Palma Sola Botanical Park

The trunk of the floss silk tree (Chorisia speciosa) is studded with thick conical prickles which serve to store water for dry times. 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.
The trunk of the floss silk tree (Chorisia speciosa) is studded with thick conical prickles which serve to store water for dry times. 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 pair of pink lotuses or loti (Nelumbo nucifera) blooming in one of the ponds at Palma Sola Botanical Park. A little past their prime but still pretty. 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.
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.

Popular places to visit

This was a great park and a good place to watch the sunset.

Robinson Preserve

Enjoy the beautiful sunsets and explore Robinson Preserve, a lovely green space in Bradenton. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Robinson Preserve
Hillside stairway of railroad ties and gravel flanked by thickets of ornamental grass in a coastal nature preserve and county park on a cloudy afternoon in summer, southwest Florida

Emerson Point Preserve

You can take time to visit Emerson Point Preserve during your travels to Palmetto. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Emerson Point Preserve
Closed for Winter. Santa Cruz, California.; Shutterstock ID 539586901

West Coast Surf Shop

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at West Coast Surf Shop during your stay in Holmes Beach. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

West Coast Surf Shop
Colorful sunrise over Bridge Street Pier Anna Maria Island

Historic Bridge Street Pier

After visiting Historic Bridge Street Pier, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Bradenton Beach. Wander the beautiful beaches or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

Historic Bridge Street Pier
A89G4C Cortez Beach in Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island Florida

Cortez Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Cortez Beach during your travels in Bradenton Beach? Stroll along the seaside or experience the area's entertainment venues.

Cortez Beach

De Soto National Memorial

De Soto National Memorial is just one of the places to see in Bradenton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's beautiful sunsets.

De Soto National Memorial

Top Palma Sola Botanical Park Hotel Deals

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound

Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound

4 out of 5
12324 Manatee Avenue West Bradenton FL
Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria Sound
Swivel On Anchor

Swivel On Anchor

2.5 out of 5
9907 Manatee Ave W Bradenton FL
Swivel On Anchor
Yacht Time

Yacht Time

2.5 out of 5
9907 Manatee Ave W Bradenton FL
Yacht Time
Last Hoorah

Last Hoorah

2.5 out of 5
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Last Hoorah
1Bedroom✔1Bathroom✔ Livingroom✔ Beach Get Away✔ Pool access✔ Quite

1Bedroom✔1Bathroom✔ Livingroom✔ Beach Get Away✔ Pool access✔ Quite

Bradenton FL
1Bedroom✔1Bathroom✔ Livingroom✔ Beach Get Away✔ Pool access✔ Quite
Mermaid Manor 5-Bath, Htd Pool, Hot Tub, Poker Table, Billiards Room Sleeps 22

Mermaid Manor 5-Bath, Htd Pool, Hot Tub, Poker Table, Billiards Room Sleeps 22

Bradenton FL
Mermaid Manor 5-Bath, Htd Pool, Hot Tub, Poker Table, Billiards Room Sleeps 22
Pelican Post at Anna Maria Island Inn

Pelican Post at Anna Maria Island Inn

3 out of 5
202 1st St N Bradenton Beach FL
Pelican Post at Anna Maria Island Inn
Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages

Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages

3 out of 5
2710 Gulf Drive N Holmes Beach FL
Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages
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