Planning a trip can be tricky, especially when there are so many fun things to do. Bradenton and Anna Maria Island are no exception. Both offer a wide range of activities and events for all ages. But the best part is that there are a number of free activities in these areas. From museums and historic sights to hiking, biking, and swimming, there is never a shortage of activities. Here is a list of free things to do in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island.

Bradenton

Known for its pristine beaches and rich history, Bradenton is a beautiful spot for a vacation. Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico, this town offers endless indoor and outdoor fun! Here is a list of free things to do in Bradenton.

Bradenton Riverwalk

Following the banks of the Manatee River, this 2-mile paved trail is the perfect place for many outdoor activities. Bike along the river and look at the interactive public art displays, or take a skateboard to the skatepark. If you have younger kids, the splash pad and playground are crowd-pleasers. If you’re looking for an activity for the whole group, grab a volleyball and head over to the beach volleyball courts. For a more laid-back experience, grab your fishing gear and cast a line! You can even create a scavenger hunt to find local wildlife, plants, and other landmarks in the area to keep it interesting! At the end of your day, stop by Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille. This local favorite is a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy a little grub. 

Cortez Beach

Pack a lunch and spend the day on Cortez Beach. Spend the day splashing around in the crystal blue waters, building sand castles with the white sugary sand, and utilize the picnic area to eat and hang out. When you’re done in the water, spend some time on the trails observing the local wildlife!

Palma Sola Botanical Park

This 10-acre sanctuary is home to turtles, local birds, fish, butterflies, and various plants and trees. It is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and ideal for nature photographers and painters. The park welcomes those who want to spend time capturing the beauty of this garden. Be sure to look at their website for upcoming events and information on the park. 

Village of the Arts

This unique neighborhood is a fascinating combination of live/work spaces for artists and creatives. This restored 1920s neighborhood is full of renovated bungalows that now house various shops, restaurants, and creative experiences. Whether you are looking to just stroll through or go for a little shopping spree, this unique community is a must-see! If you are in town on the first Friday or Saturday of the month, be sure to hit the art walk, where you can find live music, food vendors, and local art. 

Robinson Nature Preserve

This preserve is an excellent place for biking, walking, or kayaking! With 750 acres of preserved wetlands and marsh, it’s a great way to see the natural beauty of the Florida wetlands. If you have kids who love to explore and climb, be sure to take them to “The Nest.” 

Anna Maria Island

Known for its white beaches, crystal blue waters, and quaint shopping district, Anna Maria Island is the perfect stop on your trip. Here is a list of free things to do on Anna Maria Island. Explore Anna Maria Island rentals.

Coquina Beach

If you are looking for a relaxing beach day, then this is the place for you! This beach offers long stretches of white sandy beach, endless sand dollars and shells to collect, and crystal blue waters. Less busy than Holmes Beach, this is an ideal spot for a family outing. There are changing stations, grills, and picnic tables available for use. There are also lifeguards on duty, giving parents peace of mind. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot a few dolphins! 

Holmes Beach

Surrounded by crystal clear waters, this beach has been compared to the Caribbean! Watch as manatees swim by, kids and families play in the sand, and sun-lovers soak up the UVs. This beach also has a cafe, public restrooms, picnic areas, and places to rent chairs and umbrellas. While it can be a busy beach, it is a crowd favorite for a reason! Explore Holmes Beach rentals.

Anna Maria City Pier

This pier is the perfect spot to fish or watch the sunset! You will find anglers reeling in Redfish, Snook, Spanish Mackerel, Pompano, Sharks, and more. If fishing is not on your list, simply stroll down the pier and enjoy as the waves crash and the sun sets! 

Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum

If you are looking for a fun indoor activity to fill an hour or two, then the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum is a great stop. This museum focuses on the history of how the island went from a jungle to a tourist attraction. Be sure to snap a pic inside the city jail during your visit! 

Anna Maria Island Beach Walk

This 7-mile out-and-back trail is great for a leisurely jog, hike, or bike ride along some of the most breathtaking beaches. This trail takes about 2 hours to complete, which is a great way to fill part of your day! Be sure to leave dogs and other animals at home, as this is not a pet-friendly trail. 

Trolley

This free trolley is the best way to experience all that the island has to offer! Sit back, relax, and enjoy as you see the sights of local businesses, beaches, wildlife, and more. This trolley runs daily from 6 am to 10 pm, starting at Anna Maria Pier all the way to Bradenton Beach. Be sure to download the app and stay current on running times and stops!

Stay with us!

With so many free activities in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, there is never a shortage of things to do. If you are looking for a home base for all your adventures, then look no further! At Island Dreams, we offer nearly 60 vacation properties on Anna Maria Island. From oceanfront condos to spacious homes, we have something for everyone! Browse rentals here.

If you’re on the hunt for a slice of paradise with a splash of excitement, look no further than Anna Maria Island. This Gulf Coast island has lots of unique hotspots for anyone who appreciates a good libation and a lively atmosphere. From beachfront tiki bars to quirky cocktail bars, let’s embark on a boozy adventure through some of the island’s best bars and nightlife!

The Kokonut Hut

Kick off your shoes, dig your toes into the sand, and soak up the tiki vibes at The Kokonut Hut. This beachfront tiki bar in Bradenton Beach is known for signature tropical cocktails and laid-back island vibes. Enjoy a frosty booze slushie or one of many beers on tap while you admire the sunset over the Gulf. The party gets started after dark with live music – dancing in the sand is highly encouraged!

The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar

For a low-key night out on the waterfront, head over to The Bridge Tender Inn & Dockside Bar, a beloved local spot where the good times roll all day long. Tucked at the end of historic Bridge Street, this easygoing watering hole has dive bar charm and open air seating with a view of the bay. Pair a round of beers with some classic American bar food and stick around for live music, bingo or trivia.

The Doctor’s Office

Your prescription for fun is waiting at The Doctor’s Office, a cocktail bar in Holmes Beach serving up playful themed concoctions in a former medical office. This hip bar is decked out with quirky medical decor, cozy seating and an inviting ambiance. With creative “house prescription” cocktails, shareable plates and elevated bar snacks, this local favorite has the cure for your evening.

The Freckled Fin

Calling all party animals! The Freckled Fin is where the fun never stops. This vibrant Irish pub and dance hall is known for its lively atmosphere, live music performances, and extensive selection of beers and spirits. Whether you’re belting out karaoke tunes or tearing up the dance floor, you’re going to have a great time at The Freckled Fin.

Slim’s Place

If your favorite team is playing while you’re visiting Anna Maria Island, catch the game at Slim’s Place. Tucked along Gulf Drive in Anna Maria, this laid-back sports bar serves beer and wine in a space lined with 12 TVs tuned to all the current games. With a full menu of hearty pub fare and a great weekday happy hour, this is the spot to cheer on your favorite team during your vacation.

Bamboo Island Bar

Craving a taste of the tropics? Head to Bamboo Island Bar, a lively hotspot with island vibes. This Bridge Street staple is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, fruity cocktails, and regular live music performances. Sip on a traditional caipirinha cocktail while swaying to the rhythms of a steel drum band – you’ll feel transported to the southern hemisphere without ever leaving Anna Maria Island.

Daiquiri Deck

Get the lay of the land with a drink in hand at Daiquiri Deck! This island hotspot has a wraparound rooftop deck with views from the Gulf to the bay, and the perfect vantage point for prime people-watching along Bridge Street. The namesake cocktails are the star of the show, with a range of frozen daiquiris with flavors from fruity to coffee-infused, and everything in between. Nightly live music performances and a full menu of seafood and American fare make this vibrant spot a great place to enjoy a night out on Anna Maria Island.

The Sandbar Restaurant

Located right on the beach in Anna Maria, the Sandbar Restaurant is a great destination for sunset cocktails and stunning views over the Gulf. Pull up a chair on the outdoor deck, sink your toes in the sand, and savor a refreshing drink as the sun dips below the horizon. Southern-style shareable appetizers make this a great place for happy hour, or stick around to enjoy incredible seafood dinner options. With its laid-back vibe and unbeatable scenery, this spot is a must-visit.

 

Whether you’re looking for a lively party atmosphere or a laid-back spot to sip cocktails and watch the sunset, Anna Maria Island has something to quench every thirst. Book your Anna Maria Island vacation rental and say cheers to an unforgettable island getaway filled with great drinks and good vibes!

Anna Maria Island offers pristine beaches, stunning sunsets and plenty of outdoor activities. Among those, kayaking stands out as a favorite activity and an immersive way to explore the island’s surrounding waters. There are several great places to kayak (and paddleboard) off Anna Maria Island, and it’s a great way to see a different perspective of the island’s natural beauty! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, we’ve compiled some of the best places to kayak on Anna Maria Island, as well as where to rent gear or book a tour from.

Leffis Key Preserve and Sarasota Bay

Escape the crowds and head to the quiet southern end of Anna Maria Island to experience the tranquil waters of Sarasota Bay. Kayaks can launch from the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp located across the road from Coquina Beach, where ample parking is available. From here, you can paddle along the edges of Leffis Key Preserve to the north, where you are likely to spot crabs, fish and starfish in the shallow waters among the mangroves. Sarasota Bay opens up to the southeast with several smaller islands to explore, while cruising under the Longboat Pass Bridge gives you a great view of the sunset over the ocean at the edge of Coquina Beach.

Neal Preserve

Situated along Manatee Avenue just outside of Anna Maria Island, Neal Preserve is made up of 120 acres of pristine mangrove forests and tidal marshes. This area is known for great bird watching and dolphin sightings. There is also a short trail with educational signage and an observation tower in the preserve if you want to take a break from paddling to learn about the wetland habitat and the indigenous peoples who originally inhabited it. AMI Paddleboard offers kayak rentals and guided tours here, with a convenient location just on the other side of Manatee Avenue.

Robinson Preserve

Just a short drive from Anna Maria Island, Robinson Preserve is a kayaker’s paradise. This 600+ acre coastal preserve features mangrove tunnels, salt marshes, and tidal ponds, providing an ideal environment for exploration. Paddle along serene waterways, keeping an eye out for native wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and various bird species including herons and ospreys. The winding waterways of this nature preserve are a great way to experience the coastal environment of Florida as it looked pre-development. Check out Kayak Jack’s for guided and self-guided tours of Robinson Preserve, where tour guides will provide equipment and useful knowledge about wildlife and paddling in tidal areas.

Perico Preserve

Located just off the Palma Sola Causeway on Perico Island, this nature preserve is a hidden gem. After this area was acquired as farmland, there was a conscious effort to restore it to the natural mix of habitats originally found here, from coastal wetlands to scrub hills. Perico Preserve has been designated as a bird sanctuary, so you are likely to spot a number of species, from herons and egrets wading by the shore to eagles soaring overhead. The kayak launch has a small parking lot and is found off Manatee Avenue opposite 107th Ct. NW. From there, head north under the bridge to reach the preserve. Overall, this is one of the most peaceful preserves in the area, with easy access to the larger Robinson Preserve if you want a longer paddling journey. 

Palma Sola Bay

Palma Sola Causeway Park is a great place to launch kayaks to explore Palma Sola Bay. Along Manatee Avenue between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, there are numerous places to park right off the road, making this an easy stop on your way to or from the island. After launching at the park, it’s a short paddle northwest of the fishing pier to find the kayak path that will take you deep into Robinson Preserve. Or you can head out to explore Palma Sola Bay, where neighborhoods and mangroves cluster around the edges, and dolphins like to play. Kayak rentals can be booked ahead of time and picked up directly at the park from Surferbus.

Kayak Rentals and Tours

• Beach Bums AMI offers a variety of kayak rentals which can be delivered to your vacation rental or launched directly from Bayfront Park in Anna Maria. They also lead a guided kayak tour exploring the waters around Anna Maria Island and out into Tampa Bay, with a stop for swimming at a sandbar where you are likely to spot manatees and dolphins.
• AMI Paddleboard rents out kayaks and paddleboards for 1 to 7 days at a time and will deliver to a spot of your choosing on Anna Maria Island. This company also offers a popular daily eco-tour of Neal Preserve, where your guide will take you through mangrove tunnels and point out local wildlife like dolphins, crabs and seabirds.
  
• AMI Clear Kayak Tours provides a unique experience open to all skill levels. Paddlers will launch clear tandem kayaks from Holmes Beach and explore the seagrass beds and mangrove habitats around Anna Maria Island. The clear kayaks provide a window into the underwater world, with the chance to spot marine animals, fish and crustaceans. Tours run in the afternoon, at sunset, and after dark, where kayaks are lit from below!

Ready to embark on your kayaking adventure? Book your vacation rental on Anna Maria Island and experience the beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast firsthand. Start planning your paddling getaway to explore this amazing island!

When you’re on vacation, it can be disappointing to wake up to raindrops on your window. But don’t worry – Anna Maria Island and Bradenton offer plenty of activities to make the most of a rainy day. Plus, staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel offers advantages on the occasional rainy day, giving you the space to spread out, cook your own meals, and relax with your loved ones. Here are some of the top activities if you happen to get a rainy day while visiting Anna Maria Island or Bradenton.

Outdoor Activities

If it’s a light rain, don’t let that stop your fun! Grab your rain coat and an umbrella and check out these outdoor activities that have something for everyone.

Manatee Village Historical Park is an outdoor collection of historical buildings hosting exhibits about early Florida pioneer life. There are seven buildings to explore and it’s a short walk between them. Admission is free and donations are welcome.

Visit the Anna Maria Island Historical Society Museum for a glimpse into the history of the island and the first settlers. This free museum offers three historical buildings to explore, with scavenger hunts and docent-led tours available.

Fishing charters and boat tours will still be available on rainy days, and with most people staying inside, you might have them to yourself! Get up close with bottlenose dolphins with a dolphin watching tour from the expert guides at AMI Dolphin Tours, or book a fishing charter for in-shore and deep sea fishing.

Indoor Activities

Rainy days are the best time to plan some indoor fun in Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. Whether you are cozying up with board games or a movie in your vacation rental or heading out for a cultural experience, there are plenty of options for the whole family. 

Located a half hour drive from Anna Maria Island, the Ringling Museum includes an impressive collection of art, as well as a circus museum and the historic 1920s mansion owned by the Ringling family. This museum is an excellent place to spend a rainy afternoon exploring the variety of exhibits. Admission starts at $25 for adults and kids under 6 are free.

In Bradenton, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is another indoor gem. This museum features captivating exhibits on paleontology, Native American history, and the natural history of Florida. It also houses a planetarium with regular shows, and a manatee rehabilitation habitat, where visitors can see manatees up close and learn more about these iconic Florida animals.

Travel down Anna Maria Island to Longboat Key, where you will find the Mote Aquarium at the south end of the island. This aquarium and marine rehabilitation center offers the chance to see aquatic Florida animals from sea turtles to sharks, all within a facility protected from the elements. Admission is $26 for those 13 years or older, with discounts for younger children, and tickets should be purchased online in advance to ensure availability.

The Florida Maritime Museum is located between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. This free museum offers artifacts and exhibits about local maritime history, as well as hands-on activities for kids. This small museum is worth a stop if you are traveling into Bradenton on a rainy day.

For shopping fans, a rainy day is the time to explore local shopping options. On Anna Maria Island, the Bridge Street Bazaar in Bradenton Beach and Pine Avenue on the north end of the island both offer unique souvenir shops and local artisan crafts. For those looking for a wide variety of stores and some great bargains, Ellenton Premium Outlets north of Bradenton has something for all tastes.

And of course, spending a rainy day relaxing at your vacation rental is always a great option. The flexibility, space, privacy and homey comfort of a vacation rental provides a distinct advantage over a hotel room on days when the weather is not cooperative. Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to prepare a home-cooked meal in your own kitchen and spread out for a cozy game or movie night with your loved ones. The freedom and comfort of an Anna Maria Island vacation rental truly make it feel like a home away from home.

Anna Maria Island and Bradenton provide an array of fun-filled activities for visitors to enjoy on rainy days. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure or indoor entertainment, your vacation is sure to be memorable, rain or shine!