Things to do in Bradenton Florida
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or family vacation, there are plenty of things to do in Bradenton Florida. A city on the Manatee River, this Florida city is situated south of Tampa. Want to know where to go when visiting Bradenton? Read up on the best neighborhoods and top restaurants to visit!
Fill out this form, and get Your FREE Quote
Historic buildings
Located between Gainesville and Jacksonville, Florida, Bradford County is home to three National Register properties. These include the Old Bradford County Courthouse, the Call Street Historic District and the Eugene L. Mathews Historical Museum.
The Old Bradford County Courthouse is a Victorian building that was built in 1902 at a cost of $12,500. The structure has two dormers on the south side and a steep hipped roof. It is in good shape, though it needs some repairs. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 27, 1974.
The Call Street Historic District is comprised of a collection of twenty buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register. The district contains the Old Bradford County Courthouse, which is now the campus for Santa Fe Community College. Other historic buildings in the district include Madison Street, Cherry Street, and Temple Street.
The Bradford County Strawberry Festival takes place in April and features 150 vendors, live music and motorcycle-related games. There are also free activities for the kids. There are also several monuments to remember the county’s history.
The Old Bradford County Courthouse is one of the most ornate public buildings in the county. It has a central tower and intricate roof details. It also features round arched entrances on the east and west elevations.
Beaches
Located along the Lake Michigan Flyway, the beaches in Bradford, Florida offer visitors a chance to see more than 228 bird species. In 2009, Bradford Beach received Blue Wave certification from the Clean Beaches Council of Washington, D.C. It is home to a seasonal mobi mat and a permanent concrete ramp. The beach features volleyball leagues five days a week from May to August and a small-group private lessons program.
While Bradford Beach is a great place for summer fun, there is more to it than its beachfront attractions. The borough is home to an impressive collection of historic buildings. One such building is the Old Bradford County Courthouse, built in 1902 in red brick. It is the most ornate building in the county, and is now home to a branch of Santa Fe College.
In addition to the Old County Courthouse, the area is home to numerous other historic sites, including the Eugene L. Mathews Historical Museum, which showcases the history of the county. The area is also home to many grand old homes. Many of the homes on Walnut Street are Victorian, Queen Anne, and Arts & Crafts in style.
Other fun activities in the area include the Bradford Sportsmen’s Farm, which is a 200-acre facility that hosts shooting competitions and courses in every shooting discipline. The farm also has a fully automated sporting clay course and a 25-yard pistol range.
Watersports
Whether you are looking for a shady spot to tan, a serene spot for fishing, or a quaint little town to explore, you are sure to find it in Bradford County, Florida. From its sparkling lakes to its well-managed wildlife areas, this is a land of no shortage of options. You can even take advantage of its proximity to the big city by staying in one of its many hotels or bed and breakfasts.
The most interesting part of the city is the Old Bradford County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1902 with limestone trim. The building is now home to the branch of Santa Fe College. It is also one of the county’s most attractive features, especially in the summer.
The county also has a number of lakes, including the Santa Fe Lake, which is the largest in the county. This lake is linked to Crosby Lake and Sampson Lake by a canal. Both of these lakes are excellent for fishing.
In addition to its enticing lakes, Bradford County is home to the Florida International Rally and Motorsports Park, which features a European-style rally and road racing driver training facility. This is the county’s most well-known feature, but it is not the only one.
Breweries
Whether you are planning a weekend jaunt in the southeastern United States or are simply on the hunt for a new or improved digs, you’ll want to take advantage of the perks of a state with a temperate climate. A short drive to Jacksonville, or a short jaunt to the greater Gainesville area, will put you in the thick of it all. Fortunately for you, you’ll find an assortment of breweries in Bradford, Florida to keep you hydrated and entertained.
The triumvirate of breweries in Bradford, Florida is as varied as the towns and villages that make up this quaint county. You’ll find breweries on the fringes of the main highway, or if you’re in the mood for a bit of road tripping, a few breweries in the heart of the county. Luckily for you, there are plenty of other things to do in this small corner of Florida. The most obvious is to explore your own backyard, but there are plenty of other things to see and do besides the usual suspects. Besides beer, you can try your hand at fishing, kayaking, or a round of golf. There’s also a myriad of museums, cultural attractions, and restaurants to choose from.
Manatee rehabilitation center
Founded in 2001, the Manatee Rehabilitation and Recovery Partnership (MRRP) is an organization of like-minded organizations that have a combined interest in the conservation of manatees. The group is comprised of the state of Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the University of Florida Aquatic Animal Health Program, the Jacksonville Zoo, and the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat.
The Florida Manatee is one of Florida’s iconic species. This marine mammal can reach heights of more than 14 feet and weighs in at well over 3,000 pounds. These majestic creatures are most often found in coastal waters and are frequently caught in fishing nets. These slow-moving creatures often require a bit of extra help in achieving their full potential. The Florida Manatee Oceanaria Reimbursement Assistance Program provides state funds for federally permitted facilities that treat manatees.
The Manatee Museum at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Jacksonville, Florida is an example of a state park dedicated to the conservation of manatees. The facility is not only home to a number of manatees, but also sea turtles and other marine animals. The state park offers guided tours, and is open to the public.
The Manatee Museum’s signature exhibit is the Manatee Library, which features a collection of information on manatees and manatee rescue. A number of other organizations are involved in manatee rescue and rehabilitation, including Save the Manatee Club, the Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, the Dolphin Research Center, and the Miami Seaquarium.
Village of the Arts
Located in Bradenton, Florida, the Village of the Arts is a community of artists, galleries, and workshops. It’s home to the Artists Guild of Manatee, a non-profit organization that promotes the arts and works to enhance the quality of life in the community. Founded in 1999, the Artists Guild of Manatee is made up of the residents of the Village and local business owners.
Originally, the Village of the Arts consisted of several 1920s style cottages. Over time, the houses were transformed into studios and workshops. Today, there are over 200 homes in the Village of the Arts. The houses have been painted in colorful hues. Some of the houses are still occupied by artists. The Artists Guild of Manatee has worked hard to make the Village of the Arts a successful community.
Village of the Arts features several restaurants and shops. There’s also a mystical store called Village Mystic that sells holistic metaphysical items and oracle decks. It also offers spiritual classes. It also features live music.
There is a well-loved restaurant in the Village of the Arts called Birdrock Taco Shack. The food is authentic. It’s great for lunch and dinner. The chef, Dave Shiplett, is a talented artist. He learned his Sicilian cooking skills from his Italian family.
Museums
Located near the Atlantic Ocean, Bradford County is a peaceful and thriving region of Florida. Located close to downtown Gainesville, this county has plenty of natural beauty and is just an easy drive from Jacksonville. It is also home to several museums, including a World War II museum.
The museum is housed in a refurbished World War II barracks, and tells the story of Camp Blanding and World War II. The museum also features a colorful collection of weapons and other items from the time period. The museum is free to visit and open to the public. It also offers a summer science camp for kids in grades three through fifth.
The Strawberry Festival is held in April, and features free live music and strawberry-related crafts and games. There are also livestock sales and contests, as well as free entertainment and food. There are also 150 vendors at the event, and free rides and games at the Starke Bike Festival.
The Bradford County Sportsmen’s Farm is also open to the public, and features several ranges for hunting, fishing, and shooting. There are 25-yard pistol ranges, a 300-yard rifle range, and an 850-yard rifle range. There is also a fully automated sporting clay course.