Top 17 Things To Do In Bradenton Beach, Florida

things to do in bradenton beach florida
Anupama
Anupama 
Updated
| 7 min read

Florida’s Bradenton Beach is a beautiful city and an amazing tourist spot for spending a relaxing vacation throughout the year. Being a city in Manatee County, this place boasts tropical climate and sunshine throughout the year. Located on the Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach is the center for boating enthusiasts, nature-lovers and beach-goers. History lovers can pay a visit to the Manatee Village Historical Park, where they can explore the venue featuring many artifacts and photographs of the Manatee County region. Travelers can also have a look at the prehistoric collections, ecological exhibits, historical artifacts, and fossils of mammals in the South Florida Museum. Families with children can unwind at the Palma Solo Botanical Park, amidst the lakes and the gardens filled with trees, palms and subtropical plants. Tourists can relax and unwind on the pristine beaches, or visit the shops and restaurants lining the streets. Book the best Vrbo vacation rentals for your trip and Have a look at some exciting and fun things to do in Bradenton Beach, Florida.

1. Relax on the white sugar sands of Bradenton Beach

Bradenton Beach FL Regina site02
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ebyabe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located only a few miles away from Sarasota and Bradenton, this beach is the ideal spot for beach lovers. Featuring fishing piers, a quaint strip of shops, restaurants, and family-owned businesses, tourists can relax and rejuvenate over this beach in Bradenton, Florida. Plan a picnic with family on the beaches, where you can doze or bask in the sun. Kids can enjoy swimming and build sand castles on the beach!

Visited this place?

2. Speed about on a Segway with Segs by the Sea

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Got a large group? We've got enough Segways for everybody! Learn more about our group tours at https://www.segsbythesea.com/group-tours/ or contact us at 941-209-5970 for more info.

Posted by Segs By The Sea on Sunday, July 29, 2018

Cruise through the coastal communities with Segs by the Sea. Take a tour of the Longboat Key Bridge and the Coquina Trail, where you can admire the stunning sunsets and the mesmerizing picturesque landscape. Climb on the self-balancing transportation device and discover something new while you pass by amazing gulf water views, wildlife, elegant vacation homes, beachfront inns, fishing piers, museums, restaurants, and quaint shops.

Segs By The Sea

Address: 102 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Segs By The Sea

Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (daily)

Visited this place?

3. Snack on seafood at the ocean-side Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Head to The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar, which is a lively American bar and eatery. Established in 1989, this lively place serves fresh seafood, great appetizers, and some of the best entrees, munchies, and sandwiches. Being a popular eatery, tourists, as well as locals come by to dig into the amazing fare offered at Bridge Tender Inn. Unfold a true hidden treasure on the dockside and enjoy occasional live music while downing some drinks.

The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar

Address: 135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar

Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 11am – 12am; Fri – Sat: 11am – 1am

Visited this place?

4. Pamper yourself with a massage on the beach at Sea-renity Beach Spa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Always mindful of balance and wellness, we're passionate about using our services to help clients look and feel their best.

Posted by Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki on Wednesday, April 18, 2018

Pamper yourself with an authentic island-style relaxation and stress relief at Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki. Boasting a truly serene ambiance, this spa welcomes locals, snowbirds, day-trippers, and visitors for professional skin care and massage therapy. With a variety of massage techniques and modalities, this Bradenton Beach activity uses a Swedish foundation and a special bodywork blend to achieve the pressure and results you want. Apart from that, tourists can also browse through jewelry, all-cotton clothing, wellness items, and gulf-inspired gifts in the Bou-tiki shop.

Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki

Address: 112 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Sea-renity Beach Spa & Bou-tiki

Opening hours: 8am – 8pm (daily)

Visited this place?

5. Indulge in tropical-flavored ice cream at Island Scoops

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Finally the weekend on Ami Come in and treat yourself with a custom sundae or share with a beach buddy!!

Posted by Island Scoops AMI on Saturday, July 16, 2022

Satiate your sweet tooth at Island Scoops where you can find various interesting items like Big Olaf and Lickity Splits Ice Cream, Gourmet Sodas, Candy, Hometown Desserts, and Caribbean Pie Company Bakery products. Try the Big Olaf Ice Creams which are hand-mixed by local Amish craftsmen and churned in batch freezers. Or, you can taste the Lickity Splits Ice Cream and Mateo’s Italian Ices, which are naturally made from local ingredients. Take your children along so that they can order their favorite scoops in a cone or a dish.

Island Scoops

Address: 103B Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Island Scoops

Opening hours: 12pm – 10pm (daily)

Visited this place?

6. Get a hearty country breakfast at the Gulf Drive Cafe

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Our Belgium waffles are made with the same secret homemade batter we used 20 years ago - turning out light, fluffy and...

Posted by Gulf Drive Cafe & The Kokonut Hut on Wednesday, April 19, 2017

If you are looking for a casual eatery which offers both indoor and outdoor seating, Gulf Drive Cafe would be the right place to crash. Serving breakfast and Florida seafood, tourists or locals can head to this beachfront joint offering turquoise-emerald views of the Gulf of Mexico. Established in 1981, this restaurant and bar overlooks the waterfront. Relish the shimmering Gulf and multi-colored sunset backdrop while trying their specialties and cocktails.

Gulf Drive Cafe

Address: 900 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Gulf Drive Cafe

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 9pm; Fri - Sun: 7am - 9:30pm

Visited this place?

7. Fish offshore with Snapper Addict Fishing Charter

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Monster #snapper on this trip today. Season is just about over. These boys from #Ocala got some nice ones and had some...

Posted by Snapper Addict Fishing Charter on Thursday, August 11, 2022

Snapper Addict Fishing Charter is an ideal experience for adventure lovers as they can go fishing with a group of friends and family on a fun afternoon. From a first-time fisherman to a seasoned angler, this company customizes the perfect trip according to your abilities. Expect a smooth ride with twin Chevy 350 inboards as you chase the monsters, and enjoy fishing 360 degrees around the boat. Relax under the shaded seating area or take a nap in the cabin until you are called to get ready for the next big catch.

Snapper Addict Fishing Charter

Address: 2504 88th St Ct NW, Bradenton, FL 34209

Website: Snapper Addict Fishing Charter

Visited this place?

8. Jet ski across the Gulf of Mexico with Coastal Watersports

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Learn to sail! The wind is free.

Posted by Coastal Watersports on Thursday, March 6, 2014

A family-owned and operated recreational water sports facility, Coastal Watersports is ​located directly on the Gulf Coast beaches of Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, Florida. Tourists can rent the Yamaha VX110 Wave runners and enjoy jet skiing across the Gulf of Mexico. Apart from that, surf the waves on paddle boards or just paddle around to view the wildlife. You can just go sailing the open waters on a catamaran, or have fun kayaking with the manatees.

Coastal Watersports

Address: 1301 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Coastal Watersports

Opening hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm (daily)

Visited this place?

9. Take a dolphin-watching tour with Captain Fin's Sightseeing and Boat Tours

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Some terrific shots Jenn captured on the cruise today of her family Thank you for touring with us today and making us part of your plans.

Posted by Captain Fin's Sightseeing and Boat Tours on Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Captain Fin’s Sightseeing and Boat Tours offers various tours in the surrounding waters of Sarasota Bay. Dolphin tours are the most popular among tourists, as they can enjoy dolphin watching, bird watching, sandbar hop, and can also hunt shells while taking a tour of the intercoastal waterways of Anna Maria. Apart from that, visitors can opt for sunset cruises where they can watch the blue sky turn to beautiful shades of orange, red, violet, and purple as the sun descends into the water.

Captain Fin's Sightseeing and Boat Tours

Address: 1325 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Captain Fin’s Sightseeing and Boat Tours

Opening hours: 7am – 9pm (daily)

Visited this place?

10. Parasail above the waters with YOLO Adventures

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Happy Fri-YAY! The weekend is here! A perfect way to spend your vacation on AMI! Come parasailing with us today! You can...

Posted by YOLO Adventures on Friday, March 25, 2022

A parasailing and sightseeing company, YOLO Parasailing & Adventures offers activities seven days a week if the weather permits. Experience the thrill of a lifetime as you soar above the Anna Maria Island and Gulf Coast while parasailing. With gentle take-offs, water dips, and smooth landings, this Bradenton Beach attraction provides a fun and safe family activity for all ages, that you will remember for a lifetime.

YOLO Parasailing & Adventures

Address: 135 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: YOLO Parasailing & Adventures

Opening hours: 8am – 7pm (daily)

Visited this place?

11. Do yoga atop a paddle board with Salty Buddha Paddle & Yoga Co

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Make the most of your time on the water with Salty Buddha Paddle & Yoga Co, which offers custom paddle lessons and excursions. Tourists can enjoy stand-up yoga on a paddle board on the beautiful waters of Anna Maria Island. Climb on the paddle board, which will float on the water, and you can perform floating yoga poses. Immerse yourself completely in nature while connecting the body and mind in absolute harmony and peace.

Salty Buddha Paddle & Yoga Co

Address: 2219 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Salty Buddha Paddle & Yoga Co

Opening hours: 9am – 6pm (daily)

Visited this place?

12. Browse the quirky craft stores of Beach Market at Coquina Beach

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Shop with Custom Print Planet tomorrow 10-2 at the Beach Market at Coquina Beach. This is our last market of the season so do not miss it. Market information 941-518-4431

Posted by Markets By Nancy on Thursday, July 28, 2022

If you are looking for a place to browse the quirky craft stores, Beach Market at Coquina Beach would be the perfect place to visit. Lined with shops, eateries, and bars, you can find items from local artists, crafts and artworks, a huge jewelry collection, plants, pottery, apparel, purses, collectibles, and health and beauty items. Tourists can also pay a visit to the souvenir shops. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach after shopping and relax on the deck overlooking the Gulf at Coquina Cafe.

Beach Market at Coquina Beach

Address: 2650 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Beach Market at Coquina Beach

Opening hours: Wed, Sun: 10am – 4pm (closed from Mon - Tue & Thu - Sat)

Visited this place?

13. Golf among lush koi ponds at Fish Hole Miniature Golf

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by The Fish Hole - miniature golf on Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Plan a day out with family at this family-focused waterfront mini-golf hotspot, where you can come across unique attractions, a 3,000-gallon (11,356.2-liter) pond filled with koi fish and native Florida plants. With cooling mist devices and lush green landscapes, Fish Hole Miniature Golf attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year. Take the edge of the Florida sun around the misters, or try to identify the 50 species of plants occupying the grounds, or feed the fish and turtles in the pond.

The Fish Hole Miniature Golf

Address: 115 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: The Fish Hole Miniature Golf

Opening hours: 9am – 9:30pm (daily)

Visited this place?

14. Gorge on fresh oysters at the Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

We aren't called the 'Oyster Bar' for nothing! A recent Google reviewer shared this pic of our Oysters Rockefeller. What's your favorite oyster preparation?

Posted by Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier on Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Relish on fresh oysters at Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier, which is a casual and kid-friendly restaurant. Boasting funky nautical accents and outdoor seating on the water, tourists often head to this family-friendly ambiance and try on their award-winning seafood. From fresh seafood, lobster, crab, steaks, and chicken, to pasta dishes, hearty soups, fresh salads, and Gulf-fresh fish specials, this amazing destination offers great service at a great value.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier

Address: 200 Bridge St, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier

Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 11am – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm

Visited this place?

15. Hunt for ornamental shells at the One Stop Shell Shop

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Jewelry Boxes

Posted by One Stop Shell Shop on Friday, January 16, 2015

One Stop Shell Shop is a perfect souvenir shop to stop by on your trip to Bradenton Beach, as it sells clothing, jewelry items, and shot glasses. Hunt down the ornamental shells and the cheap bracelets made with embroidery floss and shell parts to buy them for friends and family back home. With homemade and authentic pieces of goods, this place allows tourists to browse through the store featuring a huge collection of shell art and souvenir items.

One Stop Shell Shop

Address: 101 Gulf Dr N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: [One Stop Shell Shop](https://one-stop-shell-shop.edan.io/

Opening hours: 9am – 10pm (daily)

Visited this place?

16. Go sea turtle watching with the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Seabird Monitoring

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

PLEASE keep your lights 'Sea Turtle Friendly" until Oct 31. Anna Maria Island still has hatchlings running from nests to...

Posted by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring, AMITW on Monday, October 9, 2017

Make a difference by adopting a sea turtle nest on the beach and watch them with the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Seabird Monitoring. Gather here with friends and family. The volunteers will take you walking on the beaches as they survey nesting turtles. Learn about the fun stories and take lots of videos and pictures during this 30-minute program. Tourists can also enjoy watching and feeding birds like Red Knots, Sandwich Terns, Royal Terns, Forester’s Tern, and Semipalmated Plovers as they come for resting on the shores.

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch

Address: 8605 Gulf Dr, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch

Visited this place?

17. Sip on handcrafted margaritas at the Wicked Cantina

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Do you our House Margs, Mexican Food, Burgers, Waterfront Dining, Happy Hour and more? Time to vote for your...

Posted by Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach on Friday, January 15, 2021

A modern and laid-back restaurant, Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach serves Mexican grub, beer, and margaritas. Offering homemade delicacies, tourists often head here to relish on their Austin style Tex-Mex, as well as tasty American classics along with handcrafted margaritas. From tacos, enchiladas, to fajitas and all-Angus burgers, this place offers an extensive selection of appetizers.

Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach

Address: 101 7th St N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217, USA

Website: Wicked Cantina Bradenton Beach

Opening hours: 7:30am – 10pm (daily)

Visited this place?

Enjoy a relaxing vacation in Bradenton Beach

With several historic buildings, coastal attractions along the Gulf and the downtown area featuring many cultural activities, Bradenton Beach attracts tourists from all around the globe. From Anna Maria Island Historical Museum, Artspace Studios and Gallery, to Anna Maria Accommodations and Beach Bums, Bradenton Beach has it all!

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Anupama Passary has contributed to various online publications, showcasing a particular fondness for all things tech and travel-related. She is also a chocoholic, stargazer, and dreamer....Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Bradenton Beach
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.