The Highest-Rated Attractions in Bradenton and Sarasota

Whether you live at Springs at Braden River or Springs at Palma Sola in Bradenton, or are looking to reside at Springs at Bee Ridge in Sarasota, it's almost like living in a resort. Not only do the amenities of your community keep you comfortable, but you’ll find these apartment communities are surrounded by fun, exciting, and engaging attractions. Here are some of the top attractions in our area that are, literally, in your backyard.

South Florida Museum
201 10th Street West, Bradenton

The South Florida Museum is three attractions in one building. It houses not only the museum, but also Parker Manatee Aquarium and the Bishop Planetarium. See the history of the region from prehistoric times until the modern era, including fossil evidence of the early species that once inhabited the land. A highlight of a visit is seeing the manatee population during one of the daily feeding times.

Manatee Village Historical Park
1404 Manatee Avenue East, Bradenton

This park, which is free to enter, has 14 different points of interest, including a number of historic buildings, a one room schoolhouse and a restored locomotive. The buildings and exhibits at this Bradenton treasure all highlight the history and culture of Florida in the pioneer days.

Robinson Preserve
9800 Manatee Avenue, Bradenton

Rent a kayak or paddle board and head out on the water at the Robinson Preserve, known as the area's top family activity. This 600-acre preserve holds a protected salt marsh where fish and marine life are abundant. Hike, canoe, picnic, and camp surrounded by mangrove forests and the Tampa Bay out in front of you!

The Ringling
5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota

The State Art Museum of Florida, The Ringling in Sarasota has one of the largest collections of art and cultural exhibits in the country. Named after the circus family, this museum is a tribute to Mable Ringling, the wife of one of the Ringling brothers, and her love of art. The museum has art in every form, from paintings and sculptures to film and live performance art. A circus museum on the campus pays tribute to the Ringling family who made the museum possible.

MOTE Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota

Experience touch pools, working labs, and interactive exhibits as you see the wonders of the sea at this Sarasota gem. Sharks, turtles and manatees take center stage, with many smaller marine creatures as well. After exploring the aquarium, head to the 50s-style Deep Sea Diner for an excellent meal.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
7101 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota

A non-profit safe haven for big cats, bears, and native wildlife, Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary was founded by world-renowned animal educator and behaviorist Kay Rosaire. She and her son Clayton present training demonstrations with the big cats they rescue in an educational forum that showcases the cats’ impressive natural behaviors and unique personalities. Each demonstration highlights the importance of habitat preservation in the hopes of preventing extinction of these cats in the wild.

Do you have a favorite attraction in Bradenton or Sarasota? Let us know what it is in the comments section.