8 Bradenton attractions win ‘Travelers’ Choice’ award from Tripadvisor
Eight places in Bradenton have earned Tripadvisor’s second-highest honor, the 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award, placing them in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
Over the past year, travelers have enjoyed the Bradenton tourism scene, partaking in everything the city has to offer from beach horse rides to escape rooms.
While on their journey of the Suncoast they left reviews and raved about the best things to do in Manatee County, which helped Tripadvisor decide on its winners.
Travelers’ Choice winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveler reviews and ratings posted on the platform, and an editorial process.
Below is a list of 2022 Travelers’ Choice Award winners in the “things to do” category for the Bradenton area.
1. Robinson Nature Preserve
The preserve offers visitors many unique experiences, including hiking paths, kayaking and canoeing through local waterways, wildlife, picnic spots, mangrove forests and a 53-foot-tall tower with a “stunning” view of Tampa Bay.
Several reviewers wrote how the preserve is a “hidden gem” and described it as a peaceful place where one could spend hours exploring, mesmerized by gorgeous vistas.
2. De Soto National Memorial
Learn Florida’s history and the significant role Bradenton played in it while at the De Soto National Memorial. You can even bring your pup along, too.
3. Coastline Dolphin & Snorkeling Excursions
Cruise and explore the waters around Anna Maria Island aboard a 23-foot Boston Whaler center-console boat with Captain Kasey or Captain John. Snorkel, watch dolphins and explore different islands along Florida’s southwest coastline
”Definitely worth the money!” is what travelers say.
4. Intense Escape
Dubbed one of Florida’s most thrilling escape rooms. Intense Escape is a family-owned business on Manatee Avenue that has over 1,000 5-star reviews between Google and Tripadvisor.
Intense doesn’t just challenge its guest with puzzles, it adds a sense of fear to the experience that reviewers say makes it that much better. One review read, “Highly recommend! Did the Basement Escape room for my mother’s birthday. We were scared, screaming, and laughing the whole time.”
5 & 6. Florida Beach Horses and C Ponies Beach Horseback rides
Have you ever gone horse water surfing? It’s one of the reasons Trippers enjoy horseback riding with Florida Beach Horses out at Palma Sola Bay. Many of the reviewers called the experience ”amazing.”
C Ponies also is where travelers go to check off “ride a horse in the bay ” from their bucket list while in Bradenton.
It’s described as a once in a lifetime experience by many reviewers, who saddle up on horseback and swim through Palma Sola Bay with the animals.
7. Spa NorthWest
When in need of relaxation, locals and travelers’ first choice is Spa NorthWest .
The spa offers massage therapy and day spa services, including facials and body treatments. Reviewers highly recommend getting a deep tissue massage and taking a yoga class.
8. Full Boat Charters
A two-word phrase echoed when guests described their experience with Full Board Charters: “Great fishing.”
Captain Brook Wallace has been guiding fishing trips and scenic boat tours in Bradenton for 17 years. He takes families and kids fishing aboard his 31-foot Pursuit boat and leads them right to the catch of the day.
One reviewer said, “Never had a quiet moment - we were pulling in trout nonstop!!”
