Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Palmetto, Florida

Near the confluence of the Manatee River and Tampa Bay lies Palmetto, a quaint city that possesses a rich historical background. The historic district extends down to the riverbank and safeguards more than 150 years of heritage.

Along these streets, visitors can find a delightful historical park that showcases remnants of old Palmetto, along with a museum that documents the region’s agricultural history next door.

The Manatee County Fairgrounds occupy a substantial area within the city. This event, held in January, ranks among the oldest fairs in Florida and is one of the highlights in the region.

Heading westward, one will arrive at Emerson Point, merging breathtaking bay vistas, mangroves, and the historical context of Native Americans.

Moreover, located directly across the Manatee River from Palmetto is Bradenton, featuring a vibrant downtown and a district rich with artistic culture.

1. Manatee County Fair

Source: Carol (vanhookc) / Flickr

Dating back over a century, the Manatee County Fair is one of Florida’s oldest fairs. This event is a key annual attraction in the region, showcasing agricultural and livestock exhibitions, competitions, pageants, amusement rides, live shows, and an array of delectable food choices.

The Fair Court features all you could desire, including candy apples and elephant ears, which are personally a favorite.

The fair takes place at the Manatee County Fairgrounds and lasts for 11 days from mid to late January.

With a wide range of activities to engage in, it is advisable to consult the website to ensure you do not overlook any experiences.

2. Emerson Point Preserve

Source: Ric Schafer / shutterstock

Located west of Palmetto, between the mouth of the Manatee River and Terra Ceia Bay, one finds Snead Island. At the island’s western tip, you will arrive at Emerson Point Preserve.

Spanning over 350 acres, this area encompasses various habitats, including mangroves and scenic oak hammocks. Visitors can drive or cycle along the main road that leads to an elevated viewpoint and a small beach, perfect for reflecting on the bay’s beauty.

Rising above the mangroves on the northern side of the peninsula, an observation tower offers a captivating view, encompassing Tampa Bay, Terra Ceia Bay, and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge to the north.

However, my favorite aspect of Emerson Point is its Native American history. The Portavant Mound, constructed by the Safety Harbor culture around a millennium ago, can be explored on the Pioneer Trail.

3. Palmetto Historical Park

This attraction began to take form in the early 1980s when a coalition of residents worked to preserve the city’s original Post Office (circa 1880), which faced demolition.

This structure was relocated to the site of the former city hall and school. Today, the campus includes the 1914 Carnegie Library, a 1920 one-room schoolhouse, a historical cottage, the Cypress House military museum (circa 1930s), and a replica chapel.

The Carnegie Library operates during normal hours. Nevertheless, to explore the interiors of all the buildings, participation in the guided tour is necessary. This tour occurs at 2:00 pm and is highly recommended.

4. Riverside Tours

Located at the Regatta Pointe Marina, Riverside Tours is the only tiki boat tour provider on the Manatee River.

Founded in 2009, Riverside Tours offers cruises aboard the newly refurbished River Skipper II.

Various experiences are available, but the staple is the daily guided tour, which operates at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm.

This two-hour cruise is enriched with anecdotes and fascinating historical information, as it meanders along the Manatee River and its connecting waterways. Dolphins and manatees often make appearances.

Additionally, the popular Sunset Party Cruise is available, along with special pub crawls and beach visits to DeSoto Cove, Passage Key, or Beer Can Island.

5. Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant

This distinct restaurant boasts an exceptional location at the end of a pier in the Manatee River. The sunsets here are truly stunning.

Perched above the yachts at the Regatta Pointe Marina, the Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant comprises three distinct establishments.

The ground floor features the casual yet upscale Reef & Grill, serving lunch and dinner, with both indoor and outdoor seating. I particularly enjoyed the blackened grouper sandwich accompanied by a tangy cilantro lime slaw.

The Snook Deck offers a waterfront patio bar, perfect for leisurely afternoons, along with live music every Saturday evening.

Lastly, the Second Floor presents an exquisite seafood menu and operates on Friday and Saturday nights.

6. Felts Audubon Preserve

In 2002, local residents Otis and Anita Felts generously donated their water-rich property to the Manatee County Audubon Society, with a commitment to ensure its preservation.

This 28-acre area consists of diverse habitats, including basin marsh, mesic hammock, and pine flatwoods.

Over 160 bird species and more than 33 types of butterflies have been documented at this lovely preserve. The highlighted bird is the painted bunting.

This species, one of the fastest declining songbirds in the United States, is easily recognizable due to its vibrant plumage in shades ranging from yellow to blue. I encountered one at the Felts Preserve within five minutes of my arrival.

7. Manatee County Agricultural Museum

Source: Manatee County Agricultural Museum, Inc. / Facebook

Adjacent to the Palmetto Historical Park is a museum that unveils the agricultural history of the region.

Exhibits delve into citrus farming, livestock, and even commercial fishing, showcasing photographs, farm equipment, and personal narratives from early settlers of the area.

During my visit, the main exhibit was “Dairy Days of Manatee County,” which provided insight into the mid-20th century when over two dozen dairy farms operated in the county.

The museum opens from Tuesday to Friday and on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

8. Sutton Park

Situated in the very nucleus of the Palmetto Historic District, Sutton Park spans an entire block and serves as the primary venue for the city’s public events.

For example, in March, it hosts the Party in the Park, which follows the DeSoto Children’s Parade.

Sutton Park also serves as the venue for live entertainment during Palmetto’s Fourth of July celebrations.

The events are typically held at a spacious central pavilion or stage along 10th Avenue. For daily use, the park features a walking trail and a children’s playground nestled beneath majestic live oaks.

9. Bradenton

Palmetto is merely a stone’s throw across the Manatee River from the vibrant city of Bradenton. Here, I will highlight just a few activities available just a short distance from Palmetto.

The downtown area is notable for its dining establishments, cultural venues, and the picturesque Riverwalk, which offers views back towards Palmetto.

The standout attraction in downtown Bradenton is undoubtedly the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, which explores the natural and human history of the Gulf Coast, spanning from prehistory to contemporary times. Allocate some time to attend a show at the planetarium, which had recently been renovated during my visit.

Additionally, Bradenton is home to LECOM Park (established in 1923), where the MLB’s Pittsburgh Pirates have held spring training annually since 1969.

10. Manatee Village Historical Park

A complement to Palmetto’s own historical park, this attraction is located just minutes away in Bradenton. Manatee Village Historical Park features a collection of buildings reflective of the early settlement days of Manatee County.

There are over a dozen structures to explore, most of which have been carefully preserved and relocated to this site.

A few notable structures include the 1903 Wiggins General Store, the 1912 Stephens House in Cracker Gothic style, and the historic Old Meeting House church, dating back to 1887.

Another highlight is Old Cabbage Head, a 1913 locomotive recognized for its distinctive round smokestack.

Visitors will also find a small playground to entertain children while village staff conduct regular guided tours of the 1850 Manatee Burying Grounds.

11. Independence Day Celebration

Source: Buganvilla / shutterstock

The city’s premier annual event is a patriotic celebration held on the Fourth of July. This festivity has received numerous accolades over the years and consists of two main components.

Initially, there is an impressive lineup of live music featuring esteemed performers. These concerts typically occur at the pavilion in Sutton Park, commencing around 5:00 pm.

During my visit, the headline act was Great White, while country artist Wynonna Judd had performed a few years prior. The musical performances are complemented by a variety of food and craft vendors.

After sunset, attendees gather along the banks of the Manatee River to enjoy an awe-inspiring fireworks display.

12. Village of the Arts

Source: psyberartist / Flickr

Just a short walk from downtown Bradenton, the Village of the Arts is a distinctive and dynamic community of artists. This district, featuring hundreds of historic homes, houses galleries, studios, restaurants, and coffee shops.

Spanning nearly 40 scenic acres, the village boasts well-preserved residential architecture from the 1920s and 30s.

The Village of the Arts is ideal for a leisurely afternoon spent strolling, sipping coffee, and seeking out unique finds. Throughout the year, the area features live entertainment, festivals, and fairs.

My preferred time to visit is the first Friday and Saturday of the month for one of the finest Art Walks I have experienced.

13. Terra Ceia State Park

Situated at the mouth of Tampa Bay, approximately ten minutes north of Palmetto, Terra Ceia State Park encompasses over 2,000 acres of mangroves, wetlands, and upland hammocks.

The true allure of Terra Ceia is not merely in what is visible now but in what is anticipated for the future. This area, previously utilized for agriculture, is gradually being restored to a natural state.

During my visit, access to a trail system was possible from the end of Hightower Rd, adjacent to I-275. The trail has several branches, including the Pine Flatwoods Loops, Salt Flat Spur, and Hammock Loop, each extending approximately three miles.

Given that much of the landscape is defined by water, exploring Terra Ceia via kayak is highly recommended.

14. Blackstone Park

Source: Dave Peterson / Facebook

Located on the north side of Palmetto High School, this public park is accessible daily from sunrise to sunset.

Amenities include baseball and softball fields, racquetball courts, a soccer field, and a playground for children.

A skate park also caters to the teen demographic. For those preferring to dine on-site, food concessions are available as well. While the sports fields are frequently reserved for leagues, most are open to the public when not in use.

Lastly, if you have a dog accompanying you, the dog park here is a great choice, equipped with covered shelters and complimentary waste bags.

15. Bradenton Area Convention Center

One reason you might find yourself in Palmetto is for an event at this convention center/arena located near the Manatee riverfront.

The Bradenton Area Convention Center has been an integral part of the city since 1985 and underwent renovations in the 2010s.

The venue hosts a variety of large-scale events, including sports competitions, RV shows, circus performances, gun conventions, concerts, art fairs, and much more.

The facility is also home to the local visitors bureau, providing information about the numerous attractions in the broader Manatee County region, including golf courses, beaches, restaurants, and tours.