Things to do in Palmetto

    Discover amazing Palmetto activities and premium in-home experiences.

    Situated along the tranquil shores of the Manatee River, Palmetto offers a blend of historic charm and vibrant waterfront living. With its scenic parks, bustling farmers' markets, and easy access to both cultural attractions and pristine beaches, Palmetto is a hidden gem where community spirit thrives amidst lush Florida landscapes. Whether exploring local history or enjoying riverfront activities, this inviting city captures the essence of Southern hospitality with every visit.

    Popular Activities in Palmetto

    AMI Jetcar Rental on Palma Sola Bay

    Pilot a Corvette-inspired watercraft with instruction and gear included for a thrilling cruise around Anna Maria Island

    5.0 2 reviews
    $168/ jetcar

    Beach Horseback Ride & Swim in Palma Sola Bay

    Ride a gentle horse along the sand, then cool off with a unique swim in Palma Sola Bay.

    4.9 406 reviews
    $164/ person

    Stand Up Paddle Board Rental in Bradenton FL

    Enjoy a self-guided paddle adventure with a versatile inflatable board.

    4.9 134 reviews
    $35/ hour

    Private Inshore Fishing Charter in Bradenton FL

    Fish inshore waters with a US Coast Guard–licensed captain on a 2019 Sea Pro, tailored for all ages

    Private Sunset Dolphin Tour with Wildlife Guide

    Experience a private dolphin tour and enjoy scenic views while learning about local wildlife.

    4.5 730 reviews
    $390/ private tour

    Sarasota Bay Tritoon Rental for Up to 12 People

    Cruise the Intracoastal with room for up to 12 and flexible 4–8 hour rentals

    4.5 730 reviews
    $547/ boat

    Private Sandbar Tour with Snorkeling at Jewfish Key

    Discover Jewfish Key and local sandbars on a private excursion with swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

    4.5 730 reviews
    $511/ private tour

    Bradenton Beach Dolphin & Sandbar Sunset Tour

    Experience dolphins, sandbars, and a relaxing sunset cruise in the bays of Anna Maria Island.

    4.5 730 reviews

    Bradenton Beach Dolphin & Wildlife Eco Tour

    See non-migratory dolphins and unique wildlife while exploring the bays of Manatee and Sarasota.

    4.5 730 reviews
    $34/ person

    Egmont Key Express Boat Tour from Bradenton Beach

    Discover Egmont Key’s history and wildlife on a relaxing boat cruise with snorkeling and shelling.

    4.5 730 reviews
    $86/ person

    Dolphin Watching & Sandbar Cruise in Bradenton

    Cruise to local sandbars and spot dolphins while learning about unique island wildlife.

    4.5 730 reviews
    $63/ person

    Parasailing in Bradenton Beach & Anna Maria

    Soar up to 800 feet for a thrilling 10-minute parasail flight with an expert crew over the Gulf of Mexico

    5.0 1.1K reviews
    $90/ person

    Bradenton Beach Parasailing: 800 Foot Flight

    Soar up to 800 feet over the Gulf on a 10-minute flight during an easy 1.5-hour parasailing outing.

    5.0 1.1K reviews
    $65/ person

    Sandbar Excursion with Swimming and Shelling

    Enjoy a 2.5-hour sandbar outing with swimming, shelling, and chances to see dolphins

    4.9 1.7K reviews
    $73/ person

    Holmes Beach Picnic with Setup & Cleanup

    Customize a 3-hour beach picnic with setup and cleanup included

    5.0 163 reviews

    Holmes Beach Glamping Cabana Setup for 6

    Enjoy a full-day beach suite for six with cabanas, chairs, towels, games, and a cooler—set up and cleaned up for you.

    5.0 163 reviews

    Longboat Key Mangrove Kayak & SUP Rentals

    Explore Longboat Key’s mangrove islands at your own pace with fully equipped half-day rentals

    5.0 912 reviews
    $51/ rental

    Longboat Key Kayak Tour with Dolphin Spotting

    Paddle crystal-clear bays to spot dolphins and manatees with expert naturalist guides

    5.0 912 reviews

    Half-Day Longboat Key Paddling with Gear & Map

    Explore scenic waters with included gear, map, and lesson for a fun half-day adventure

    5.0 912 reviews

    Lido Key Mangrove Tunnels Kayak Tour

    Paddle Sarasota's serene mangrove tunnels with a naturalist guide and spot birds, manatees, and dolphins.

    5.0 912 reviews

    Lido Key Mangrove Kayak & Paddleboard Rental

    Explore Lido Key’s mangrove tunnels with included gear, map, and a brief lesson

    5.0 912 reviews
    $51/ kayak

    Longboat Key Private Kayak Tour Between 2 Islands

    Paddle clear waters between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key with a dedicated guide and flexible itinerary.

    5.0 912 reviews

    Vintage Open-Air Train Ride Through Parrish

    Ride a 13-mile historic railroad excursion in open-air or air-conditioned cars.

    4.5 1.7K reviews
    $19/ person

    6-Passenger Golf Cart Rental in Anna Maria

    Explore Anna Maria Island with a street-legal 6-seater and included delivery

    4.9 390 reviews
    $254/ cart
    St. Armands Circle Food & History Walking Tour

    St. Armands Circle Food & History Walking Tour

    Savor Sarasota’s flavors and history in one unforgettable afternoon!

    4.8 103 reviews
    $119/ person

    Historic Sarasota: 90-Min Narrated Trolley Tour

    Explore Sarasota's historic neighborhoods and cultural landmarks on a 90-minute air-conditioned trolley ride.

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $66/ person

    90Min AC Tour of Sarasota's Architectural Gems

    Discover Sarasota’s unique architectural styles on a guided 90-minute air-conditioned tour.

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $55/ person

    Sarasota Murder Mystery Trolley with Drinks

    Solve a circus-themed murder mystery on a rolling trolley with interactive fun and complimentary drinks.

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $59/ person

    Amish Experience Tour: Bridges To Understanding

    Visit Pinecraft to learn about Amish traditions and culture

    4.8 1.5K reviews

    Downtown Sarasota Dinner Tour

    Visit four restaurants and stroll historic Sarasota with tastings and stories on a relaxed 3-hour evening tour

    4.8 105 reviews
    $424/ person

    Downtown Sarasota Lunch Tour

    Taste local flavors at four restaurants while your guide shares Sarasota’s downtown history

    4.8 105 reviews
    $401/ person

    Sarasota Dolphin & Wildlife Boat Tour

    Experience marine life up close on a comfortable pontoon cruise for all ages.

    4.9 345 reviews
    $33/ person

    Sarasota Party Boat Fishing with All Gear & License

    Fish 11–14 miles offshore with gear, bait, and license included

    4.4 311 reviews
    $95/ person

    Deep Sea Fishing Charter Sarasota Private Boat

    Experience custom deep sea fishing with comfort and flexibility on a private charter.

    4.4 311 reviews

    Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayak & Wildlife Tour

    Glide over shallow seagrass beds in a transparent kayak and spot marine life in Shell Key Preserve.

    5.0 642 reviews

    Small Group Pedal Kayak Tour in Bird Key Park

    Pedal effortlessly through Sarasota Bay and encounter vibrant marine life on a small-group guided adventure

    4.9 184 reviews
    $69/ person

    Shell Key Preserve Clear Kayak Tour

    Paddle crystal-clear Tampa Bay waters in see-through kayaks to explore mangroves, beaches, and vibrant marine life.

    5.0 6.2K reviews
    $74/ person

    Shell Key Preserve Private Clear Kayak Tour

    Customize a private clear-kayak tour at Shell Key Preserve for all ages, up to 3 hours.

    5.0 6.2K reviews

    Clear Kayak LED Sunset Tour at Shell Key

    Paddle crystal-clear kayaks with LED lights to witness Shell Key’s sunset or glowing nighttime waters.

    5.0 6.2K reviews
    $92/ person

    Guided Kayak + Beach Yoga at Shell Key Preserve

    Paddle clear kayaks and unwind with beach yoga at Shell Key Preserve, guided by certified instructors

    5.0 6.2K reviews
    $86/ person

    In-Home Experiences

    Private Chef Dinner in Your Sarasota Rental

    Private Chef Dinner in Your Sarasota Rental

    A custom chef‑curated feast celebrating bold local flavors and dietary wellness—served right in your home or rental

    5.0 105 reviews
    $150/ guest
    Private Yoga Session at Your Sarasota Rental

    Private Yoga Session at Your Sarasota Rental

    Stretch, unwind, and rejuvenate—right in the comfort of your vacation rental.

    $125/ guest

    Explore the Charm of Palmetto

    Palmetto is a vibrant city that blends small-town charm with rich cultural heritage. Located along the banks of the Manatee River, this area offers visitors a unique mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The historic downtown district invites you to stroll through its quaint streets lined with charming shops and local eateries. Here, you'll find artisan crafts, delightful cafes, and perhaps even catch one of the lively community events or farmers' markets.

    Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring Emerson Point Preserve—a stunning spot where nature trails weave through mangroves and ancient shell mounds left by indigenous peoples centuries ago. Whether you're kayaking on serene waters or enjoying a picnic under sprawling oaks draped in Spanish moss, it's an idyllic setting for relaxation and adventure alike.

    No visit to Palmetto would be complete without experiencing its waterfront parks such as Sutton Park or taking a scenic walk across the Green Bridge Fishing Pier at sunset. With nearby attractions like Bradenton's art scene just across the river or Anna Maria Island’s pristine beaches within easy reach, Palmetto serves as both a tranquil retreat and a gateway to broader explorations in Florida's Gulf Coast region.

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