Located in Manatee County on the gorgeous Gulf Coast of Florida between Sarasota and Tampa, Bradenton is surrounded by waterways and renowned for its exquisite beaches. In addition to breathtaking surroundings, the city offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors. From wildlife and outdoor recreational activities to shopping and the arts, Bradenton has something for everyone. Some of the activities visitors can enjoy include water sports, fishing, golf, theater, antiques, and of course, manatees!
Things to do
If you're a golfer seeking a selection of Bradenton home rentals on or near a golf course, you're in luck. There are more than twenty championship 18-hole courses within a 35-minute drive of the city, and many have homes and condos lining the fairways. Popular courses include River Run Golf Links, a public access layout opened in 1987 and recently redesigned by Paul Azinger, Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch, a links-style course, and Manatee County Golf Course, which has four sets of tees for different skill levels. The beaches always beckon in the Bradenton area, which encompasses Anna Maria Island, an unpretentious barrier island with several beaches, an old wooden pier and funky beach bars, and Longboat Key, an upscale resort island with sugar white sands situated directly south. Other spectacular beaches in the area are located in nearby Venice, Englewood, and on Siesta Key and Lido Key.
For a reprieve from the sun and sands, important sights in the area include the South Florida Museum, which has a planetarium and kid's activities, Gamble Plantation Historic park, where an antebellum mansion is set on a former sugar plantation, the historic town of Cortez, a quaint Old Florida fishing village, and Emerson Point Preserve, a hiker's paradise enveloped by a tropical hammock.
Transit
Bradenton is less than 10 miles from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, and the city is connected to beaches and neighboring communities by bridges, highways, and other major roads. Like much of West Florida, it’s best to navigate the city by car, the quickest way to get from Bradenton vacation rentals to any of the area attractions. Public transit options are available too, including the Manatee County Area Transit bus system and the free trolley system on nearby Anna Maria Island.
Climate
Bradenton enjoys pleasant warm weather year-round, with temperatures climbing to about 90 degrees throughout the summer months and dipping to about 70 degrees in the winter months. The rainy season in Bradenton falls during July and August, so summer visitors should be sure to pack umbrellas and raincoats. The city stays driest during spring and fall.
Events
There is a plethora of exciting events that take place in Bradenton throughout the year. At the beginning of the year, the Manatee County Fair appeals to families. The event boasts countless food booths, arts and crafts exhibitions, and barn tours of various livestock. In February, feast at the Cortez Seafood Festival. Fishermen provide seafood galore, including shrimp, crab and octopus, while artists and musicians provide entertainment. For music-lovers, the Bradenton Blues Festival offers a variety of foods, drinks and concerts that showcase talented musicians ever December.
Food
You'll never go hungry in Bradenton as there are over 400 restaurant options on TripAdvisor with many receiving hundreds of reviews. For breakfast, try out First Watch Restaurant or Katie's Cafe, both of which serve delicious muffins and other breakfast foods. Arts & Eats Restaurant and Gallery has a fun twist on eating with a creative menu and jazz performances among other arts appreciation. It has the #1 rating for a reason. If you have more exotic tastes, eat at Thai Wasabi or Ortygia. For dinner, try O'Bricks Pub or Fire & Stone.
Following a full day of beach, golf, baseball or other activities, one of best ways to relax, re-energize, and plan for the next exciting day is to stay in one of the many Bradenton vacation rentals. Spacious and comfortable, Bradenton vacation rentals offer a popular accommodations alternative to small, cramped hotel rooms. In fact, more than 50% of all visitors to the area researched online rental property possibilities.
​Forget staying in a sterile hotel room, when Bradenton, FL vacation rentals offer large dining and living areas, a fully equipped kitchen, and numerous luxury amenities. From elegant beach houses with terra cotta tile floors, media rooms, and outdoor entertainment areas, to small cottages with wraparound porches to amenity-rich condominiums with fitness centers, swimming pools, and tennis courts, the vacation home rentals menu is eclectic and extensive. Whether you prefer to stay near downtown for better access to its art galleries, specialty shops, and restaurants, or whether you prefer to stay near the beach, alongside a golf course, or another setting, a wide selection of possibilities await you.
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