Having Fun in Manatee County,
Bradenton - Sarasota, Florida
Trying to come up with a list of FUN things to do in our area is quite a challenge because the area has so much to offer. From beaches and fishing to museums and the ballet, our Bradenton - Sarasota area has it all. What we don't have is only a few miles away in Tampa, St. Pete, or Orlando.
Manatee County Beaches
Longboat Key Accesses
For informations, contact City of Longboat Key Public Works Department at 941/316-1966.
Beer Can Island 
Located North Shore Road, off Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key. For more informations, contact City of Longboat Key Public Works Department at 941/316-1966.
Coquina Beach 
Located at the south end of Anna Maria Island, off Gulf Drive(State Route 789). Concessions, lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables and showers are available. For more information, contact Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department at 941/742-5923.
Cortez Beach 
Located between 5th and 13th Streets, off Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. Lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables and showers are available. For more information, contact Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department at 941/742-5923.
Palma Sola Causeway 
Located along both sides and at both ends of the Palma Sola Causeway. Restrooms and picnic tables are available. For more information, contact Manatee County Parks and Recreation Department at 941/742-5923.
Attractions
Mote Marine Aquarium
Explore the secrets of the sea with touch pools, shark, dolphin, manatee and sea turtle exhibits and over 100 other species of marine life. Viewable working labs and high-tech interactive exhibits showcase the world-renowned research of Mote Marine Laboratory.
South Florida Museum and Bishop Planetarium
This is the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida's Gulf Coast! The Planetarium is a state-of-the-science, all digital full dome planetarium/theater. Features astronomy presentations, sound and light shows and wide-screen large format programming.The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Florida
A not-for-profit institution fostering understanding and appreciation of tropical plants, especially epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants), through programs of research, conservation, education and display. Selby Gardens is perhaps best known for its living collection of more than 6,000 orchids.
Golf
Golfers love Manatee County with over 35 courses and more on the way. It's is a real challenge to provide info on all the coursese but here are a couple of helpful links: Golfable.com and The Golf Course Guide and Locator.
Arts
The Manatee Players Club Located in downtown Bradenton
brings lived theater to the people. Their mission: "To represent, enrich, influence and stimulate people through the art of live theater by providing entertainment, education and an artistic outlet. The Manatee Players serve as a resource for the community and strive to create a positive experience."
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art 
.Recognized as the official State Art Museum of Florida, the Museum of Art offers 21 galleries of European paintings as well as Cypriot antiquities, Asian Art, American paintings, and contemporary art.
Baseball
McKechnie Field
McKechnie Field is where the Pittsburgh Pirates hold their spring training. McKechnie Field -- which is named after Pittsburgh native, former Bradenton resident and Hall of Fame manager Bill McKechnie -- was originally built in 1923 and was renovated to become one of baseball's finest facilities between 1991-93. Events
Taste of Manatee
Florida’s food festivals combine the excitement of celebrations with the fresh taste of local foods. The Taste of Manatee is an annual tradition showcasing local restaurants, great food, artists, bands, and more. This event is held in downtown Bradenton every November. Click the link to see photos I took this year.
Bottle Boat Regatta
Thousands of plastic bottles and only paddles to row with…the perfect mix for teams to compete against each other for fun and prizes. It's all part of Manatee Heritage Days once a year. This event is held at Palma Sola Causeway!
Christmas Boat Parade
Every year the Christmas Boat Parads is held on the Mantee River between Bradenton and Palmetto. Over 25 boats participate in this festive event.
Parks
Myakka River State Park
One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the state´s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway.
Sarasota Bayfront Park
Sarasota Bayfront Park is located in downtown Sarasota, Florida along Sarasota Bay. You can find the park by taking U.S. 41 to the downtown area. Marina Jack's restaurant is located next to the park as well as the marina. You can rent a boat or a jet ski. You can take a sunset cruise or a dolphin watching cruise. The park itself has a beatiful sidewalk path taking you around the small island and giving you breathtaking views. (Continue reading and see more photos)
DeSoto National Memorial
De Soto National Memorial is located at the northern end of 75th Street North West in Bradenton, Florida. Living History programs are demonstrated by costumed rangers and volunteers. Demonstrations of period weapons, blacksmithing, cooking, and a variety of other activities are showcased. You can take a beautiful walk on the nature trail which gives you beautiful views of the Manatee River as well as natural flora.
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park is a short drive across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to Pinellas County. We had a great day at the park that ended with lunch at Gators at John's Pass at Madiera Beach. Take a look at the photos of our enjoyable day.
Authentic Tour Stops
Here are some of our local gems, sometimes overlooked, but worth a visit, for sure.
Manatee Village Historical Park
Located at 1404 Mantee Ave. East. Here you can tour a genuine Cracker farmhouse, built in 1912; the first Manatee County Courthouse, circa 1860; the Wiggins General Store (1903); the Fogarty Boat Works, filled with old tools and belt-driven machinery; a smokehouse, church and more. FREE.
Linger Lodge
Linger Lodge calls itself the strangest R.V. resort you will ever visit. From the alligator heads nailed to the walls to the gator bites on the menu this is a must visit Florida restaurant. You may see plenty of wildlife as you stroll the board walk along the Braden River. What you don't see is probably on the restaurant wall along with snakes, deer, and other critters. It's located on Linger Lodge Road near I-75 and State Road 70. (941) 755- 2757.Emerson Point
This is the place to soak up the best of Florida wildlife and native plants. You can explore historic sites in this 365 acre preserve at the west end of Snead Island, west of Palmetto. There are paved paths perfect for biking and a wooden tower for views of the Skyway bridge and beyond. History comes alive at this 1,200 year old Indian village that contains the largest remaining Indian Mound on Florida's west coast. Visitors can explore the temple mound and surrounding middens that were home to native Indian tribes.
Mixon Fruit Farms
When many people think of Florida, they think citrus. Mixon Fruit Farms has gvoes of oranges and grapefruits and tours aboard a tram. It also stops by a wildlife preserve for rescured animals. For details and directions call (941) 748-5829.
Cortez Fishing Village
What's more Florida than fisthing? The Cortex Fishing Village was founded in the 1880's and is listed on the nationl Register of Historic Places. Here you can buy fresh seafood at the Starfish Company or Cortez Kitchen a classic market and restaurant. You can also take an eco tour into Sarasota bay. You will also see the Cortez Schoolhouse, which dates back to 1912.