Bradenton vacation rentals

Nestled along Florida’s Gulf Coast, south of Tampa Bay, lies Bradenton, a small coastal city brimming with colorful architecture, nature reserves, and white-sand beaches. The vibrant city center features the scenic Bradenton Riverwalk, pubs and cafes, and art exhibitions at ArtCenter Manatee. You can learn more about the region at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, one of the largest natural history museums on Florida’s Gulf Coast, including a full-dome digital planetarium theater.

Renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, Bradenton provides plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and wildlife at the city’s nature preserves, including Perico Preserve, Neal Preserve, and Rye Preserve. If a day swimming or sunbathing on one of Bradenton’s beaches is what you’re after, Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach boast warm, clear water and vast stretches of white sand. The town also offers a thriving arts and culture scene and plenty of green parks, gorgeous beaches, and informative museums that you won’t want to miss.

With a rich, year-round cultural calendar, it’s always a great time to book Bradenton, Florida vacation rentals. Several annual events and festivals occur in spring, including a seafood festival featuring local and nationally-known musical artists; Music in the Park, a series of free concerts taking place every Friday evening on the Bradenton Riverwalk; and The Bradenton Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from October through May.

In the fall, you’ll want to check out several festivals, including an art walk, pumpkin festival, and a symphony performance. Bradenton’s warm winters mean more fun days under the sun when the Manatee County Fair and a blues festival celebrate a lineup of blues musicians and lots of delicious food and drinks from local vendors.

Village of the Arts

Bradenton’s cultural center, the Village of the Arts, is a visually stunning and thriving artist community bursting with electric, colorfully-restored bungalows, and historic cottages. Not only does this community nurture creativity, it’s home to many artists-in-residence and the town hub for restaurants, bakeries, specialty shops, art galleries, studios, and more. The Village of the Arts is also known for its animated Arts Walks, which occur every month on the first Friday and Saturday nights. Wandering the streets, you’re bound to find a souvenir or a delicious bite to eat.

Robinson Preserve

In northwest Bradenton lies Robinson Preserve, where you can hike and explore the site’s nature trails, rent a kayak or canoe to paddle along the waterways, view wildlife, or enjoy a snack at one of the dedicated picnic areas and pavilions. You can venture out on the trail boardwalk, which meanders through dense mangroves, and across mudflats and beaches. The five-story observation tower is one of the most notable features of Robinson Preserve and offers sweeping views of Tampa Bay.

Bradenton Riverwalk

The Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile park that overlooks the Manatee River and runs along to downtown Bradenton. This beloved outdoor gathering place has a skate park, beach volleyball courts, biking trails, a fishing pier, and a 400-seat Mosaic Amphitheater. Sprinkled along the Riverwalk, you’ll find observation areas where you can learn about the area’s ecosystem. It’s also a great spot to take in the city’s natural beauty and enjoy live entertainment.