Downtown Bradenton · Planetarium & manatees
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Florida's Gulf Coast natural history museum, with a 50-foot dome planetarium and a manatee rehabilitation habitat.
Area guide
Downtown Bradenton & the Riverwalk
Bradenton's riverfront park, Old Main Street and The Bishop.
Downtown Bradenton is built along the south bank of the Manatee River, and the Riverwalk ties it together: 1.5 miles of waterfront park from The Bishop museum to 2nd Street East.
Start with a planetarium show or the manatee habitat at The Bishop, walk the river at sunset, then cross a block inland for dinner on Old Main Street or a show at the Manatee Performing Arts Center.
Where to go
Downtown Bradenton · Free
Bradenton Riverwalk
Riverwalk along the Manatee River, Bradenton, FL 34205
1.5 miles of waterfront park with an amphitheater, skatepark, splash pad and day dock.
Downtown Bradenton · Community theater
Manatee Performing Arts Center
502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Bradenton's own stage: musicals and plays in Stone Hall and the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater.
Plan your downtown visit
Parking, festivals and the Saturday market, from our sister guides.
Downtown parkingThe free City Centre garage, other lots and event-day tips.BradentonNowDowntown events 2026–27Winter Wonderland, BAM!Fest and Music in the Park.BradentonNowBradenton Public MarketSaturdays, October through May, on Old Main Street.BradentonNowRiver Regatta, Feb 19–20Powerboats, a drone show and fireworks on the Riverwalk.Regatta Guide