Downtown Bradenton

Downtown Bradenton is the heart of the city, packed with restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s also home to the Bradenton Riverwalk and local attractions including Island Gallery & Studios, the Manatee Performing Arts Center, the Bishop Museum of Science & Nature, and ArtCenter Manatee.

Old Main Street, or 12th St. West, is the center of downtown. Lined with historic buildings, it extends south to Memorial Pier, where you’ll find Pier 22 Restaurant, a casual fine-dining destination with stunning waterfront views. Nearby, the Central Library offers books, media, and a wide range of programs and services to both residents and visitors.

The Bradenton Riverwalk is a world-class outdoor gathering space located in downtown Bradenton along the Manatee River. It’s a 1.5-mile, ADA-accessible park with many features including an amphitheater, skate park, splash pad, playground, beach volleyball, a fishing pier, and plenty of outdoor public art.

On Saturdays from October through May, the downtown Bradenton Market is held from 9 am to 2 pm. Located on Old Main St., it features over 125 vendors including local artisans, chefs, farmers, and more, as well as live music and special programs like cooking demonstrations and seasonal celebrations.

In February of each year, the Bradenton Riverwalk comes alive with Manatee County’s largest free civic event – The Bradenton Area River Regatta. This two-day event features Formula-2 Powerboat Superleague Racing at speeds over 120/mph. The weekend is also packed with live music, demonstrations, a kid’s zone, a 5k race, kid’s fishing derby, and a drone light show.

During major holidays, such as St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and New Years’ Eve, Old Main St. shuts down for fun and exciting block parties with food, adult beverages, live music, vendors, kid-friendly activities, and more.

Free downtown bradenton parking is available at the City Centre Parking Facility, located at 3rd Avenue West between 10th and 12th Streets. Below the parking garage, you’ll find the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, and several of the area’s best retail locations, including Orange Blossom Coffee, Pink & Navy Boutique, The Beach Shoppe, The Stoked Flamingo, and Millie’s Sweets and Treats. Additional downtown parking is available at the Judicial Center Parking Garage (615 12th St. West) and street parking is available throughout the downtown area. There are also eight electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout downtown Bradenton.

Visitors looking for hotels in downtown Bradenton have several excellent choices, including the historic Hampton Inn and Suites with elegant 1920’s decor, cathedral ceilings and original flooring and SpringHill Suites Bradenton Downtown/Riverfront, with a rooftop pool and Oak & Stone Restaurant, offering stunning views of the pier and riverwalk area.