IMG Academy – Area Bucket List

IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is where some of the most committed athletes train, and even live, in order to perfect their sport. What started out as a boarding school for tennis players is now a massive sporting and educational institution and the alma mater of hundreds of professional athletes. It still serves as a sports boarding school and has expanded its offerings throughout the years. IMG Academy hosts adult and youth sports camps, professional and college training, corporate retreats, and team-building exercises.

A lot goes on at IMG Academy, and there is also plenty of entertainment in the surrounding city of Bradenton. Enjoy your time in the Sunshine State with plenty of outdoor and waterfront activities. You won’t have to travel far to fill your days with fun, as there are many destinations less than 25 minutes from IMG Academy.

 

Florida Maritime Museum

Florida is surrounded by and filled with bodies of water and has a strong connection to nautical life. That’s why the Florida Maritime Museum, located 12 minutes from IMG Academy, is worth visiting.

This free museum is on a mission to preserve Florida’s maritime history by collecting, housing, and displaying a dazzling array of artifacts. The Florida Maritime Museum contains photos, model ships, nautical tools, fishing instruments, and more. Overall, the museum provides an educational experience that teaches visitors about Florida’s maritime life and the nautical past of the area.

 

DeSoto National Memorial

A trip to the Sunshine State wouldn’t be complete without spending some time outdoors. DeSoto National Memorial has lots of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. DeSoto offers kayak tours, a popular choice for visitors who want to float along the water.

DeSoto National Memorial is also home to a nature trail that guides guests through multiple Florida ecosystems like marshes, swamps, and shrublands. The trail also includes signage sharing information about the history of the area. Other activities include birdwatching, fishing, swimming, and small-scale boating. The park is pet-friendly too, so feel free to bring your dog along.

 

Robinson Preserve

Robinson Preserve is similar to DeSoto in that it features activities like hiking, biking, birdwatching, and fishing. It also offers waterfront activities like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. There is an impressive collection of plant life throughout the preserve’s 600 acres, which guests can see from the top of the observation tower. Robinson Preserve is also a great place for a picnic under their pavilion, while kids can enjoy the playground.

Those who really love Robinson Preserve and want to spend even more time there can go camping. Overall, the entire preserve is a peaceful place for the entire community to enjoy.

 

Palma Sola Botanical Park

There’s even more natural beauty to see near IMG Academy, such as Palma Sola Botanical Park. The park was originally the Manatee County Nursery, and in 1990 was rescued by citizens who wanted to prevent it from becoming a construction site.

This 10-acre oasis, 18 minutes from IMG Academy, features lush greenery, tropical plants, multiple lakes, plenty of butterflies, and rare trees. The Palma Sola Botanical Park partners with the Manatee Rare Fruit Council, which maintains an entire section in the gardens containing exotic, fruit-bearing trees.

Palma Sola Botanical Park also hosts educational programs, public events, and private celebrations. This destination is popular with locals, so head over to Palma Sola Botanical Park and enjoy an authentic Bradenton experience.

 

Ca’ d’Zan

John Ringling is best known as one of the creators of the circus known as “The Greatest Show on Earth.” In 1911, he and his wife used their fortune to purchase an expansive plot of land and build a mansion known as Ca’ d’Zan.

The design of this estate was based on the grand palaces of Italy. Visitors arriving to Ca’ d’Zan are greeted by a grand exterior with huge windows, and intricate carvings. Inside, the detailed ceiling, marble pillars, masterful tile work, and luxurious decorations create an unforgettable home. There is also a huge patio with a gorgeous waterfront view.

Guests can take guided tours of Ca’ d’Zan, tailored to their preferences. You can tour their impressive art museum or stroll through the beautiful gardens. The 45-minute guided tour of Ca’ d’Zan takes visitors to unique spots like the game room and tower. This mansion is less than 20 minutes from IMG Academy and certainly a bucket-list-worthy experience in the area.

 

Anna Maria Island

Relaxing beside the water with your feet in the sand is a quintessential Florida experience. There are multiple free beaches near IMG Academy, and some of the best are located on Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria Beach, located at the top of the gorgeous island, is a spacious and quiet escape. This beach doesn’t attract many tourists or families, as there are no facilities. This creates an environment that’s especially peaceful.

Meanwhile, Manatee Beach is the place to go for a more fun and energetic experience, making it perfect for families or groups. There are many facilities there, including a playground for kids.

Lastly, the spacious Coquina Beach is a happy medium between Anna Maria and Manatee Beach. Pine trees cover the picnic area, and beachgoers may even spot an occasional dolphin swimming by. These three beaches are just the beginning of what Anna Maria Island has to offer. There are also museums, parks, downtown shopping areas, and more. It’s a great place for a day trip while visiting IMG Academy.

 

Gamble Plantation Historic State Park

Ca’ d’Zan isn’t the only beautiful mansion you can explore while visiting IMG Academy. Gamble Plantation is an expertly restored site that was once the headquarters of a massive sugar plantation.

The house, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, is an 1840s Greek Revival-style home. The estate features 10 furnished rooms decorated in a traditional mid-19th-century style.

In addition to the house, the Gamble Plantation Historic State Park has 17 acres of well-kept lawns, a beautiful pavilion, and a welcoming picnic area. Visit the oldest building in the county and learn more about Florida’s past.