got kids with too much energy!

14: Happy Trails Canine Park

If you’ve got a furry friend in the family, Happy Trails Canine Park is a fur-fabulous destination. They offer a full 3 acres for your fluffy buddy to frolic and play. They also have a fenced area that’s exclusive for older dogs and plenty of doggy drinking fountains. Also, if you need any bags for your pet’s poo, they have plenty available for free. While Fido romps you can relax and read a book!

15: Pinot Picasso in Bradenton

Question; what goes better with learning how to paint then a nice bottle of red or white wine? Answer; nothing at all. Pinot Picasso is an interactive art studio where you’ll be able to learn how do you express yourself through paint. Alone or with a group of friends, you can also enjoy delicious appetizers while you’re dabbing your brush, stroking your ego, and sipping some adult grape juice.

16: Bradenton’s Beaches 

We would be highly remiss if we didn’t mention at least one of the lovely beaches here in Bradenton. Instead, we’ll mention all of them including Bradenton Beach, Manatee Beach, Beer Can Island Beach, and Coquina Beach Gulf Side. With pearly-white, soft sand, and the intoxicating aroma of the sea, Bradenton’s beaches are one of the best reasons to live here.

Brought to You By HideAway Self Storage

We hope this article brought you some fun ideas for things to do in Bradenton. If you’re just moving here, welcome! We know you’ll find a neighborhood in Bradenton to suit your needs. If you already live here and find yourself bursting out of your home, consider renting a storage unit from us in Bradenton, FL. You can store practically anything here, including boats and RVs. If you’re not sure, give us a call or chat with one of our friendly managers online right now.

No matter what you decide to do, we’re glad you’re here in Bradenton. Welcome to your new home! We’re sure you’re going to love living here because we do too!

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