FLORIDA PLACES AND DESTINATIONS:
BRADENTON

Bradenton, Florida


Historic landmarks, breathtaking views of the Manatee River, and a wide variety of pleasing accommodations and restaurants, museums and beaches provide one-of-a-kind vacations in Bradenton for every kind of visitor.

For beach lovers, for example, there is everything from total seclusion to beaches with tons of amenities.

A simple stroll along the shore provides more than spectacular views. A careful eye is rewarded with such natural treasures such as the horse conch (Florida State Shell), Calico Scallop, Lightning Whelk, Rock Snail, Keyhole Limpet and other seashells.

Nature lovers are smitten with Emerson Point Conservation Reserve, a 200-acre state park. Crisscrossed with winding trails and wooden boardwalks, allows visitors to take in the landscape at their own pace. Bird watchers should keep an eye out for ibis, snowy egret, sanderling sandpipers, brown pelicans and flamingoes.




Lake Manatee State Park In Bradenton is another pristine park with a recreation showcase of more than 556 acres extending along the natural beauty of Lake Manatee. Coquina Baywalk at Leffis Key is yet another natural wonder, where footbridges and boardwalks allow visitors to explore shallow tidal lagoons. The Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site leads would-be archaeologists to a flat-topped temple or ceremonial ground, composed of sand, shell and village debris.

To see the oldest manatee living happily in captivity, swing by the South Florida Museum/Mary Louise Parker Manatee Aquarium in Bradenton and visit Snooty™.

For the sports minded, fostering the likes of tennis greats Maria Sharapova, Monica Seles and Andre Agassi, IMG’s Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton is a magnet for tennis enthusiasts.

The academy boasts 10 clay, 35 hard, and six indoor courts onsite, with an additional 21 courts at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Centre. Visitors are welcome to play at the academy for a day, a week, or by the month. IMG Academies also include soccer, baseball, and basketball academies, as well as the International Performance Institute.

History buffs enjoy the Desoto National Memorial which commemorates Hernando Desoto’s historic landing in Florida and the major significance his expedition holds to the history of North America.

At the Family Heritage House, visitors can get a unique glimpse into the significant influence of the area’s rich African American heritage. The site includes a gallery and resource center for the study of African-American achievements.

At the Manatee Village Historic Park in Bradenton visitors will find nine restored buildings from the county’s pioneer ere (1860 – 1918) including a general store, church, courthouse, and school.

Bradenton is also home to the Village of the Arts, a delightfully quirky section of town where a growing collection of bungalows have been converted to art galleries. The downtown area features antique shops, restaurants and a waterfront district with walking paths and amphitheater.

 



Photo: Visit Florida