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
upscale shopping in Lakewood Ranch Main Street area, life work and play in a master planned community

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
BRADENTON RIVERWALK

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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (5,058 reviews)
Beautiful clean room

Reviewed on 2026/2/22

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Kompose Boutique Hotel
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! (2,284 reviews)
I stayed for two days for work. The room was clean and a really good size. I really enjoyed the size of the fridge. It is in a good proximity to everything. I would definitely stay again if I am in the area.

Reviewed on 2026/2/22

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Golden Host Resort - Sarasota
RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
6000 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
The price is NT$7,501 per night from Feb 24 to Feb 25
NT$7,501
NT$10,442 total
Feb 24 - Feb 25
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! (1,650 reviews)
The room was very big. The bed is very very cozy. Overall it was a great stay. I would highly recommend this hotel, on the beach great food. Staff was friendly. Can’t wait to go go back.

Reviewed on 2026/2/21

RumFish Beach at TradeWinds
Island Grand at TradeWinds

Island Grand at TradeWinds

4 out of 5
5500 Gulf Blvd St. Pete Beach FL
The price is NT$6,963 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
NT$6,963
NT$9,834 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
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! (1,018 reviews)
Great room. Tons of activities . Friendly staff.

Reviewed on 2026/2/20

Island Grand at TradeWinds
Tropical Beach Resorts

Tropical Beach Resorts

3.5 out of 5
6717 Sara Sea Circle Siesta Key FL
The price is NT$8,941 per night from Mar 13 to Mar 14
NT$8,941
NT$10,925 total
Mar 13 - Mar 14
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (5,318 reviews)
Location, amenities, and friendly staff.

Reviewed on 2026/2/19

Tropical Beach Resorts
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 NT$8,845 per night from Mar 1 to Mar 2
NT$8,845
NT$10,888 total
Mar 1 - Mar 2
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! (1,966 reviews)
Staff were amazing, from check-in to departure, from dining to poolside…everyone was cheerful, kind and provided top-notch service!

Reviewed on 2026/2/21

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
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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 The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature and LECOM Park.

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
Path to a Gulf of Mexico beach in Bradenton Beach on the west coast of Florida

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
Bradenton, Florida, USA Downtown on the Manatee River

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