Soak Up the Sun at Bradenton Area Beaches
With over 35 miles of coastline, the Bradenton area is packed with scenic shorelines and family-friendly beaches. Two of the most popular places to lay out your beach towel are Coquina Beach and Anna Maria Island. Coquina Beach, located on Anna Maria Island, is known for its wide stretches of soft white sand and gentle surf—making it ideal for swimming, building sandcastles, and beach combing. The north end of the beach also features a fishing pier and shaded picnic areas. Make sure your group tries Leffis Key Seafood Restaurant here for tasty fresh catches after a day in the sun. Meanwhile, Anna Maria Island itself boasts several public access beaches like Manatee Public Beach, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. At the historic Anna Maria City Pier, you can snap photos above the emerald Gulf waters or try fishing for snook and trout (also a perfect place for a wedding!). End your beach day with pizza, ice cream, and souvenir shopping at various restaurants and shops that line the island’s pine-shaded streets. We recommend packing the bus’s undercarriage storage with beach towels, sunscreen, fishing rods, picnic fixings, and anything else you need for a full day of fun by the sea. Your bus can drop your crew off right at the entrance of Coquina Beach or the public parking lots dotting Anna Maria Island.
Explore Downtown Bradenton
In addition to being close to excellent beaches, Bradenton has a downtown district that’s also worth checking out. The Riverwalk along the Manatee River is the perfect place to start your walking tour of historic Old Main Street. Stroll across the green bridge to catch views of the riverfront, marina, and yachts docked in the harbor. Then head inland to see historic buildings like the 1913 courthouse, the Parker House, and the 1901 train depot—which now houses the Manatee County Historical Records Library. Hungry after all that walking? Stop into O’Bricks Irish Pub & Martini Bar for fish and chips, bangers and mash, and other authentic Irish fare. Or try Euphemia Haye, an upscale steak and seafood restaurant housed in a gorgeous plantation-style home. Don’t forget to save time for browsing the boutiques, galleries, and antique shops lining the streets of downtown. You’re sure to find charming souvenirs, gifts, art, and knick-knacks commemorating your Florida getaway. We recommend shopping on 12th Street West, 10th Street West, and all along 4th Avenue—locally nicknamed the Antique District.
Tour the South Florida Museum
For indoor attractions, one of Bradenton’s top sites is the South Florida Museum. This local gem houses fascinating permanent exhibits focused on the sciences and humanities—making it a wonderful destination for groups of all ages and interests. Some of the museum’s most popular permanent galleries include: Bishop Planetarium - See immersive space shows projected on a 65-foot dome screen. Current shows cover topics like the Milky Way, extreme planets, and the latest space discoveries. Parker Manatee Aquarium - Get up close with rescued manatees and learn about conservation efforts to protect these gentle sea creatures. Florida History Gallery - Travel back in time with exhibits spanning 16,000 years of human life in Florida—from primitive hunter-gatherers to Spanish conquistadors and Seminole tribes. Prehistoric Florida - Check out massive skeletons and life-size dioramas bringing woolly mammoths, giant sloths, sabertooth cats, and other Ice Age creatures to life. Beyond the permanent exhibits, the museum also hosts fun temporary displays and events throughout the year—so check their calendar before your trip to see if any special exhibits are happening during your visit.
Explore De Soto National Memorial
History buffs will also appreciate a stop at De Soto National Memorial, just a quick 15-minute drive northwest of downtown Bradenton. This National Park Service site commemorates the 1539 landing of Hernando de Soto and the first extensive Spanish expedition inland into what is now the continental United States. At the visitor center, your group can check out archaeological artifacts and learn about de Soto’s encounters with Native American tribes as he searched for riches in uncharted Florida. Interpretive nature trails wind through wetlands and mangroves, where you just might spot wading birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Kayak rentals are also available, so your more adventurous explorers can paddle through the mangroves to see where de Soto first made landfall. With amenities like paved paths, ramps, and accessible restrooms, this national memorial makes for an easy-to-navigate outdoor excursion close to Bradenton.
Catch a Baseball Game at LECOM Park
Home to the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training and the Bradenton Marauders minor league club, LECOM Park is a beloved local venue for catching America’s favorite pastime. The ballpark opened in 1923 and still retains its old-timey charm, with brick archways, vintage signage, and open-air seating. Your group can cheer for the Marauders April through September or catch the Pirates during Grapefruit League action each March. The park seats around 8,500 fans, so it’s a more intimate setting to see the game compared to larger MLB stadiums. Before first pitch, grab some grub from concession stands serving up hot dogs, burgers, BBQ, and frozen lemonade. We recommend booking your Bradenton party bus rental at least a month in advance if you want to catch a Pirates spring training game, since seats sell out quickly. For regular season Marauders action, you’ll have more flexibility. Either way, your bus can drop passengers right at the main entrance for easy access into LECOM Park.
Tour Sarasota’s Ringling Estate
Just a quick 30-minute drive south of Bradenton, the city of Sarasota boasts its own unique attractions worth visiting—like the former winter estate of John and Mable Ringling. This iconic couple used their circus fortune to transform their waterfront property into a sprawling Italian-inspired complex filled with art and extravagance. Your group can tour the Ca’ d’Zan mansion with its Venetian Gothic architecture, the Museum of Art showcasing European paintings and sculptures, the Tibbals Circus Museum honoring the Ringling’s roots, and the sprawling gardens and courtyards where the family once entertained guests. Between the opulent home, world-class art, and storytelling guided tours, this National Historic Landmark provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Sarasota’s most famous residents.
Reserve Your Bradenton Bus Rental
As you can see, there’s no shortage of fun things to do around Bradenton for groups of all sizes and interests—whether that’s soaking up the sun at the beach, exploring historic downtown, catching a baseball game, or touring museums and cultural sites. And with a private bus rental from Price4Limo, getting your crew from point A to point B is so simple. Ready to start planning your perfect Bradenton bus trip? Give our reservations department a call today at (866) 265-5479 for an instant quote crafted just for your group.
