Palma Sola Travel Guide

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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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
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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
The Fish Hole at Lakewood Ranch is a fun and challenging 18 hole mini golf course with turtles, koi and informational signs about tropical plants and ocean fish.

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
The bridge is up.

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

Things to do

Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach: Parasailing Tour

Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour

฿3,114
per adult
Anna Maria Island & Bradenton Beach Parasailing Tour
Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour

Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour

฿2,045
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Anna Maria Island: The Island Kayak Tour
Afternoon Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico

Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico

฿2,989
per adult
Parasailing Adventure above the Gulf of Mexico
Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure

Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure

฿1,736
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Anna Maria Island Dolphin Sightseeing Adventure
Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour - Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour

฿2,045
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Anna Maria Island - Clear Kayak LED Night Glass Bottom Tour
Parasailing Adventure in Anna Maria Island

Parasailing Adventure in Anna Maria Island

฿3,744
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Parasailing Adventure in Anna Maria Island
See all activities in Bradenton

Top hotels in Palma Sola

Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy Sarasota FL
The price is ฿3,661 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿3,661
฿4,510 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
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! (4,909 reviews)
Great place, clean, comfortable, good location

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Kompose Boutique Hotel
Tropical Beach Resorts

Tropical Beach Resorts

3.5 out of 5
6717 Sara Sea Circle Siesta Key FL
The price is ฿5,785 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿5,785
฿7,344 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
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! (5,246 reviews)
Great little find

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Tropical Beach Resorts
RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
6000 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
The price is ฿5,257 per night from 24 Jan to 25 Jan
฿5,257
฿7,871 total
24 Jan - 25 Jan
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! (1,592 reviews)
Great location!

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

3 out of 5
4675 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota FL
The price is ฿2,357 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
฿2,357
฿2,663 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,222 reviews)
Great experience

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Lido Beach Resort

Lido Beach Resort

4 out of 5
700 Benjamin Franklin Dr Sarasota FL
The price is ฿8,981 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿8,981
฿11,553 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Sarasota. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Excellent hotel.

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Lido Beach Resort
Island Grand at TradeWinds

Island Grand at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
5500 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
The price is ฿5,785 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
฿5,785
฿8,468 total
29 Jan - 30 Jan
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! (1,007 reviews)
Its was a nice visit, small ant problem by sink area. Did call for service not sure if anyone showed up. Great views great bartender Billy!

Reviewed on 18 Jan 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 Palma Sola Bay and The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 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
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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
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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 Travel Guide