From downtown Bradenton to one of the “Top 25 Zoos in the U.S” by TripAdvisor, this guide is perfect if you’re looking to change up your vacation with exciting adventures and experiences that you’ll be talking about way after your stay. Whether you’re looking for something to take up an afternoon or a whole day, we have you covered with only the best of the Southwest Florida attractions.
Riverwalk
Where: 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Bradenton Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile-long public green space located along the Manatee River in Bradenton, Florid, which leads to a five-acre park with a skatepark, playgrounds, and a splash pad. It is a great place to get active and fresh air.
Manatee Village Historical Park
Where: 1404 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Manatee Village Historical Park is an open-air museum, designated as a National Historic Site. Its mission is to preserve and share the heritage of Manatee County’s founding period (1840-1918). Check their website before visiting to see their days of operation.
The Bishop Museum Of Science And Nature
Where: 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, located in Bradenton, Florida, is a natural and cultural history museum specializing in the history of Florida’s gulf coast. It houses exhibits highlighting Florida’s history – from prehistoric to the present! Likewise, be sure to check their website for days of operation.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Where: 3701 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34234
For over 70 years, Sarasota Jungle Gardens has been the favorite attraction of locals and vacationers alike. Home to more than 200 native and exotic animals including birds of prey, many different species of parrots and macaws, primates, small mammals, dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles; the gardens contain over 10 acres of botanical plantings along with bird and animal shows.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
2000 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34207
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf features 18 Holes of adventure-style golf in which you’ll venture through a pirate ship, caves, waterfalls, and live alligators! Each Smugglers golf course has an Educational American Alligator Exhibit that is home to 20-30 American Alligators you can actually feed!
Big Cat Habitat Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Where: 7101 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34240
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is an ever-growing large-animal rescue in eastern Sarasota County centered around conservation and education. The non-profit sanctuary is a permanent home for dozens of exotic animals, offers placement for animals in need, and all income generated by admission goes to the feeding and care of the animals. Check their website before visiting to see their days of operation.
Astro Skate Of Bradenton
Where: 3611 3rd St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
A roller-skating rink with bright-colored decor & a space-age vibe offers lessons, games & pizza. Before going, check the website to ensure safe play, and purchase your tickets.
Mixon Fruit Farms
Where: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208
Get a taste of Florida at Mixon Fruit Farms. Take an informative and educational ride on the Orange Blossom Tram, through the Orange Grove, past the Garden Oasis & Koi Pond with a stop at our Wildlife Rescue. Here, you can spend the touring the Citrus Grove; from the play park, and alligator encounters to a store serving sweet, homemade orange-flavored ice cream.
Bowlero Bradenton
Where: 4208 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
It’s the bowling/dining/nightlife experience that’s packed with amusing throwbacks and ready to amaze. Bowlero is a blacklight bowling, retro-inspired hangout powered by interactive arcade games, signature cocktails, an outrageous menu of Oversized Shareables
Livingstons Amusements
Where: 5947 Clark Center Ave, Sarasota, FL 34238
Livingston’s Amusements is Sarasota’s most inviting entertainment experience. With over 50,000 square feet of arcade games, billiards, bumper cars, go-carts, and full bar with delicious food. Between the SpinZone Bumper Cars, Bazooka Ball, our massive Arcade, Naskart Racing, or our Billiards Hall, there is something here for everyone! Before going, check the website to ensure safe and fun play!
Bounce Down Under
935 N Beneva Rd suite 802, Sarasota, FL 34232
Bounce Down Under is Sarasota’s largest indoor inflatable party and play center. It is a great way to spend an afternoon, bouncing in the Aussie-themed obstacle courses, giants slides, and mega bouncers for kids up to 13 years of age; including a “Jumpin Joey’s” area set aside for the toddlers. Before going, check the website to ensure safe and fun play.
DEFY Bradenton
Where: 7385 52nd Pl E, Bradenton, FL 34203
A thrilling indoor trampoline park with different courses and Ninja Warrior routes! Before going, check the website to ensure safe play, and purchase your tickets.
Jumpin Fun Inflata Park
Where: 7321 Trade Ct, Sarasota, FL 34240
Spacious indoor inflatable theme park with games, activities & kids’ sessions. With over 15,000 sq/ft of inflatable courses, a 250 ft long airrider zip-rail coaster, and a rock-climbing wall, the kids will have the best time! Before going, check the website to ensure safe play, and purchase your tickets.
Glazer Children’s Museum
Where: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Play while learning at the Glazer Children’s Museum; Tampa’s interactive, educational laboratory where children play, discover, and connect to new experiences. Before going, check the requirements to ensure a safe visit, and purchase your tickets.
Moto Marine Aquarium
Where: Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
From humble beginnings in a tiny, one-room laboratory in a small Florida town, their efforts to preserve and protect Florida’s wildlife have grown to include more than 20 diverse marine research programs. Visit their 135,000-gallon shark habitat, meet our resident manatees and sea turtles, and explore coral reefs and other ecosystem displays teeming with diverse fishes, cool crustaceans and gracefully drifting sea jellies. Explore our wild watershed through habitats featuring energetic river otters and toothy crocodilians such as our alligator and caiman.
Mote Aquarium is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has met rigorous, professional standards for animal care, wildlife conservation and research, education, and more.
ZooTampa At Lowry Park
Where: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a 63-acre nonprofit zoo located in Tampa, Florida. Take an open-air safari ride or hop on their rollercoasters, book an up-close encounter, or simply enjoy a day at the #1 Family Friendly Zoo in the US by Parents Magazine. ZooTampa is recognized by the State of Florida as the center for Florida wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Before going, check the requirements to ensure a safe visit, and purchase your tickets.
The Florida Aquarium
Where: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
There is so much to do and learn at the Florida Aquarium. From the iconic 80-foot-glass dome in the Wetlands to the 500,000-gallon Coral Reef habitat with a gorgeous panoramic window and awe-inspiring views of sea life, there is a lot to explore during your visit. The Florida Aquarium is a 501 not-for-profit organization, a publicly operated institution located in Tampa, Florida, United States. It is a large-scale, 250,000-square-foot aquarium and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Plan to Visit The Best SW Florida Attractions
This is just scratching the surface of all the SW Florida attractions. This is why we personally guarantee that each time you visit, there will be something new for you to do and discover. Click here to plan your vacation today! We are here to help you have the perfect vacation getaway, by offering a wide selection of luxurious accommodations and amenities that perfectly match your needs.
