Vacation rentals in Bradenton

Check out this hot destination in Southwest Florida! Situated beside the Manatee River, just south of Tampa Bay, is an eco-paradise for nature lovers and travelers looking for a good place to relax. Discover quiet, white sand beaches. Explore nature parks. Photograph adorable manatees. Enjoy a day of waterfront shopping and dining. Not to mention the beautiful architecture, Old Florida History, and dynamic artist community! All of this and more is in store for travelers who venture out to this crown jewel! Travelers will find the perfect rentals throughout Bradenton County, including Anna Maria Island.

Stay in friendly neighborhoods among laid-back palm trees and vibrant gardens. Nothing beats a rental in Bradenton for a true Florida vibe! These rentals are full of thoughtful touches that add to the stylish, inviting decor. Choose a rental with a huge living room and flat screen TV. Or one with a spacious balcony overlooking the sea. Some of the amenities you’ll enjoy include a large, impressive kitchen, pool and more! These listings really go the extra mile to ensure your stay is as unforgettably amazing as possible. Families and small groups will definitely find their dream Bradenton rental.

Bradenton is replete with inspiring sites. Cortez was founded in 1890 as a fishing village representing “Old Florida”. You’ll find restaurants like Starfish Company Dockside Restaurant from the 1920s and fishing paraphernalia. Its unique fishing heritage is still alive and the catch of the day is standard fare. Florida’s Maritime Museum, in a 1912 Schoolhouse, has preserved the fishing heritage of these villages, including the main exhibit displaying everything about fishing plus educational activities. Manatee Village Historical Park also has many historical buildings and a steam engine train for a self-guided tour loaded with amazing facts and artifacts.

Historical Bridge Street is a great place to find awesome eateries and waterfront shopping. The Bridge Street Market is a must-do for finding events, local produce, specialty foods, and more. Back Alley café features an eclectic decor of local artists’ pieces, trendy clothes and accessories. They also serve light food, wine and craft beer, smoothies, and fantastic coffee. Anna Maria Oyster Bar boasts awesome seafood while the Island Creperie offers a French flair, and Bridge Tender has live music, duck, reubens and cocktails. Naughty Monk Brewery is a beer lover's haven specializing in Belgian ales, live music, and fun. There’s so much!

Nature lovers won’t regret their visit. DeSoto National Memorial Park, located along the Gulf coast, offers kayaking, fishing, hiking trails and birdwatching. Robinson Nature Preserve is a combined ecosystem with mangroves, tidal marsh, and coastal wetlands with diverse plant and wildlife to accompany their pedestrian-only trails. You are likely to spot tortoises, alligators, herons and much more along the way. Lake Manatee State Park was named after the river, not the Manatees. You can swim, canoe, launch your boat, or soak up the sun for a relaxing picnic recreation day. The lake offers good fishing prospects that you can grill for dinner with your favorite brew.

Anna Maria Island is a great place to go beach hopping. This scenic barrier island is full of diverse, white sand beaches to explore. Bean Point, on the northern tip, is one of the top local picks for its massive white sand beach and great sunsets. Just south of Bradenton Beach, in the middle of the island, you’ll find Coquina Beach. Get to know the area better with a visit to the Anna Maria Historical Society Museum (AMIHS). The museum is housed in a 1920 icehouse with history. You’ll find fascinating stories about the island’s first settlers, baseball and the Old City Jail.

Visit the venue of a lifetime. The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature has recently upgraded its Planetarium with state-of-the-art technology making it the best in the nation. They are also a Manatee rehab center and a natural history museum bringing the archaic to life with robotic dinosaurs.

TreeUmph Adventure Course is an elevated challenge in the forest where you are faced with various exercises including climbing, swinging, and crawling along suspension bridges. Finish the course with exhilarating ziplines over the treetops.

This is an art lover's paradise for eclectic expressions of local artists amid quaint restored historic cottages. You’ll also be delighted by the creative cuisine, music, healing arts and more. Watch for Artwalks on the first weekend of the month.

Palma Sola Botanical Park features a 10-acre oasis with trails through exotic tropical plants and unusual fruit trees. There are 3 freshwater lakes sporting coots and herons. The lush butterfly garden is a wonderland and the garden nursery offers tropical plants to take home.

Take a day to explore the Riverwalk with 1.5 miles of barefoot grass, beach volleyball courts, awesome skateboarding park, fishing pier, and much more! Catch a show at the Mosaic Amphitheater, experience the Tower Plaza, and spend quality time at the Family Fun Zone. There’s more than enough here to entertain everyone!