Nearby Attractions

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Robinson Preserve Observation Tower

Manatee County Dept. of Natural Resources

Robinson Preserve

Robinson Preserve is a 700+ acre nature preserve that features over eight miles of nature trails with biking and hiking. There is also kayak channels were you can explore mangrove tunnels and surrounding estuaries. The largest feature is a 60 ft. observation tower where visitors can get a birds-eye view of the surrounding area.

It is located at:
1704 99th St Northwest
Bradenton, FL 34209
Hours: open daily, hours of operation vary seasonally.
For more information please Click Here to visit their website.

 
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Walkway towards Portavant Temple Mound in Emerson Point Preserve.

Emerson Point Ecological Preserve

Emerson Point Ecological Preserve is a 365 acre preserve located on Snead Island in western Palmetto, FL at the mouth of the Manatee River. Enjoy hiking and biking trails as well as an extensive kayak trail system along the river and neighboring Terra Ceia Bay. Emerson point is also home to the Portavant Temple Mound, one of southwest Florida's largest and intact Native American mounds.

Emerson Point is located at:
5801 17th St. West
Palmetto, FL 34221
The park is open daily sunrise to sunset.
For more information please Click Here to visit their website.

 
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South Florida Museum Mammoth exhibit

Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

The Bishop Museum is the largest natural and cultural museum on Florida's Gulf Coast, interpreting the region from the Pleistocene to the present day. Visitors young and old will delight in the many opportunities to view manatees in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. Interpretive programs on manatees are presented several times daily. The state-of-the-art Planetarium transports visitors to the farthest reaches of the universe. In addition, the Bishop Museum offers gallery spaces with a constantly changing lineup of temporary exhibitions, providing our visitors with something new to see and experience with each visit.

The Bishop Museum is located at:
201 10th St. West
Bradenton, FL 34205
Please call (941) 746-4131 or Click Here to visit their website for hours of operation and admission fees.

 
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The Stephens House at Manatee Village Historical Park

Manatee Village Historical Park

Manatee Village Historical Park

Step back into time at the Manatee Village Historical Park. Visit this collection of restored buildings from Manatee County's settlement history and experience life in Manatee County before the arrival of modern conveniences such as automobiles and electricity. The Manatee Village Historical Park is a joint project of the Manatee County Historical Commission, Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court, the Manatee County Board of County Commission, and the City of Bradenton.

Manatee Village Historical Park is located at:
1404 Manatee Ave. East, State Rd. 64
Bradenton, FL 34209
Contact them at (941)741-7165 or Click Here to visit their website for hours of operation.

 
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American Alligator at Myakka River State park

Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park

One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the state's most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway. The park´s river and two lakes provide ample opportunities for boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. A boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake. Hikers can explore trails that cross large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie. Scenic lake tours are offered daily on the world´s two largest airboats.

Myakka River State park is located at:
13208 State Road 72
Sarasota, FL 34243
For more information please call (941)361-5611 or Click Here to visit their website for hours of operation and entrance fee information.

 
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Mote Marine Laboratories Logo

Mote Marine

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Come meet our fish, And our scientists. Our working aquarium gives you an up-close experience with a variety of marine animals and fish, including two touch tanks and a 135,000 gallon shark habitat. You can also witness our scientific research—as it happens—in viewable working laboratories.

Be sure to say "Hi" to some of our star residents like the manatees Hugh and Buffett, and the sea turtles Hang Tough and Montego. More than 100 species of marine life call Mote their home, and you are more than welcome to meet them all.

Mote Aquarium is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has met rigorous, professional standards for animal care, wildlife conservation and research, education and more.

Mote Marine is located at:
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
For more information please call (941) 388-4441 or Click Here to visit their website for hours of operation, tours, and admission fees.

Last updated: August 1, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy
Bradenton, FL 34209

Phone:

941 792-0458 x105

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