Bradenton, Florida Area information and things to do

Bradenton, FL Area Information and Activities

Looking for something to do in the Bradenton area during your Anna Maria Island vacation? We have compiled a list of the Bradenton area attractions for your convenience!

Kick it old school and catch a movie at the Ruskin Drive In Theater from the comfort of your own car!
Bring the whole family to the The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (formerly South Florida Museum) and explore their amazing exhibits!
Looking to catch up on some recreational bowling? Bowlero Bowling Alley will cater to your needs.
Sit down dining is plentiful off Anna Maria Island just in Bradenton. We have a BoneFish, Applebee’s, Outback, as well as several local owned restaurants.
Give the kids some entertainment at Bradenton’s Chuckie Cheeses Restaurant.
Palma Sola Botanical Gardens has beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere. Get in touch with nature!
Beautiful Lakewood Ranch has many sights, shopping, golf and other activities!
Robinson Preserve – Outdoor Park has many hiking, biking and other trails that are great for getting the family together and active!
Ice Cream for Ice Cream at Sweet Berries yum!
Ellenton Shopping Mall is a great place to pick up souvenirs for those unfortunate souls that couldn’t travel with you!

Anna Maria Island Rainy Day Top 5

Paradise needs to have a rainy day or two. If you are unfortunate enough to catch a rainy day while on Anna Maria Island there is still plenty to do. Most things to do on a rainy day are off the island in Bradenton, FL however it is just a short drive away. Most area attractions off Anna Maria Island can be found on Manatee Avenue or Cortez road. Below is our top five things to do while enduring a rainy day on Anna Maria.

Bowling on a Rainy Day

Just off Anna Maria Island in Bradenton you can find Bowling. Only 15 minutes from Anna Maria, FL you will find open bowling just of Cortez. Visit our Florida Bowling Blog for more information.

Oakmont Theater

Go take in the latest big screen movie. The Oakmont Theater is a newly renovated theater just of Cortez only 15 minutes from Anna Maria Island. There you will find all the normal requirements necessary to enjoy the latest blockbuster of a movie. Popcorn, reclining seats, hot dogs, candy, soda, everything you need to gain those extra 5 lbs needed to ensure you were on a true vacation.

Restaurants on Anna Maria Island

Go out to anyone of our fabulous restaurants on Anna Maria island. Obviously outdoor seating will not work well under rainy circumstances but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Whether it be a breakfast or lunch just to catch up or a 5 course meal your are sure to find plenty of choices on or off Anna Maria Island.

Read a book at the Library

Go relax and read a good book or catch up on the latest magazine gossip or news at the Holmes Beach City Library. For a small amount you can become a member of the library. Of course you only need a library card if you plan to take books, CD’s, or DVD’s home for review there. It’s absolutely free to use the 8 computers they have on site with Internet as well as use their Internet hub for your laptop. They have an amazing collection of DVD’s, VHS movies, as well as some recent publications for self help or the latest novel you have been looking to read. The children’s area has plenty of books, games, a computer for their use as well as soft plush toys to play with.

Spa Day

Pamper yourself with a spa day. Anna Maria Island enjoys many “full meal deal” spas that can accommodate your every whim. Massage, pedicure, hair, sea wraps, you name it. Anna Maria City, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach boasts several spa choices to choose from. In addition there are several individuals that will come to your vacation rental and give you a massage in your accommodations. Perhaps on a covered beach front patio? It’s a bit tough to schedule a rainy day in paradise but you should be able to plan your spa day last minute as there are plenty of choices on Anna Maria Island.

Bowling is a great activity for Anna Maria Island, Fl visitors

On a rainy day or a day after too much sun on Anna Maria Island, bowling could be the perfect solution to get the family together and have a little fun. The Bowlero Bradenton is just a short 15 minute drive from Anna Maria Island, Florida. Travel East on Cortez and you will find it on the North side of Cortez.

The bowling center has at least 40 lanes and I have never seen them full without lanes available. Of course always call ahead for public bowling times. Bowlero rents bowling shoes and bowling balls. The alley has a small arcade for teenage family members although the games are a bit on the older side. The bowling center serves alcoholic drinks as well as “bar” food.

Don’t know how to score bowling, no worries, Bowlero has automatic scoring screens and can raise bumpers so younger players can join in the fun. They also have bowling aides for children that cannot pick up the ball and under hand throw the bowling ball. Bowling is fabulous fun for everyone and its a great alternative to the beach while staying on Anna Maria Island.

Bowlero Bradenton
4208 Cortez Road West
Bradenton, Fl, 34210
(941) 758-8838

Need more ideas for rainy day activities? Check out our top rainy day things to do on Anna Maria Island!