Palma Sola, FL

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 collegiate 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 visit 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

Palma Sola Hotel Deals

Kompose Boutique Hotel

Kompose Boutique Hotel

3 out of 5
965 University Pkwy Sarasota FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,901 reviews)
Loved staying here! It is a really cool hotel. It was clean and comfortable for an amazing price!

Reviewed on 16 January 2026

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Kompose Boutique Hotel
Tropical Beach Resorts

Tropical Beach Resorts

3.5 out of 5
6717 Sara Sea Circle Siesta Key FL
The price is AED 684 per night from Jan 22 to Jan 23
AED 684
AED 856 total
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Siesta Key. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5,237 reviews)
Clean room, comfy bed, adequate kitchen

Reviewed on 17 January 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 AED 621 per night from Jan 22 to Jan 23
AED 621
AED 930 total
22 Jan - 23 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in St. Pete Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,595 reviews)
Staff

Reviewed on 14 January 2026

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds
Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

Golden Host Resort - Sarasota

3 out of 5
4675 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota FL
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Sarasota. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,223 reviews)
The pool area was clean and poo was warm it was pretty cold during our visit so we may have just dipped some toes in. But it was great

Reviewed on 19 January 2026

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Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
Island Grand at TradeWinds

Island Grand at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
5500 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
The price is AED 746 per night from Jan 23 to Jan 24
AED 746
AED 1,071 total
23 Jan - 24 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in St. Pete Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
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 January 2026

Island Grand at TradeWinds
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound

4 out of 5
12324 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton FL
The price is AED 615 per night from Jan 28 to Jan 29
AED 615
AED 799 total
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Bradenton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,923 reviews)
Staff rooms view

Reviewed on 16 January 2026

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
See all 17,168 properties in Palma Sola
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 neighborhoods around Palma Sola

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Shore Acre Heights

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Shore Acre Heights and surrounding area, you can visit The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park.

Shore Acre Heights
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Belair Bayou

While there might not be top attractions in Belair Bayou, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Palma Sola Bay and The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature.

Belair Bayou
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Harbor Hills

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Harbor Hills and surrounding area, you can visit The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park.

Harbor Hills
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West Bradenton

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in West Bradenton and surrounding area, you can visit The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park.

West Bradenton
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River District

River District 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.

River District
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Pine Lakes

Though Pine Lakes might 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, FL

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