Are you looking for a unique way to spend a few hours during your Anna Maria Island getaway? While there are plenty of things to do on Anna Maria Island - shelling, boat tours, shopping, and more – don't forget to schedule in a day trip here and there! It's also a great excuse to cross the scenic bridge to Bradenton, where you can visit the Palma Sola Botanical Park!
From gardens devoted to succulents, palms, hibiscus, birds of paradise, plumerias, and tropical fruits to an on-site art gallery and café, you can easily spend a morning or afternoon roaming around. Here's everything you'll need to know for your visit!
About Palma Sola Botanical Park
Photo Credit: Donna Bollenbach
- Phone: 941-761-2866
- Website: palmasolabp.org
- Tickets: Free Admission
- Hours: 8 AM to Dusk Daily
- Address: 9800 17th Ave NW, Bradenton, FL
Nestled in Bradenton, Florida, this hidden gem offers more than just pretty plants; it serves as a slice of Gulf Coast history and a sanctuary for native flora. Established in 1990, the garden was born from the vision of a dedicated group of horticulture enthusiasts who believed in the power of greenery to uplift and educate.
Nestled in northwest Bradenton's "Old Palma Sola" neighborhood, Palma Sola Botanical Park reflects the rich heritage of Manatee County and Florida. This cultural crossroads has evolved from the days of the Timucuan Indians and Conquistadors to modern times.
Established in 1990 to preserve the former Manatee County Nursery, the park has expanded to over 10 acres. It features distinct sections like the Tropical House with exotic plants, the Butterfly Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Children's Maze.
But it's not just about admiring the beautiful plants at Palma Sola Botanical Park; it's also about learning. The park offers educational programs for both children and adults, covering topics such as gardening techniques, plant identification, and conservation efforts.
Hours of Operation
Unless the botanical garden has been booked for a wedding or other private event, you'll find the park open daily from 8:00AM to sunset. Before planning your visit, check their calendar of events to ensure the park is indeed open for visitors.
Admission Fees
Admission is free; however, as a 501(c3) nonprofit, Palma Sola Botanical Park receives no funding from outside sources and relies on donations. Multiple donation boxes are scattered throughout the park. The suggested donation per person is $10.
Facilities
Parking: Parking is available at both the West Entrance at 99th Street NW and the Main Entrance at 17th Avenue NW.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available on-site across the bridge from the Tea Tree Café.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs and strollers both have access to Palma Sola Botanical Park.
Refreshments: Visit the Tea Tree Café (closed from May to August) for snacks and cold beverages.
What to See and Do at Palma Sola Botanical Park
Walk the Rare Fruit Trail
The 10-acre park benefits from a warm microclimate, keeping it frost-free all year long. This allows a variety of rare palms, exotic fruits, flowering trees, and other subtropical plants to feel right at home.
In 2008, the Manatee Rare Fruit Council introduced a diverse collection of exotic fruit trees, including dragon fruit, jackfruit, star fruit, fig, guava, lychee, African breadfruit, bird plum, canistel, loquat, persimmon, pomelo, sapodilla, strawberry tree, sugar apple, tamarind, Surinam cherry, white sapote, ylang ylang, papaya, mulberry, noni, and more.
Explore the Hidden Garden Nursery
Photo Credit: Saifuldb
The Hidden Garden Nursery is tucked away behind the Butterfly Garden within the park. Here, you'll discover a swoon-worthy collection of exotic plants, beautiful bromeliads, adorable succulents, and more. The plants are affordable, making bringing a piece of the park home with you easy.
It's worth noting that the Hidden Garden Nursery hours differ from the general hours of Palma Sola Botanical Garden. You can visit the Hidden Garden Nursery between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM on weekdays.
Soak Up the Magic of the Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly Garden is a peaceful spot just by the Hidden Garden Nursery, home to various butterfly species. Filled with plants that butterflies love, it provides a place for visitors to watch these creatures up close and personal!
You can also read up on the life cycles and behaviors of butterflies. It's a great place for nature enthusiasts to observe and learn about these beautiful pollinators in a (semi) natural setting.
Check out the Art at the Galleria Building
The Galleria building at Palma Sola Botanical Park is where you'll find special events and the Art in the Park series. Each month, the Galleria features works from local artists and guilds. The exhibits include a variety of mediums, such as watercolor, oil, pastel, pencil, photography, and sculptures. All the art pieces are available to purchase, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the park.
Get a Nibble at the Tea Tree Café
The park's café, specializing in sustainable and organic custom tea blends, offers a variety of tasty food options. You can enjoy items like hummus and veggie wraps, chicken salad croissant sandwiches, bagels, turkey raspberry sandwiches, scones, and sweets.
Open from September through April, Tea Tree Café operates Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Note: This café is closed from May to August.
Activities and Events at Palma Sola Botanical Park
Guided Tours
You can book a guided tour for groups of 10 or more people! All you have to do is call ahead to schedule a time. The suggested donation per person is $10.
Events
There are frequent events held at Palma Sola Botanical Park. Expect to find art shows, music classes, live music performances, afternoon teas, and much more! You can check out the schedule of events on their calendar to see if anything piques your interest while you're in town!
From Anna Maria Island, take FL 64-E/Manatee Ave to Bradenton, reaching Palma Sola in under 15 minutes from most points on the island.
What to Know Before You Go
Best Times to Visit
Photo Credit: commons.m.wikimedia.org
We suggest visiting during the spring and autumn months. During these seasons, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it perfect for exploring the different trails and gardens. In spring, you'll be able to enjoy pops of color as many species begin to bloom, and autumn brings its own unique blooms and cool climate.
On the other hand, summer can be too hot and humid to truly enjoy. Plus, the cafe is closed during these months, and you might get stuck in an afternoon storm. If you don't mind the heat and humidity, you'll find fewer crowds during the summer months.
What to Bring
Photo Credit: Mybona
Be sure to slather on the biodegradable sunscreen and bring sunglasses and a sun hat. If you're visiting in the summer, bring plenty of water and perhaps some snacks as the café will be closed.
Nearby Natural Attractions
Robinson Preserve
Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators
For an even more immersive natural experience, head to the neighboring Robinson Preserve to explore the 600+ acres of diverse landscapes and habitats. You can explore the waterways by kayak or canoe, mangrove forests, and a myriad of trails on bike or foot.
Perico Preserve
Photo Credit: Tyler D
Less crowded than Robinson Preserve is Perico Preserve, just down the road. Among the different habitats you can explore include coastal wetlands, bayous, mangroves, and scrub hills. The raised boardwalks provide accessible paths to get around, as well as some observation decks. Only some of the trails here allow bikes, so you may prefer to explore this one on foot.
Stay Near Palma Sola Botanical Garden
Palma Sola Botanical Garden is an inviting escape into nature with its manicured gardens, exotic plants, and tropical fruits. A short drive away from Anna Maria Island, the botanical garden is a great option to spend a morning or afternoon exploring.
The Palma Sola Botanical Park is easily accessible from any of our vacation rentals in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, or Longboat Key.
