JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

Wags…. I’m currently in Bradenton until mid March. The traffic is already starting to jam up going to/from Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Normally what should take us 20 minutes at times can turn into over an hour. If going to the island get there early as traffic backs up Always check your apps for traffic b4 leaving In addition, be sure to bring Patience as a passenger …. Lol
Places of interest or photo stops in the Bradenton area include the Skyway Bridge just north of Palmetto, the south fishing pier area of the Skyway Bridge for good bridge photos
Emerson Point in Palmetto for hiking, biking and photos
Robinson Preserve ( 2 entrances—- north by blue house or south by the nest area) excellent for wildlife and landscape photos plus hiking and/or biking The south area has a cushioned walking trail plus several osprey nests and white pelicans and other Florida wildlife
Perico Preserve and Neal Preserve off Manatee near the island are excellent for photos and hiking too.
The Celery fields off Palmer road also provides excellent photo and and hiking opportunities at certain times of the year.
Myakka state park is still closed due to Hurricane damage
Venice Audobon rookery is a short drive away but wildlife is scarce due to hurricane
Circle Bar B preserve in Lakeland is excellent.
Anna Maria Island is great for beach, surf and sunset pictures. Be sure to take a lot of patience with you as it is a busy time. Be sure to visit Holmes beach and enjoy the evening music and atmosphere post sunset Grab a meal there also and eat with your feet in the sand. The Ugly Grouper is good but pricey.
Longboat Key is an interesting drive to St Armand’s circle in Sarasota a number of stops afford good photo opportunities. St Armand’s affords photo, shopping and eating everywhere
Sarasota’s bay front also affords the chance to photograph the famous kissing sailor statue made famous from the end of WWll. Also plenty of marina shots plus skyline photos
The Ringling Museum affords senior discounts on Mondays It’s well worth the time for photographers and artist alike.
Good area restaurants we enjoy include Riverhouse Waterfront in Palmetto, Woodys Roo in Ellenton near the outlet mall, Starfish, Tidetables, Cortez kitchen and Swordfish grill in Cortez just off Cortez rd. Ford’s restaurant complete with several Model A’s is near the UTC mall and offers a good selection of food and good shopping nearby Stottlemyers in Sarasota is excellent for BBQ and pork.
South Philly on 34th st near IMG Academy is excellent
As I said in previous posts and per Florida wildlife officers… wildlife previously seen is scarce this year is scarce this year due to hurricane damage.
Hope this helps a little and Enjoy your time in the area and relax.

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

Yeah, one of those pink flamingos got in the way. I later ate it and it did not taste like chicken. Actually I snapped the shot off the computer screen.

JimBart Loc: Western Michigan

Blinkin…. That place is currently undergoing renovation the last time I drove by.

buckscop Loc: Bucks County PA

All good suggestions so far. Be at the beach at sunset, easiest spot would be the end of Manatee Ave. Also check out City Pier and Rod & Reel Pier. Bridge St and it's pier can be scenic (find the love rock on the pier). The end of Coquina Beach by the bridge, and Beer Can Island. Robinson Preserve is good for bird shots.

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Henlopen Loc: Lewes, Delaware

That motorcycle in the photo reminded me of the 1973 Honda CB 750 that I drove from Delaware to Florida about that time with a tent strapped to the sissy bar and and a sleeping bag and camera bag with two camera bodies, a dozen or so rolls of slide film, and a few lenses behind me. Fairing and saddle bags were packed full also for the 3 week ride that took me down the East Coast of Florida to Key West, and back up the West coast, crossing over around Weeki Wachee springs to Orlando to camp out at Ft. Wilderness at Disney world while I took loads of shots there also before heading back up through I-75 (I had come down I-95 on the way down). Best ride of my life!

delder Loc: Maryland

As mentioned, the Ringling Brothers Museum is a GREAT photo op.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

The plantation home is called Gamble House and is in Ellenton, Fl. on hwy 301.

Don

RWeisz

I am visiting a photographer friend in Bradenton at the end of March. Thanks for your question. Last time I was there I visited the Dali Museum. If you enjoy interesting architecture it is an interesting building to photograph. Also Selby gardens were lovely.

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

I still have that bike but haven’t ridden it for several years. It’s a ‘79 KZ1000 shaft drive Kawasaki. At 106k miles I swapped the engine for an 1100 with rubber mounts. Much smoother. I had a ‘69 CB750 and a ‘75 CB750F. The latter a poor touring bike, killer seat, uncomfortable seating position. Now ride an ‘84 ZN1300 Kaw with 129k+. Very comfortable but very heavy, 960 lbs unloaded. Really needs reverse.

nison777 Loc: illinois u.s.a.

Coquina board walk is very nice...
Many Photography opportunities here...As you walk in the mangroves...

There is a neighborhood off Broadway Street containing a large group of peacocks residing there...
At least they were still there a few years ago...
They were everywhere...

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

All good suggestions. But Myakka River State Park has been open for quite some time now after the hurricane came through. Some significant damage done, but still worth a visit.

Pix59 Loc: Ohio

Hello! I use to live on Anna Maria Island. There is a preserve called Robinson Preserve. It’s easy to get lost in, big place. Take in a sunset at Bradenton Beach Coquina Beach. Go on a dolphin tour, the ideas are endless. I use to help at the AMI Chamber of Commerce and Information center on AMI, and took photos for their guide book. You can stop into the Chamber on the island and they will gladly help you. Have fun!

Pix59 Loc: Ohio

That is one of the best places!

JonathanChemE

I agree about Myakka River State Park. It claims to have the world’s largest airboat. They take you out to spot alligators sunning but there is plenty of other wildlife and plants to photograph I have taken people there many times

Pix59 Loc: Ohio

Celery Fields is also a good place to visit.