South Florida Museum
You'll want to set aside a good amount of time for this treasure trove of a museum. Amongst its countless fascinating exhibits, you'll find dinosaur fossils, antique medical equipment, and ancient relics. Daily tours bring the exhibits to life, while the aquarium and planetarium ensure kids and adults alike will leave in a state of wonder.
Village of The Arts
Potters, painters and healing arts practitioners are some of the people to be found at the Village of the Arts, which also hosts award-winning restaurants and independent stores. Learn more about the colorful artists' community on one of the regular guided Artwalk tours.
Manatee Village Historical Park
Go back to a time before electricity and even roads at this museum, which looks at Florida's pioneer history. 14 areas weave together the story of the first settlers to call the state home, supported by interesting artifacts. Look out for their regular festivals and interactive workshops.
De Soto National Memorial
Learn about the 1539 expedition led by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto at this memorial site. An informative hour-long tour takes in Robinson and Emerson's Point preserves, as your guides tell you about Florida's unique ecosystems and the De Soto expedition. Kayak tours are also available.
Lake Manatee State Park
556 acres of bucolic bliss await at Lake Manatee State Park. Though the manatees from which the park takes its name are prevented from entering the lake by a dam, there are a number of draws here - sunbathe on the beach, splash around in the lake, canoe or kayak, as you unwind and reconnect with nature.
