THINGS TO DO IN BRADENTON
We are going to share some free popular and things to do in Bradenton, here are activities between going to the beaches and you could do one or all these activities. is there are free things you can do especially if you are visiting on a tight budget it can make your stay more
RIVERWALK
The area along the Manatee river has been transformed over the last 10 years, from an industrial area to an aesthetic welcoming residential area .
Activities
You can fish or play volleyball, in addition some may like the skateboard park there is exercise equipment or just taking a jog walk or bike ride this scenic area offers a multitude of choices.
Ferry
There is a new ferry that can take you to Anna Maria Island and back. a nice way to take a boat ride at a very affordable price.
Restaurants
There are several places to eat near by and bars in the downtown area such as Pier 22 or Oak and Barrel Mattison’s Riverwalk and for brunch you will love The Sage Biscuit Cafe.
Farmers Market
The Farmers market runs from October to May every Saturday from 9 am to 2 Pm and offers all types of vendors as well as entertainers. There is a mini farmers market that runs during the summer.
2- Anna Maria Island
** How to get there**
In essence a free and popular thing to do in Bradenton is to go out to Anna Maria Island you can get there by car or bus or take the new ferry from downtown Bradenton.
* Beaches *
You can start at Manatee Beach or Coquina Beach where there is a lot more free parking there are play grounds, volleyball courts. Additionally you have several nature trails like Lefferts Key. View magnificent sunsets or enjoy the all you can eat pancakes at the Anna Maria Island Cafe.
* Free Trolley*
On the island there is a free trolley to take you there you can dolphins off the Bridge St pier on the north end you have 2 more piers to walk out on and enjoy the fresh air You will have a great time on Anna Maria Island.
* 3 Piers *
Two of the piers are on the north end of the island. Pine Ave pier where you can see the Skyway bridge. There’s a small beach near the pier. Also Rod N Reel pier which is a little further down the road, and both are great for fishing.
*Bridge Street*
On the other hand a third pier is on Bridge Street. Right behind Anna Maria Oyster bar restaurant. In the afternoon for example I have spotted several dolphins playing on a number of occasions. There is a swing bench at the end of the piers and quite a few birds waiting for food.
3- Robinson Preserve
The Tower at Robinson Preserve
Another free and popular thing to do in Bradenton is visit this wonderful preserve in the northwest corner of Bradenton.
They have a wonderful play area with canopy a playground built around trees. It’s one of the best playgrounds for things to do in Bradenton
* Activities*
Just a wonderful place for a child to play in a natural setting. With climbing areas and slides and experiencing nature up close.
* Trails *
You can walk the trails to the tower with amazing views of the bay and the Skyway bridge. Afterwards you can fish off some of the bridges. Make sure you bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated in the Florida heat.
*Kayak*
You can kayak the local waterways. For example you can bring your own kayak or arrange to rent one. There are many waterways for you to kayak to the bay or on water paths in the preserve.
* The Tower *
Off the 17th Ave NW entrance their is a tower with views of the bay. Likewise out to the Skyway bridge. Meanwhile you may see the family of eagles that call Robinson Preserve home. So for example you could see the many waterways from the top of the tower.
4- Manatee Historic Village
* To see *
You can visit this Manatee historic village. In the same way see how people such lived along the gulf coast of Florida over a 100 years ago. From their homes to old school houses to the church they attended. Visiting makes you appreciate early Florida life.
* Old schoolhouse*
Children can sit and pretend to learn in a one room school house. In addition also visit a real general store and buy things like they did over a century ago. In the same way as a child of a settler on the Gulf coast.
* Steam Engine * Likewise family has always loved the big steam engine. Moreover checking out the way they made things years ago. My family found during our trip to the Manatee Historical Village a fun and enriching learning experience. Subsequently have revisited the Manatee Historic village several times.
5- Desoto Memorial National Park
* Location*
