Fort Myers to Bradenton drive: Best stops, distance & time
The best road trip stops on the Fort Myers to Bradenton drive are Punta Gorda, Siesta Key and Sarasota. The distance from Fort Myers to Bradenton by car is 89 miles, with a 1h45m driving time.
Planning a Fort Myers to Bradenton road trip itinerary
The Fort Myers to Bradenton drive connects two of the most attractive destinations on Florida’s west coast.
There’s a massive collection of Fort Myers experiences to choose from. Top picks include paddleboarding with dolphins and manatees, sunset sailing cruises and haunted history walks.
For a night out the buzzy bars and restaurants of the River District are full of energy, while the Georgian Revival-style Burroughs Home and Gardens does the grand mansion thing.
The cultural highlights, however, are the Winter Estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Along with lavish gardens, these mansions are full of stories about legendary inventors going on wild adventures.
Great Fort Myers hotel options include the brilliantly-located Luminary Hotel and Margaritaville Beach Resort.
Bradenton lies at the southern end of Tampa Bay, stretching along the Manatee River to a series of beachy barrier islands.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is the top cultural attraction, but Bradenton is best experienced outdoors. The 1.5 mile Riverwalk along the Manatee River is a good place to start.
Elsewhere you can go kayaking with clear-bottomed kayaks in the Robinson Preserve and parasailing over Anna Maria Island.
Other fun Bradenton experiences include the TreeUmph Adventure Course and pirate-themed tasting sessions at the Loaded Cannon Distillery.
Good Bradenton accommodation choices include the Silver Surf Beach Resort at Bradenton Beach and the SpringHill Suites on the Riverwalk.
Fort Myers to Bradenton distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Fort Myers to Bradenton is 89 miles. This makes for a driving time of around one hour and 45 minutes.
The best stops to add to a Fort Myers to Bradenton road trip itinerary are Punta Gorda, Siesta Key and Sarasota.
For more suggestions, read the guides to the Fort Myers to Punta Gorda drive and Port Charlotte to Sarasota drive.
Fort Myers to Bradenton drive: Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda lies on the Peace River. Art meets nature at the Punta Gorda Botanical and Sculpture Gardens, while the Peace River Wildlife Center lets visitors meet rescued animals undergoing rehabilitation. In the west of the city, Ponce De Leon Park is a massive green space on Charlotte Harbor. The boardwalk through the wetlands comes with educational signs.
Arguably the best thing to do in Punta Gorda, however, is the night sky stargazing experience.
Marvellous Punta Gorda accommodation picks include the Suites at Fishermen’s Village and the stylish Wyvern Hotel.
Best stops between Fort Myers to Bradenton: Siesta Key
Siesta Key is a barrier island, renowned for having some of the most spectacular beaches in Florida. There are plenty of restaurants and shops here, but a visit is likely to be all about the white sand and turquoise waters.
Great Siesta Key activities include sunset e-bike tours, kayak tours and having a go on an e-foil.
If planning to stay, book Siesta Key accommodation well in advance – the whole island can often be sold out.
Fort Myers to Bradenton road trip attractions: Sarasota
Sarasota is home to the Ringling Museum of Art – arguably the top art museum in Florida, with a good mix of modern and old masters. The estate is also home to a Circus Museum.
More Sarasota attractions, including the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, are linked together on the City Sightseeing trolley tour.
Other potential Sarasota experiences include a downtown food tour, jet ski adventures and kayaking through the mangrove tunnels.
Top Sarasota accommodation options with a pool include the Carlisle Inn and the Lido Beach Resort.
More Fort Myers road trips
Bonita Springs to Fort Myers | Fort Lauderdale to Fort Myers | Miami to Fort Myers | Naples to Fort Myers | Port Charlotte to Fort Myers | Fort Myers to Punta Gorda.