Present-day Bradenton was home to Native American tribes in the precolonial period. Hernando de Soto discovered Shaw’s Point, near where Bradenton was later established, in 1539. The area was named for Dr. Joseph Braden, whose plantation house was a refugee camp for settlers during the Seminole Wars. Dr. Braden had migrated to Bradenton from Virginia to establish a sugar plantation.
The area’s economy was primarily based on farming sugar and commercial fishing. Modern Bradenton was established in 1943 when Manatee and Bradenton merged. The newly formed town was called Bradenton. In 1878, the city received its first post office. Railroad service began in the early 1900s when workers extended the railroad from Palmetto to Bradenton across the Manatee River. The town was incorporated in 1903, and its first mayor was A.T Comwell.
In 1910, the first automobile and pedestrian bridge across the Manatee River opened. The first road from Bradenton to Sarasota started operating in 1912. A new courthouse was constructed the following year. The Victory Bridge was opened in 1919. Bradenton became a sporting hub in the 1920s, following the construction of Ninth Street Park for baseball spring training.
Today, Bradenton is a thriving city encompassing 17.50 square miles and with a population of over 57,300. The city is home to many lovely destinations, including Parker Manatee Aquarium and the Bishop Planetarium. The Village of the Arts has charming shops, studios, and galleries housed in restored early 1900s cottages. Riverwalk Park and Robinson Reserve offer biking, hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor recreation activities.
Sarasota Seafood and Music Festival – Tag along with your family and friends to savor fresh seafood, drinks, and live entertainment at this event. This annual occasion occurs for three days in Sarasota.
Sarasota Opera Food & Wine Festival – Delicious food, tasty wine, and other treats await you at this event in Sarasota. The two-day annual event happens in September.
Oktoberfest – Have fun at this Bavarian festival in Bradenton. It happens every year in October and features local beer, food vendors, and live musical performances.
There are plenty of storage facilities to choose from when you visit Florida. Eagle Overwatch in Sarasota provides indoor and outdoor storage services in a secure facility and charges $240 to $480 for indoor storage and $80 to $160 for outdoor storage per month. StorQuest in South Bradenton is a secure facility with ample lighting and an advanced security system, and it has outdoor parking for $229 a month. Del Prado Storage is near nature preserves and golf courses in North Fort Myers and offers premium storage for all RV sizes. Call Del Prado Storage for prices.
Everglades National Park, 169 miles from Bradenton, is the nearest national park to the city. The park is a suitable biking and hiking area, thanks to its numerous trails. Go on a boating adventure to experience the park more closely. You might see blue herons, roseate spoonbills, and other birds calling this place home during your visit. Front country and wilderness camping are possible if you want to extend your stay.
Biscayne National Park sits approximately 261 miles from Bradenton. Do not miss the opportunity of snorkeling and diving to see shipwrecks when you tour this park. Anglers will like fishing in peculiar marine habitats and nursery environments. Birders should find their way to the Biscayne Birding Trail to see swans, raptors, and other birds.
Dry Tortugas National Park is 485 miles from Bradenton. Start your tour of this national park by exploring Fort Jefferson, one of the biggest forts in the U.S., built in the 19th century. The waters around this park offer plentiful water-based activities, including boating, fishing, and kayaking. You may want to swim and snorkel the waters to experience coral reefs and marine wildlife.
Lake Manatee State Park near Sarasota has no shortage of activities. The park features 4.5 miles of hiking trails and an additional 2.3 miles of biking trails. Lake Manatee offers boating, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities. The water body also provides excellent opportunities for catching bass, catfish, bluegill, and perch. You can relax and sunbathe along the beach after a long day of activities.
Little Manatee River State Park is near Tampa and St. Petersburg. The remarkable Little Manatee River flowing through the park is a haven for boating. Fishing and swimming are also possible on the river. You will love exploring the park by biking, hiking, or horse riding on its trails. You can snap pictures of alligators, turtles, otters, and other wildlife inhabiting the area.
Oscar Scherer State Park near Osprey has many activities to try out. Both freshwater and saltwater fishing are possible in the park. Guests can also enjoy paddling, swimming, and scuba diving. Carry binoculars to see dozens of bird species living in the park.
Tour the De Soto National Monument, which marks the arrival of Hernando de Soto and his conquistadors in the U.S. Besides learning about de Soto, you will enjoy exploring the area’s beaches, trails and sightseeing areas.
You may want to tour the Big Cypress National Preserve, which contains more than 790,000 acres of temperate and tropical plants. The preserve offers various outdoor recreation opportunities, including biking, hiking, and camping.
Spend time along the 25-mile Canaveral National Seashore along the Atlantic Ocean. Relaxing on the beach, strolling along the shores, and surfing in the waves are some popular activities in this area.
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins is a spectacular location boasting 183 RV sites with full hookups. Its daily pricing ranges between $72 and $200. Torrey Trail RV & Golf Resort offers incredible amenities, including a heated pool, a hiking trail, a preserve, and a 9-hole golf course. It has 368 RV sites with full hookups, and its pricing is $79 per day. Sarasota Bay RV Resort is an oceanfront, medium-sized park with many amenities, including full hookups, Wi-Fi, a pool, and showers. It features 95 RV sites and charges $49-$66 per day or $280-$430 per week.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Bradenton, FL, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Bradenton?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Bradenton from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Bradenton?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
