Best Nature Parks to Take Your Kids For A Hike Near Anna Maria

Anna Maria Island is known for its splendid wildlife viewing, rich ecology, and sprawling sandy-white beaches. So, it should come as no surprise that the island and the surrounding area have numerous densely-packed nature parks for your pleasure.

Hike the weaving trails on the island or right off it at some of Florida’s finest nature parks. Below are five of the best family-friendly parks for a hike near and on Anna Maria Island and our rentals on Anna Maria Island.

heron on preserve
Photo from Pixabay

Neal Preserve

Location: 12301 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209

Neal Preserve is primarily a marshland habitat. This protected land gives visitors the opportunity to explore entirely on their own with very little guidance and traffic.

It’s a hidden nook of marshlands, featuring a sunset tower overlooking the Anna Maria Sound. This 20-foot tower gives you a splendid view of the oak hammock uplands. The 120-acres are coated with informational signage for your self-guided enjoyment.

The family friendly walkways are clearly labeled and often covered with boardwalks for accessibility and safety from wildlife.

You can obtain more information on wildlife and the trails by calling (941) 742-5923. Parking is available immediately off the Anna Maria Bridge on the north and south end.


DeSoto National Memorial Park

Location: 8300 Desoto Memorial Hwy, Bradenton, FL 34209

Exciting family hiking trails, rich history, and some splendid views of Manatee River can all be found in this historical site and nature park.

Families can learn a lot from the guided tours, covering the 1539 landing of Hernando de Soto and the first major site for European exploration of the deep south.

The park requires an entrance fee. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

ibis standing in water
Photo from Unspash

Perico Preserve

Location: 11700 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209

Perico Preserve has some of the best views near Anna Maria Island. The park acts as an essential stop for visitors, with its rich hiking trails across a mix of local habitats.

The park has about 1.5 miles of intimate hiking trails, taking families right through saltwater marshes, upland scrub, and hammocked forestry.

Some popular habitats and known bird grounds are within a few feet of the trails here. The preserve was specifically designed to bring visitors close to the wildlife without affecting their natural habitat.

You can contact the preserve officials at (941)742-5923 for information on biking, hiking, and seasonal wildlife. It is open from sunrise to sunset.


Palmetto Avenue Beach

Location: 100 Palmetto Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34216

This small beachside park sits near the western edge of Anna Maria Island by some top-tier Anna Maria Island real estate. The very straightforward and family-friendly hike will take you along a short boardwalk onto the beach, where you can hike up the sandy beaches while viewing dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico.

The park is appealing for its easy parking, safety, upkeep, and simple trails by the beach. Postage informs visitors to stay off the dunes separating the beach from the non-vacant homes and beachside Anna Maria vacation rentals.

Plan Your Next Stay

Contact us at 941-778-6696 to learn more about vacation rentals on Anna Maria Island, as well as other nearby nature parks to hike in and things to do with the family!


anna maria island beaches

Bean Point

Location: Entrance at N Shore Dr. & N Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, FL

What Bean Point lacks in size it makes up for in isolation and quiet. Bean Point may the most famous mini-preserve on Anna Maria Island. You’ll have to make a short hike on foot to get there, but it makes the experience all the more rewarding.

It’s perfect for a family vacation picnic away from the bustling island center. You can hike the area, enjoy the scenery, and soak in the sun all while staying at one of your very own Anna Maria vacation rentals.


Our Anna Maria Island Vacation Rentals

Ask us any questions at all pertaining to our amenity-rich properties and our Anna Maria Island homes for sale tucked-away on the acclaimed local beaches.