About Bradenton - Overlooking the Manatee River, south of Tampa, Bradenton is a sunny, friendly city that offers a plethora of attractions, activities, and outdoor recreation for everyone. The city boasts a vibrant, Old Florida history with its beautiful architecture, green parks, and nature reserves. It has a warm and welcoming ambiance that attracts tourists to enjoy its many sights and sounds. If you’re looking for the perfect home base for your Sunshine State getaway, look no further! Owner Direct Vacation Rentals offers accommodations that will suit every family and group sharing a memorable retreat.

Where to Stay & Why - Take your pick of all the lovely, bright, and airy vacation rentals you find here that are tastefully furnished and decorated - stay in a condo rental home overlooking a picturesque lake or an executive villa rental surrounded by vibrant green grass and tropical plants that will invite you right up to the front porch.

Lounge in front of the flat screen TV or HDTV while watching your favorite Netflix movie or TV show. If you want to lay down but still want to be with everyone, there’s a sleeper sofa you can occupy. Whip up delicious meals in the fully equipped kitchen. Settle into the breakfast bar to share casual meals or gather around the dining table with ample seating. Enjoy al fresco meals out on the patio or screened-in lanai while the kids splash in the private heated pool. If you’re bringing your furry pet, let him/her run around the fenced backyard.

Good news moms, some vacation rentals offer a crib and high chair to use if you have a little one. If you need to do some work, there may be a working space with printer-scanner-copier, high-speed internet, and free calls within the US, to Canada, and certain counties. Some other possible amenities are Bluray DVD, sound system, and game consoles. Let’s not forget that there are ceiling fans, air conditioning, heater, washer and dryer, bedding, linens, and more. Everything’s covered, just bring your clothes and food!

What to See & Do - Some accommodations have a clubhouse if you want to have a workout, use the tennis courts, and swim in the very large swimming pool. If you’re ready to head out, the homes are ideally-located that you’re only minutes from fun-filled activities and attractions.

Explore Bradenton’s Old Florida history and visit the museums, parks, and preserves. Don’t miss vibrant downtown Bradenton, the Riverwalk, and the Village of the Arts - a working artist’s community. Take a break and visit Robinson Preserve, DeSoto National Memorial Park, the Cortez fishing village, and the Manatee Village Historical Park. Don’t forget the South Florida Museum - a planetarium, aquarium, and history museum in one. Plus, Gulf shores are a short drive like Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. It’s culture and it’s fun, it’s all in Bradenton.

Where to Eat & Drink - You’ll find a restaurant to fit every occasion in Bradenton. Whether you’re on a date, celebrating a birthday, or sharing a meal with family/friends, the dining options range from contemporary cuisine to fresh seafood, wood-oven fire pizza to pastries, there is something for everyone. Mattison’s Riverside is the place to catch the sunset, have a great meal, and dance the night away. Tarpon Pointe Grill is a place for the whole family to enjoy. Capture the vibes at Riverhouse Reef - great food and entertainment, fabulous views of the river, gulf, and sunset. If you want to prepare a meal on your own, grab your ingredients at the farmers market and fire up the grill or make the most of the beautiful kitchen.

How to Get Here & Getting Around - By plane, you can arrive by air at Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, Tampa International Airport, or St.Pete-Clearwater-bc">Clearwater International Airport. By car, Bradenton is accessible from Interstate 75.

As always, it would save you time if you have a car for your day trips, but there is public transportation available like a trolley service or bus system.

When to Go - The best time to visit Bradenton are from late-February to early-May, and from late-October to early-December. Summers can be really hot which is during July and August.

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