All this wasn't enough to keep DeSoto around long (although you'll still see his name on everything from parks to monuments to road signs). But anyone who passes through here nowadays is generally tempted to stay a while, lulled by the charms of this small, quiet coastal city. Long overshadowed by Sarasota to the south, and the Tampa/St. Petersburg area to the north, Bradenton tends not to get the tourist traffic of other Gulf-Coast towns. That mostly suits the locals just fine, but it's the travel world's loss. If you think Florida family fun begins and ends with Orlando, if you think Miami is the only place to find culture; if you think the Keys are the only place in Florida to enjoy water sports, you owe it to yourself to give Bradenton a try. Below are a few of the area's highlights.

Pirate's Cove
The local answer to Orlando's theme parks promises fun for the whole family. Five compact acres house go-cart racing, mini-golf, batting cages, bumper boats, video games, and laser tag. Best of all, admission's free.
Address: 5410 U.S. Hwy 41, Bradenton, FL 34207
Phone: (941) 755-4608
Fax: (941) 753-9078

Florida Gulf Coast Railroad Museum, Inc.
This one's only open October through April, but it's worth the trip during those months. You don’t need to be a rail geek to appreciate the 13-mile ride along the old seaboard route aboard vintage 1930s and 40s coaches. Discover the museum where you ride the exhibits!
Admission: adults $10, children $6
Address: P.O. Box 355, Parrish, FL 34219
Phone: (941) 776-0906

Manatee Village Historical Park
No, it's not a home for aging sea cows. It's a chance to step back through time and see what Florida was like during the late 1800s. Several painstakingly restored buildings re-create pioneer Florida. Visitors can roam about at will (it's free!) and take a self-guided tour of an authentic general store, schoolhouse, and more.
Address: 604 15th St. East, Bradenton, FL 34208
Phone: (941) 749-7165

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
John Ringling is best known for putting one of the Ringlings in the Ringling Bros. Circus. But he also lent his name to the foremost museum in the state of Florida, having established it by donating many pieces himself. In addition to the world-class collection, visitors can also view props, posters, and costumes documenting the history of the circus in America at the adjacent Ringling Museum of the Circus. Re-opening soon is C&aagrave; d'Zan, (meaning "house of John" in the Venetian dialect of Italian). This magnificent 30-room home was the winter residence of the Ringlings.
Admission: adults $9 (senior discounts available); children under 13 free
Address: 5401 Bayshore Road, Sarasota, FL 34243
Phone: (941) 359-5700
Fax: (941) 359-5745

Water Sports
As you might guess from the city's coastal location, water is a major draw. As with most Florida locations, swimming and sunbathing can be pursued just about year-round. Naturally, sailing is popular, too. Deep-sea fishing is also excellent--the local catch can include everything from trout to grouper and shark--and boats are readily available for charter with or without a crew.

Of course, that's not even close to all there is to do in town. The greater Sarasota/Bradenton area is known to have plenty of fine dining and shopping. And of course, there's always the beach--you could easily spend a week on any of the area's fine stretches of white sand.•