Skip to main content
boardwalk and tower of Robinson Preserve

Search Rentals

Search Real Estate

Explore These Anna Maria Island Preserves and Hiking Trails

If you have a nature lover in your family, consider planning a vacation to Anna Maria Island. There are so many fun nature-related things to do in Anna Maria Island, so everyone in your group will have an amazing time. You’ll be able to take advantage of the incredible Florida sunshine while you explore the most popular Anna Maria Island preserves and hiking trails near our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals. These destinations are the perfect spots to get up close and personal with nature and get your exercise at the same time! Here are three of the best preserves and nature sites near our Anna Maria Island rentals.

Robinson Preserve

Robinson Preserve is a popular adventure spot for families. You can spend the day outside however you like, whether you’re looking to hike, bike, fish, kayak, or simply wander around to discover the wonders of the coastal wildlife and shorebirds. Take your kids up to the top of the lookout tower to get a bird’s-eye view of Tampa Bay, or rent a kayak or paddleboard to take an eco-tour. If you’re lucky, you might spot wildlife like dolphins and manatees!

Located in northwestern Bradenton on the Florida mainland, the Robinson Preserve has more than 600 acres for you to explore. Be sure to stop by the Valentine House, which is where you can find all the information you need for a successful visit to the Preserve. The main entrance is located at 1704 99th Street Northwest.

Neal Preserve

Located just east of the Anna Maria Bridge, Neal Preserve features more than 120 acres of natural beauty on the south side of Manatee Avenue. This is a special place to visit if you’re looking for something a bit slower paced. You’re able to take the trails as quickly or slowly as you please, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the mangroves, the magnificence of the native birds flying above you and the incredible Anna Maria Island weather!

At Neal Preserve, you’ll trek over raised boardwalks through the salt marshes, giving you a unique view of the nature below. You can also head up to the 20-foot-tall observation tower to feel like you are right up there with the birds! Neal Preserve is also quite historically significant, so the history buff in your group will feel right at home here. Neal preserve is located at 12301 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton.

Fort De Soto

Fort De Soto is just five minutes away from Anna Maria Island, but it’s worth a detour. Start your day off at the Visitor Center to learn about everything available across the 1,136 acres of land. There’s so much to explore, you might have to come back for more than one day! You can head down to the beach to dip your toes in the water or kayak to experience the beauty for yourself. No matter where you are in Fort De Soto, you’ll get to see the most expansive mangroves and wetlands and all of the wildlife that calls this habitat home.

Bird lovers thrive at Fort De Soto, as there are more than 328 species of birds that have been documented to date, with new species being added every year. You’ll spot these birds whether you are taking advantage of the playground and picnic areas, hiking on the multipurpose trail, fishing on the pier, or anything in between. Fort De Soto is located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway South in Tierra Verde.

While you’re enjoying your Florida vacation, consider taking some time to visit one of these Anna Maria Island preserves and hiking trails. They’re all easy to reach from our Holmes Beach rentals, so you can get there in no time!