What is there to do this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some options around Bradenton

As local and statewide COVID-19-related restrictions continue to be eased, there is more to do outside of home than there has been in months.

Here’s a guide to what is open this Memorial Day weekend around Bradenton and Manatee County.

Before you head out, brush up on the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which include maintaining at least six feet of social distance, wearing a cloth face covering while near others in public and staying home if you are sick.

Beaches

Public beaches on Anna Maria Island have been reopened to the public, and there are no longer time limits on parking in county-operated lots. But be careful where you leave your car. Street parking on many city roads on Anna Maria Island is still prohibited.

Beachgoers are expected to observe social distancing guidelines, according to the county, and Manatee Sheriff’s Office will patrol the sands to enforce crowd control.

Bayfront Park in Anna Maria was one of the latest waterside spots to reopen on Anna Maria Island. Leffis Key and Greer Island (a.k.a. Beer Can Island) remain closed.

Parks

All Manatee County parks and preserves are currently open to the public with the exception of Leffis Key, Portosueno, Rose and Sunny Shores parks, according to the parks department.

While public playgrounds, pools, athletic fields and courts remain closed, there are still plenty of ways to get some fresh air and sunshine while social distancing, such as a hike, run or bike ride.

County dog parks are also open.

Florida State Parks, including Myakka River State Park, have reopened to the public for leisure and camping by reservation, though some amenities remain closed or limited.

Parking and trails at DeSoto National Memorial, 8300 Desoto Memorial Highway, Bradenton, remain open, but the visitors center is closed.

The grounds at Palma Sola Botanical Park, 9800 17th Ave. N.W., Bradenton, are open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk.

Boat ramps

County-operated boat ramps are open for boaters and trailers, as are canoe and kayak launches.

Kayak, watersports and beach horseback ride rental services have also resumed.

Restaurants

Many local restaurants have reopened for dine-in service, some with expanded patio seating for those who would rather sit in the open air.

Lakewood Ranch Main Street is closed to vehicle traffic so that the restaurants along the thoroughfare can make use of the extra street space.

Takeout, delivery and curbside pickup are also available at many local restaurants.

Check out the Bradenton Herald’s list of local dining options here.