Aerial view of a coastal town with a bridge spanning turquoise water dotted with numerous sailboats near sunset.

Experiences

Discover Florida’s Gulf Coast

Palmetto and the Bradenton Area have a way of surprising you. Explore historic downtowns, discover stunning nature preserves, hop the ferry to Anna Maria Island, and find your new favorite local spot along the way.

Explore Like a Local

Get to know the communities, natural landscapes, and hidden gems that make this stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast so easy to love.

A white tour boat with blue accents speeds across bright turquoise water, leaving a white wake toward a distant, low shoreline under a clear blue sky.

Ferry to Anna Maria Island

Hop aboard the Gulf Islands Ferry for a scenic ride between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. It’s one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore the Gulf Coast.

Anna Maria Island Water Ferry
Aerial view of a causeway bridge crossing blue water, connecting to a lush, green shoreline featuring a highway, waterfront condominiums, and a marina full of boats.

Downtown Palmetto

Small town charm with plenty of soul. Downtown Palmetto is home to family-owned shops, local cafes, scenic waterfront views, and a tight-knit community that makes every visitor feel right at home.

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City skyline with illuminated buildings reflecting on calm water under a dramatic twilight sky.

Downtown Bradenton

Bradenton is a vibrant Gulf Coast city with a thriving arts scene, a lively downtown, and a rich local culture that gives visitors a true taste of authentic Florida.

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A white tour boat with blue accents speeds across bright turquoise water, leaving a white wake toward a distant, low shoreline under a clear blue sky.

Ferry to Anna Maria Island

Hop aboard the Gulf Islands Ferry for a scenic ride between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. It’s one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore the Gulf Coast.

Anna Maria Island Water Ferry
  • Aerial view of a causeway bridge crossing blue water, connecting to a lush, green shoreline featuring a highway, waterfront condominiums, and a marina full of boats.

    Downtown Palmetto

    Small town charm with plenty of soul. Downtown Palmetto is home to family-owned shops, local cafes, scenic waterfront views, and a tight-knit community that makes every visitor feel right at home.

    Learn More
  • City skyline with illuminated buildings reflecting on calm water under a dramatic twilight sky.

    Downtown Bradenton

    Bradenton is a vibrant Gulf Coast city with a thriving arts scene, a lively downtown, and a rich local culture that gives visitors a true taste of authentic Florida.

    Learn More

Nature Reserves

Discover a network of stunning preservation reserves that showcase the very best of Florida’s natural landscapes, from bird-filled wetlands and ancient coastal ecosystems to sweeping mangrove boardwalks and diverse wildlife habitats.

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Aerial view of clear shallow water next to a lush green mangrove shoreline with a single kayak paddling in the distance.