De Soto National Memorial
This park, located where Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto landed, encompasses shoreline nature trails passing through several ecosystems. Rangers offer guided trail hikes, fishing is permitted with a Florida license and several small beaches are open to the public. Migrating birds, including some rare species, can be spotted during the spring and fall. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.
8300 De Soto Memorial Highway
Bradenton, FL 34280
(941) 792-0458
nps.gov/deso/index.htm
McKechnie Field
This palm tree-lined ballpark is the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who play against other Major League Baseball teams in March and April. Travel packages, including game tickets, accommodations, rental cars and airfare options, can be booked on the Pirates' spring training website.
1611 9th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 747-3031
mlb.mlb.com/spring_training/tickets.jsp?c_id=pit
Bradenton Beaches
Bradenton's beaches offer opportunities for kayaking, parasailing, fishing boat charters, surfing and swimming. All equipment is available to rent.
From Cortez Road at US 41 to 25th Street North
Bradenton, FL 34216
(941) 729-9177 for beach information
annamariaisland-longboatkey.com/things-to-do-boating/index.php
Manatee County Golf Course
For year-round golf at all skill levels, the course is attractively landscaped, with strategically placed water hazards for advanced players, practice putting and chipping greens, turf driving range, golf shop, club and cart rentals. Green fees range from $20 to $49.
6415 53rd Ave. West
Bradenton, FL 34210
(941) 708-8585
www.mymanatee.org/
GT Bray Aquatic Center
This complex features a year-round heated 50-meter pool, perfect for lap swimmers, and an adjacent diving well. Entrance fee for all ages is $3.29 plus tax.
5508 33rd Avenue Drive West
Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 742-5932
www.mymanatee.org/
South Florida Museum
The museum presents exhibits on Florida's history from the prehistoric age to the present. The museum complex includes the Bishop Planetarium, with its all-digital full dome and theater, and the Parker Manatee Aquarium, with deep and shallow pools that allow these fascinating marine mammals to perform their natural feeding behavior.
201 10th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 746-4131
southfloridamuseum.org
Village of the Arts
Florida's largest art community is in a renovated historic section of town, featuring galleries with fine art, jewelry, ceramics and collectibles.
12 Street West between 9th Street West and 16th Street West
Bradenton, FL 34206
(941) 747-8056
villageofthearts.com
