In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto’s quest for glory and gold would be a four year, four thousand mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the United States.
A great way to view the park is from the water! Kayaking and Paddle Boarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the nations! You can rent a kayak, pedal kayak, or paddle board with surferbus.com. They provide all the gear you will need to enjoy Robinson Preserve and the different surrounding trails!
As the largest natural and cultural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the South Florida Museum offers engaging exhibits as well as educational programs that interpret the scientific and cultural knowledge of Florida, the world and our universe. In addition to permanent exhibits, the Museum features a constantly changing lineup of temporary exhibitions — offering something new to discover with each visit. The Museum includes the all-digital Bishop Planetarium Theater and the Parker Manatee Aquarium.
The happiest track on earth! Freedom Factory is home to some of the most entertaining celebrity racing in the world.
Palma Sola Botanical Park is a lush, quiet and tranquil 10 acre park located in NW Bradenton, Florida. Planted with native and exotic flowers, trees and bushes, and rare fruit trees, the Park is full of local birds and butterflies, turtles, fish and pond life. Nature photographers and painters are welcome, as well as, visitors who enjoy wandering the shell paths as they discover plants familiar and new to them. The Park grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk, admission to the Park is free. The Park Office is open M-F 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cortez beach features 140 feet of undeveloped beach. Parking available.
The lake was created when a dam was built across the Manatee River in the mid-1960s. Despite the park’s name, visitors cannot actually see manatees at this park because the dam blocks their access to the lake. The lake offers excellent freshwater fishing and anglers can fish from their boats or from the park’s fishing docks.
A boat ramp provides easy access to the lake for boating, canoeing and kayaking, however boat motors must be less than 20 horsepower.
