Have you ever made a list of things to do in Bradenton? If you haven’t, you should. You’ll find a surprising number of really unique, interesting and fun places.
What the heck — allow me to do it for you.
First on the list: Get outside! Fishing is world class. You can fish from a boat, a kayak or shore. There are piers that actually attract fish. If you live here and have not gotten on the water in some way, you’re missing half of the beauty and wonder of this city.
Birding is phenomenal with a host of water birds that are spectacular visions. Great majestic eagles soar over our heads. Roseate spoonbills flash their brilliant pink plumage.
Golf and tennis can be played 365 days a year in this gorgeous subtropical climate. Public and private tennis and golf are easy to access.
So, outdoors is not your thing? How about visiting one of the most unique museums in the state, right in downtown Bradenton? The South Florida Museum offers a stalwart collection of Florida artifacts, and the adjacent Bishop Planetarium offers a variety of mind-expanding shows in a sensory-filled experience you won’t soon forget.
Also located in downtown Bradenton is the Manatee Players, presenting a full season of award-winning theater. You may be able to find better theater, but New York is a long way to travel when you can get a stellar performance right here.
On the way to the Players, you can stop by the Art Center Manatee. At any given time the center displays fine art from top artists in the community and often host highly revered traveling exhibits.
While we are on the arts, The Village of the Arts offers block after city block of some of the best artistic offerings on the west coast of Florida and beyond. Galleries teeming with beautiful and compelling artwork line the quaint streets of the Village.
Fine dining or just plain old good food can be found everywhere. I won’t list them because I will forget someone, but I find no problem entertaining out-of-town friends at Bradenton restaurants.
This is just a sampling of the many things you can do in Bradenton. But the real joy of the friendly city is the people who live here.
There is something very special about the people who choose Bradenton.
In my 30 years of living here, I have never met anyone who “wanted” to leave this beautiful place on the Manatee River.
If you see the singing river in the moonlight, you will always return to Bradenton.
Email Story
Printer Friendly 
Quick Job Search
@Nyx.replyAnswerText@