Fun in the sun is abundant when you plan a Bradenton Beach, Florida getaway. While you can enjoy a dolphin watching tour or parasailing adventure, don’t forget to also dive into cultural attractions such as pony rides on the coastline and visits to the Beach Market on Coquina Beach. This island community offers plenty of water sports, and much more. Book a stay at a Bradenton Beach vacation rental today. When determining what to do in Bradenton Beach, consider these 10 activities perfect for visitors of all ages.
1. Explore the City on a Segway
Tour Bradenton Beach on wheels when booking a segway tour with Segs by the Sea. The experienced guides offer instructional workshops on how to operate the Segways before leading you through beachfront trails that ultimately land you in the gardens of Longboat Key. Segs by the Sea supplies you with helmets to ensure a safe ride, and you can choose from a half-hour tour to a two-hour tour before heading back to your vacation rental for the evening.
2. Fish Off the Bradenton Beach City Pier
Bring your own rods and reels to fish right off the Bradenton Beach City Pier or rent your bait and gear from Fish Ami. Bradenton Beach is home to grouper, black drum, spotted seatrout, and redfish. Utilize the cleaning station right on the pier to prepare your fresh catches for dinner at your vacation rental later in the evening. If you’re a novice fisher, consider a guided fishing excursion on the water with Snapper Addict Fishing Charter Company or Captain Morgan Charters.
3. Shop on Anna Maria Island
Get in some retail therapy when venturing from your Bradenton Beach vacation rental. Find just the right souvenir at the island boutiques such as the Bridge Street Bazaar or The Lot. You can also take a break from shopping when visiting the Back Alley Gift and Coffee Shop before heading back into the downtown area to scour through knick-knacks, jewelry, and clothing specialty shops.
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4. Fly Through the Air on a Parasail
See Bradenton Beach at a new level when opting for a parasailing tour with WaveSplash Watersports. This outfitter hosts boat and eco-tours as well as parasailing adventures that fly you over the island to see breathtaking views of the water and beachfront. Let the guide know if you want to dip your feet in the water during your parasail for one or two riders.
5. Take a Boat Tour to See Dolphins
Snap a selfie of you and a dolphin when on board a boat tour with Coastal Watersports or Paradise Boat Tours. The expert guides put you on board a pontoon boat to leisurely coast out into the waters to see underwater sea creatures and dolphins jumping out of the water. After an adventurous day enjoying water attractions, head over to Banana Cabana Caribbean Grill or the BeachHouse Restaurant for the fresh catch of the day.
6. Scuba Dive With Sea Kat Divers
Navigate the deep areas of the sea with the experts of Sea Kat Divers by your side. A scuba diving adventure for the entire family affords you with the opportunity to snap pictures of large fish and underwater treasures. This popular outfitter offers instructional workshops to prepare you for a scuba diving excursion as well as all of the gear you need for ultimate safety.
7. Get in a ‘Fishy’ Game of Miniature Golf
Get hooked on miniature golf when opting for a few rounds with the family at The Fish Hole. This interactive miniature golf course includes 18 holes with fish facts at each hole. Admire the koi ponds along the course and live turtles. Once your game is over, challenge the kids to a few arcade games or grab a bite to eat at the snack bar.
8. Dance Away the Night at the Kokonut Hut
After a day lounging in the sun at Bradenton Beach, get ready to move and shake it at the city’s popular hot spot — The Kokonut Hut. This bar and grill features fresh seafood for dining and live music for some dancing into the wee hours. Sip on a cocktail with an umbrella or opt for some homemade brews to toast to your vacation celebration.
9. Swim With the Ponies
If you love riding horses on land, challenge yourself to swim with them when booking a horseback riding excursion with C. Ponies Beach Horses. These horses are trained to take you and your family for walks on the beach that lead directly into the water. An expert guide is on hand to help navigate the horses while they take a dip or kick up the dust on the sandy trails. When you want to remain on land, consider booking a horseback ride with RJ Horse Riding LLC.
10. Eat Your Way Through Coquina Beach
Nearby Coquina Beach is not only an attraction for swimmers and sunbathers. This area is home to the Beach Market, a shopping area for foodies. Sample fresh seafood from local fishermen and eat your way through the area by visiting the food trucks offering fish tacos. When a feast is in order, stop at the Feast Restaurant for a sit-down meal the entire family can enjoy. Work off your hearty meal searching for seashells on Coquina Beach or watch the boats pass at nearby Longboat Key Pass.
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