When the weather changes and gets cooler, that is the perfect time to take an assignment in Florida. Bradenton, Florida, appears to be a popular assignment location for travel nurses. We searched our Facebook group and found some recommendations for travel nurses to do on their day off; you will find some of the top recommendations below.
Fun things to do on your day off in Bradenton, Florida
Anna Maria City Pier
While the pier is roughly a half-hour drive from Bradenton, it truly is worth the trip. According to their website, the pier was initially used to drop off-island “day-trippers” coming by steamboat from St. Petersburg and the Mainland. Visitors would stroll down Pine Avenue to what is now the Sandbar Restaurant. They state on their website that “Now the city pier stands as a reminder of the past as today’s visitors still take in the view while enjoying sunny weather.” There is no admission fee to enjoy the pier. At the end of the pier, there is a restaurant and gift shop. You can also fish from the pier as well.
The pier isn’t the only thing to see when you visit Anna Maria. They also offer beaches, parks, fishing, golfing, spas, restaurants & bars (Waterfront or Beach Bistro, to name a couple), and shopping.
Beer Can Island
Beer Can Island is an undeveloped white sand beach located about 26 miles from Bradenton. Many people visit the island via boat. However, you can walk to the island during low tide as well. Many people who have visited the island say it is “like a remote and magical island oasis.”
While Beer Can Island doesn’t have restaurants or bars to visit, the island itself is a great place to relax and spend time in the sun. You won’t have the hustle and bustle, and you can truly unwind from the work-life you left behind.
Siesta Keys
This trip will take you about 40 minutes, give or take each way. But there is a lot to do in Siesta Keys. According to VisitSiesta.com, Siesta Beach was “Ranked the #1 Beach in the U.S. in 2020 by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™,” They state that “you will quickly understand why when you feel the quartz-crystal powdery sand between your toes, and experience the soft waves and the abundance of sun & fun at gorgeous Siesta Beach.” If you download the Visit Sarasota App and unlock the Beach Pass, you can earn exclusive prizes. The beach isn’t the only thing to do in Siesta, though. You can also visit museums, galleries, parks, go golfing, shopping, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and end the day with some entertainment and the nightlife that Siesta Keys has to offer. There truly is something for everyone to do in Siesta Keys.
Siesta Keys Oyster Bar
Speaking of something for everyone, one of the top-mentioned places was the Siesta Keys Oyster Bar. While their name would lead you to believe that they only offer oysters, this is not true. They have a full menu with something for everyone. The menu does include oysters, and according to their website, they do Happy Hour every day from 3 pm-6 pm, during which they offer 50% off of oysters. The menu also offers a large variety of other seafood options such as shrimp, grouper, and Mahi, to name a few. They offer appetizers, soups, salads, flatbreads, SKOBWhiches, All Natural Grass Fed Beef Burgers, and SKOB classics. The SKOB classics include such dishes as Chipotle Lobster Tacos, Big Boy Mac N’ Cheese, and Shrimp & Penne Pasta a la Vodka, to give you an idea. They also offer kid’s meals for those who are traveling with their family or children.
Another Broken Egg
Another Broken Egg is also located in Siesta Keys. According to their website, “Another Broken Egg Cafe isn’t your typical breakfast, brunch, and lunch place. Our menu is second-to-none, loaded with fresh ingredients and creative recipes across a wide variety of breakfast classics, memorable brunch dishes, and lunchtime favorites. Each location is designed to feel like a casual getaway, served up with a generous side of family, friends, and friendly service.”
They offer a wide variety of foods and drinks. They have a traditional menu, signature cocktails, gluten-friendly, seasonal selections, a kid’s menu, and a vegetarian menu. There truly is something for everyone. Their traditional menu includes pancakes, French toast, omelets as well as burgers. If you want to dine at Another Broken Egg, make sure to make it an early-day visit as they close at 2 pm daily.
Robinson Nature Preserve
The Robinson Nature Preserve is in Bradenton, and they offer many different options of things to do on your day off as a travel nurse. According to their website, “the preserve now consists of 682 acres that is a mix of preserved mangrove, tidal marsh, and former agricultural lands which have undergone an incredible transformation to coastal wetland habitat.” If you are an outdoorsy type of person, the preserve is a great place to visit. They have something for everyone. The site lists the following activities as things you can do while at the preserve:
- Hiking and nature trails
- Kayak/canoeing trails and launch
- Outdoor education
- Non-motorized bicycle trails
- Rollerblading
- Managed fishing
- Picnic areas and pavilions
- Wildlife viewing areas
- Group camping
- Observation tower
- Dog walking
So, as you can see, the preserve truly has an activity for anyone.
We hope you found this list of 6 things to do in Bradenton, Florida, helpful. We will continue to bring you articles with things to do in different cities. Is there a city you would like to see an article on things to do? Comment the city below. If you would like to contribute an article about things to do in a city, please click here to email our Content Strategist.
