Updated February 12, 2021
Bradenton, Florida is located on US-41 between Tampa and Sarasota. It can also be entered from I-75 by exiting west on State Road 64, or by US-301 coming in from the north. The city has a population of about 59,000.
Shaw's Point near Bradenton was discovered in 1539 by Hernando De Soto on one of his voyages to the New World.
The first town in the area was Manatee, incorporated in 1888. Bradentown was incorporated in 1903. It was named for Dr. Joseph Braden whose fortress-like house had been a refuge for settlers during Indian attacks.
The modern city of Bradenton was formed in 1943, when the town of Manatee merged with Bradentown. The name of the new town became Bradenton, along with its new spelling.
Bradenton is surrounded by water, both fresh and salt. It is the access point for more than 20 miles of beautiful Florida beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay.
Bradenton is located on the mainland on the south bank of the Manatee River, and is separated from the outer barrier island beaches by the Intracoastal Waterway. These island beaches include Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.
Old downtown Bradenton is located on the west side of the city.
Most of the office and government buildings in the county are located downtown.
The tallest buildings in town are the 12 story Bradenton Financial Center and the new 9 story Manatee County Judicial Center.
The new judicial center is right next to the historic Manatee County courthouse built in 1913 and on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bradenton's downtown area is delightful and loaded with museums, restaurants and shops. It is a compact area, and everything is within an easy walk.
Just south of downtown is Bradenton's Village of the Arts. This is a neighborhood district with special zoning that allows residents to live and work in their homes.
The creative zoning paid off. About 50 once rundown houses have been converted into studios, galleries, restaurants and other small businesses.
The Village of The Arts has attracted national recognition because of its innovative approach.
Bradenton was recently recognized as one of the Top 10 cities in the country for working artists. This award was made by Art Calendar, a well known business magazine for visual artists.
Want something more private and homelike than a hotel? Take a look at private homes for rent on the Vacation Rentals by Owner website.
Our Facebook page has more than 103,018 followers who love off the beaten path Florida: towns, tourist attractions, maps, lodging, food, festivals, scenic road trips, day trips, history, culture, nostalgia, and more.
Take a look. If you enjoy what you see, please give us a like.
By Mike Miller, Copyright 2009-2021 Florida-Back-Roads-Travel.com
Florida Back Roads Travel is not affiliated with or endorsed by Backroads,
a California-based tour operator which arranges and conducts travel programs
throughout the world.
Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel