Palma Sola

Bradenton

EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018
One of the weirdest wildlife encounters I had in Florida was with this wacky bird! I'm guessing he's an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga). He stayed nearly completely submerged, swimming underwater, stalking a school of fish. He'd only pop his head up every few minutes for a quick breath or when he'd catch a fish in his mouth sideways. Then he'd pop his head up with the fish in his mouth, flip the fish up in the air and catch it in the correct orientation to swallow it down. Then back underwater for more hunting. This went on for at least 20-25 minutes. I have never seen a bird behave like this. I've seen cormorants dive down and disappear for a half a minute or so, but this was incredible to watch! Palma Sola Botanical Park is a 10 acre botanical garden located in Bradenton. It's beautiful AND free! The park showcases collections of rare palms, fruits, and flowering trees, as well as three lakes, a butterfly garden, gazebo, pavilion, and playground.
One of the weirdest wildlife encounters I had in Florida was with this wacky bird! I'm guessing he's an Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga). He stayed nearly completely submerged, swimming underwater, stalking a school of fish. He'd only pop his head up every few minutes for a quick breath or when he'd catch a fish in his mouth sideways. Then he'd pop his head up with the fish in his mouth, flip the fish up in the air and catch it in the correct orientation to swallow it down. Then back underwater for more hunting. This went on for at least 20-25 minutes. I have never seen a bird behave like this. I've seen cormorants dive down and disappear for a half a minute or so, but this was incredible to watch! Palma Sola Botanical Park is a 10 acre botanical garden located in Bradenton. It's beautiful AND free! The park showcases collections of rare palms, fruits, and flowering trees, as well as three lakes, a butterfly garden, gazebo, pavilion, and playground.
A bright orange cluster of blossoms on a tree. Palma Sola Botanical Park is a 10 acre botanical garden located in Bradenton. It's beautiful AND free! The park showcases collections of rare palms, fruits, and flowering trees, as well as three lakes, a butterfly garden, gazebo, pavilion, and playground.

Popular places to visit

The trunk of the floss silk tree

Palma Sola Botanical Park

Palma Sola Botanical Park is just one of the places to see in Bradenton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Palma Sola Botanical Park
EyeEm Custom Shoots Q4 2018

IMG Academy

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit IMG Academy during your travels in Bradenton. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

IMG Academy
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LECOM Park

Catch an event at LECOM Park during your trip to Bradenton. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

LECOM Park
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Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch

You can take time to visit Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch during your travels to Lakewood Ranch. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch
BRADENTON RIVERWALK

Riverwalk

Riverwalk is just one of the places to see in Bradenton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Riverwalk
upscale shopping in Lakewood Ranch Main Street area, life work and play in a master planned community

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

You can do some window-shopping at Main Street at Lakewood Ranch during your trip to Lakewood Ranch. Amble around this family-friendly area's beautiful beaches or attend a sporting event.

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

Things to do

Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach: Parasailing Tour

Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour

RM397
per adult
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour
Picture 4 for Activity Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour

Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour

RM220
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bradenton: Anna Maria Island Guided Kayaking Manatee Tour
Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour

Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour

RM220
per adult
Robinson Preserve Mangrove Tour
Afternoon Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico

Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico

RM381
per adult
Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico
Our Cruise gives you the best seat there is to the Skyway Bridge Light Show! Different display every night of the week!

Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show - 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete

RM322
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Island Sunset and Skyway Light Show - 3hr Boat Cruise in St. Pete
Parasailing Adventure in Anna Maria Island

Parasailing Adventure in Anna Maria Island

RM477
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Parasailing Adventure in Anna Maria Island
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Top hotels in Palma Sola

Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy Sarasota FL
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,995 reviews)
Cool vibes

Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026

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Kompose Boutique Hotel
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

3 out of 5
4675 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota FL
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,272 reviews)
Super good people, fun stay.

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

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Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
6000 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
The price is RM826 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
RM826
RM1,176 total
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in St. Pete Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 4 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,626 reviews)
The resort was excellent. Access to all activities restaurants beach pool etc was really nice. Staff was about half and half. Some excelled - the beach personnel and the front desk personnel were extremely helpful and excellent. The room was very clean and quiet although small.

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds
Tropical Beach Resorts

Tropical Beach Resorts

3.5 out of 5
6717 Sara Sea Circle Siesta Key FL
The price is RM1,146 per night from 18 Feb to 19 Feb
RM1,146
RM1,396 total
18 Feb - 19 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Siesta Key. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5,298 reviews)
Updated rooms, very clean. good location and nice new pool.

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Tropical Beach Resorts
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound

4 out of 5
12324 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton FL
The price is RM911 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
RM911
RM1,140 total
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bradenton. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,945 reviews)
Shower water never hot enough

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Island Grand at TradeWinds

Island Grand at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
5500 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
The price is RM859 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
RM859
RM1,213 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in St. Pete Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 outdoor pools and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
Restaurant & bar staff, service staff & Cabana beach service is outstanding ! Beach access is unmatched ! White flour soft sand ! However the Parking lot access to hotel was obstructed by several large service delivery trucks ! This is unacceptable & a very bad look ! This needs to be resolved! A ...

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Island Grand at TradeWinds
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Palma Sola

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Shore Acre Heights

Shore Acre Heights might not have many top sights, but The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Shore Acre Heights
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Belair Bayou

When in Belair Bayou, you can plan a visit to The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Belair Bayou
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Harbor Hills

While Harbor Hills isn't home to many top sights, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Harbor Hills
Path to a Gulf of Mexico beach in Bradenton Beach on the west coast of Florida

West Bradenton

While there might not be top attractions in West Bradenton, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park.

West Bradenton
Bradenton, Florida, USA Downtown on the Manatee River

River District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in River District and surrounding area, you can visit The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park.

River District
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Pine Lakes

Though Pine Lakes may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like LECOM Park and The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

Pine Lakes

Palma Sola