Anna Maria Island is a charming barrier Island in the Gulf of Mexico. The main attraction is the turquoise waters and soft, white sandy beaches. It is a place where high-rise condos and fast-food restaurants will not be found. Instead, you’ll find quaint vacation homes, cozy mom-and-pop eateries, and unique shops with souvenirs and gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
After you’ve settled into your Anna Maria Island vacation rental, you can get to know the island! You can take a dolphin cruise or a pirate cruise, and there is a free trolley that will take you over the entirety of the island.
No matter where your interests may lie or how many people you’re traveling with, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained on the island and the nearby mainland.
Anna Maria Island offers a mix of incredible experiences to enjoy. You have access to beautiful beaches and an interactive outdoor experience with vast arrays of hiking and nature trails. Here are a few top nature parks you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Anna Maria Island.
Coquina Baywalk
Located in Leffis Key, Florida, Coquina Baywalk is a nature trail through over 30 acres of restored natural habitat. It was restored as part of a project that started in the 1980s. It now allows public access to the area while allowing wildlife to flourish.
Part of that wildlife includes native plants like Jamaican dogwood, sea grapes, beach elder, southern red cedars, strangler figs, dune sunflowers, and breathtaking mangroves. You will also have the opportunity to see small fish species, crabs, herons, hawks, sting rays, wading birds, egrets, pelicans, and, if you’re lucky, the frigate bird!
Make sure to take pictures if you walk through the Mangrove tunnels! There’s a beautiful cove full of active wildlife and a stunning bay view. It’s an impressive sight and one of the many fun Anna Maria Island things to do outdoors. Guests of all ages will enjoy escaping the hustle and bustle with a retreat to the Coquina Baywalk.
Neal Preserve
Located on Manatee Avenue, Neal Preserve has 120 acres of varied terrain. Some of the preserve is coastal habitat, and some are oak hammock uplands. There is a 20-foot-tall observation tower, a 1/3 of a mile trail for shells, and boardwalks along the coastal portion.
The preserve has historical importance. It was once the habitat of Native American cultures. There are burial mounds that have been reconstructed and have been calculated to have been inhabited from 3000 BC to 1400 AD. Because of the continued preservation and acknowledgment of the area’s history, it is for viewing only.
Due to the sensitive nature of the habitat and nesting bird sites, pets are not allowed at Neal Preserve, and bicycles are not permitted on trails and should be parked at the bike racks provided.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the half-mile of shell and boardwalk trails on foot and enjoy a peaceful recreation experience. Overflow parking and a portable restroom are available on the north side of Anna Maria Island.
Plan Your Visit
Regarding Anna Maria Island rentals, Florida Dreams has you covered. We offer 3 and 4-bedroom Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, so the whole family has plenty of space. With everything to do here, you’ll want room for friends and family to enjoy the area with you. The rentals sleep anywhere from six to eight people.
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Robinson Preserve
Robinson Preserve consists of 682 acres, a mix of preserved mangroves, tidal marsh, and former agricultural lands, which have transformed into coastal wetland habitats. There’s no question why this is one of the most popular outdoor attractions for locals and visitors alike.
Not long ago, the Robinson Preserve underwent significant changes and began offering even more features for its visitors. This “Expansion” process continues today, which provides you with more coastal wetlands and other habitats, a 2.5k rubberized pedestrian-only trail, additional kayak launches, trails, restrooms, picnic areas, the NEST and Canopy Zone, and a brand-new educational and event space.
Recreation activities are vast in the preserve. Those looking to kayak or canoe have access to the blueways, where you’ll go through mangrove tunnels and marshes. For non-motorized bicycles and rollerblades, there is access to a 2.5k paved trail. You can also hike on foot and enjoy a trek through Florida nature at your own pace.
Guests can continue the fun with managed fishing, picnic areas, pavilions, wildlife viewing areas, group camping, and a 40-foot-tall observation tower. There are leash-required, dog-friendly areas at the preserve. Be sure to check which areas allow your furry friends. Whether you choose to visit for an hour or the entire day, a trip to Robinson Preserve is one you won’t soon forget.
Perico Preserve
Just like the previous preserves, Perico Preserve has also undergone significant restoration. It was initially acquired as farmland but has since been transformed into a bird sanctuary-the first of its kind. You’ll find this Preserve in Bradenton, just a few minutes from Anna Maria Island.
At the preserve, there is a variety of native plant life and wildlife, along with its amazing birds. For this reason, this preserve does not allow pets or bikes. The only exception is for registered service animals. There are designated areas where bikes are allowed through the preserve. The main recreational activities for this preserve are hiking and birdwatching. There are also opportunities for outdoor education.
Many people visit Perico Preserve on their bikes, but there are some areas where you’ll be asked to travel on foot instead. This request is made to ensure that the Preserve remains as undisturbed as possible, allowing the local wildlife to thrive and flourish in their natural habitats.
Book Your Anna Maria Island Rental
The available accommodations and restaurants offered here on Anna Maria Island are something for everyone. Our rentals for larger groups are unmatched. This is a place to bring your best group of friends or the whole family and experience the nature and ambiance that Anna Maria Island has to offer. Enhance your special occasion and make it an experience like no other.
Another major bonus to booking a rental with Florida Dreams is the pet-friendly options. Anna Maria Island pet-friendly Anna Maria Island pet friendly vacation rentals are plentiful. We want to take some of that worry away if you’re looking to bring your furry companion with you. All units include High-speed WiFi, flat-screen TVs, parking for multiple cars, stunning views of the area, and well-appointed kitchens.
There’s always something happening on the island. You’ll be entertained year-round, whether it be a festival, art display, parade, or music event. Florida Dreams aims to make your vacation on Anna Maria Island a trip that you and your friends or family will discuss for years. Our rentals aren’t just a place to stay: they’re part of your entire experience. With our top-notch customer service team, your needs will be met. Get in touch today to begin planning your trip!
