Year-round sunshine, surf, and leisure sports lure visitors to Bradenton, a friendly tropical spot south of Tampa Bay on Florida's Gulf Coast. Hernando DeSoto discovered the area in 1539, an event commemorated each spring with the monthlong Florida Heritage Festival. Stroll along the waterfront downtown, take up canoeing, fish for grouper and mahi mahi, play golf or just relax and watch the sun dip into the sea. Kids of all ages will enjoy visiting Snooty, the South Florida Museum's star manatee.