Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island and Cortez

Bradenton is a mix of Old Florida history with its museums, parks and preserves and a vibrant downtown with the newly developed RiverWalk and revitalized Old Main Street. There is a good choice of restaurants and the Village of the Arts – a working artists community. Or take a break and enjoy some of the natural attractions.

Visit Robinson Preserve, DeSoto National Memorial Park and the Manatee Village Historical Park which is a collection of restored, historic buildings from Manatee County's pioneer past. The historical park includes a courthouse, one-room schoolhouse, farmhouse, general store, boat shop, steam engine and a Florida cowboy bunkhouse. Plus, Bradenton is a short drive from the wonderful Gulf of Mexico beaches (Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach).

Cortez, just west of Bradenton on Sarasota Bay, is one of the last remaining, continuously working, fishing villages on Florida's southwest Gulf coast. Easily reached, the historic working waterfront of Cortez is near area beaches, fishing piers and shops. It's also the place to go for jet skiing, kayaking and parasailing.

And don’t miss Cortez's Florida Maritime Museum, housed in the restored historic 1912 schoolhouse, itself located on the park-like grounds of the Cortez Nature Preserve. Displayed for your delight, you will find the Banks Shell collection, ship models, historic boats and an enthralling butterfly garden. Or stop in for a delightful seafood meal at one of the local restaurants where the catch of the day has been excellently prepared and presented in a casual, nautical atmosphere.

Condominium residences in Bradenton/Cortez can start under $100,000 up to luxury bay front homes in the millions.

Bradenton Travel Guide

Cortez: A Beautiful Place

Things to do in Bradenton

Things to do in Cortez