From paved beachside paths, to tree-lined trails, and long stretches of pristine sand to explore, the Anna Maria Island area is a great place to go biking.
Cycling is one of the best ways to see the area’s diverse sights, attractions, and wildlife while getting a bit of much-needed exercise. Be sure to spend a day cruising the white-sand beaches or exploring in the mainland forests on your next vacation staying in one of our rentals on Anna Maria Island.
To get you started, here are a few of the best parks for biking near Anna Maria Island.
Coquina Beach Bike Path
Location: 2650 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach
The Coquina Bike Path in the Coquina Beach Park is one of the best ways to enjoy a day of cycling, as well as see the sights and attractions on Anna Maria Island.
The bike path will take you on a scenic trip along Coquina Beach’s shore on a multi-use trail. You can also continue onto Gulf Drive to check out Bradenton Beach’s restaurants, shops, and Old Florida-style Anna Maria Island real estate – all by bike.
There are a total of over 5 miles of bike lanes and paths along Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.
In total, the island has over 50 miles of bike paths throughout, with more being built to make the island more navigable by bicycle and reduce traffic.
Many more trails are also easily accessible on the mainland and in Longboat Key whenever you want to cycle closer to your vacation rental.
Robinson Preserve
Location: 2198 99th St. NW, Bradenton
A 15-minute drive from Anna Maria Island is the Robinson Preserve, a conservation success story and the area’s top family activity.
Once farmland, the 487-acre preserve now features native coastal and wetland habitats. It has a 7.5-mile designated walking and biking trail, full of birds and other wildlife to be seen along the way.
The main section of this easy trail is paved, and other sections include boardwalk and sandy path. Cyclists looking for another physical challenge can climb the five stories to an observation tower for incredible views of Fort De Soto and Tampa Bay.
Lake Manatee State Park
Locations: 20007 E. State Rd. 64, Bradenton, FL
With 6.5 miles of multi-use hiking and biking trails just 45 minutes inland from Anna Maria Island, Lake Manatee State Park is bound to be a hit for avid cyclists.
The park is just outside of Bradenton and is home to a variety of ecosystems, including flatwoods and sand pine scrubs. These forests provide habitats for a number of birds and mammals, like eagles, bobcats, and gray foxes.
Plan Your Visit
Sarasota, Tampa, and Siesta and Lido Keys are all close by to our beautiful Anna Maria Island waterfront rentals, and all offer additional fun bike paths to try!
Getting Around AMI on Bicycle
Biking on Anna Maria Island can be extremely convenient as a way to get around, as the free trolley will take you to the most popular points and attractions on the island and has a bicycle rack.
Several local providers also offer bicycle rentals at very reasonable prices, some with delivery right to your vacation home!
Visiting the above-mentioned parks will further add to your cycling experience and allow you to get up close and personal with the fascinating flora and fauna of the area.
Whether you’re planning to come for a long weekend or are looking to invest in Anna Maria Island real estate, our team can help you get the most out of your stay.
The Bradenton area has some of the most pristine beaches, stunning wildlife, and fun outdoor attractions to enjoy, along with reasonable prices for homes compared to many other vacation destinations.
Now is an ideal time to consider making an investment as interest rates continue to rise and demand grows in the Bradenton-Sarasota area.
With a wide selection of waterfront rentals on Anna Maria Island, the island is a great place to call home – or second home. For more information about available homes in the area, vacationing here, cycling, or other outdoor sports to enjoy, give us a call at 1-800-367-1617.