Nature Parks Near Anna Maria Island – Manatee County

There are many nature parks near Anna Maria Island. Most visitors to Anna Maria Island know about Robinson’s Preserve located just a few minutes to the East of Holmes Beach. It has fabulous nature trails, a sky high tower that overlooks the park as well as the Tampa Bay. But, all are not aware there are lots of other Parks and Nature Preserves in Manatee county. Additionally, there is even Leffis Key right on the island!

Below is a list of Manatee County nature parks.
Take a look and let us know which park you enjoy the most!

Nature Parks Near Anna Maria Island

Robinson Preserve
1704 99th Street, NW
Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 745-3723
Open daily, from sunrise to sunset

De Soto National Memorial – Near Robinson Preserve.
8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy
Bradenton, Florida 34209
941-792-0458
Open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking lot closes at 5PM.

Riverview Pointe Preserve – Adjacent to DeSoto National Memorial.
8250 DeSoto Memorial Highway
Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 745-3723
Open daily and hours vary on season

Jiggs Landing
6106 63rd Street East
Bradenton, FL 34203
(941) 745-3723
Open daily, from sunrise to sunset

Emerson Point Preserve
5801 17th Street West
Palmetto, Fl 34221
(941) 721-6885
Open daily, from sunrise to sunset

Rye Preserve
905 Rye Wilderness Trail
Parrish, FL 34219
(941) 776-0900
Open daily, from sunrise to sunset

Duette Preserve and Headwaters at Duette
2649 Rawls Road
Duette, FL 34251
(941) 776-2295
Open daily, from sunrise to sunset

Leffis Key at Coquina Bay Walk – located at the south end of Anna Maria Island in Bradenton Beach.
2351 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Anna Maria Island, FL 34217
Open daily, from sunrise to sunset

Neal Preserve
12301 Manatee Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 742-5923
Open daily, from sunrise to sunset

Perico Preserve
11700 Manatee Ave W
Bradenton, FL 34209
(941) 737-2254
Open daily, from sunrise to sunset

Larry

Meet Larry Chatt. Larry is the Broker/Owner of Island Real Estate – and has owned Anna Maria Island investment property while residing in New England, Ohio, Colorado, Iowa and across Europe. He and his family have been on the island for decades and Larry has served his community in various roles with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce

July 10, 2012January 2, 2021

Top 10 Things for Kids on Anna Maria Island

Today’s blog is about the Top 10 Anna Maria Island Things To Do With Kids. Essentially, the best stuff to do on Anna Maria Island. I’ve come up with a list of the best places to go & the greatest things to do while on your vacay on the island. It’s filled to the rim with mind-blowing fun for everyone, whether it’s mini-golfing or grabbing exotic ice cream – just read this list & choose one, some, or all of the activities to do during your summer, & it’s sure to be a blast.

Top 10 Must-Do’s of Your Summer on A.M.I:

1: Hang at Bayfront Park & have a picnic. This park is right on the beach located on the north end of the island in Anna Maria & is sure to entertain everyone. They have a playground, covered eating areas, & grills for all of your needs

2: Go fishing off of the Rod & Reel or City Pier. Both located in Anna Maria on the north end of the island, these piers are sure to help you get some big fish. Buy your bait there or bring your own. You don’t even need a license. Just bring your gear to fish & there’s always someone to help you out.

3: Bring your skateboard and visit Bradenton Riverwalk which is just 20 minutes into Bradenton, Florida. For Anna Maria Island skating visit the Holmes Beach Skate Park.

4: Go for a round of mini-golfing at the Fish Hole on Bridge Street. This place is located on the Historic Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach & is tons of fun. With 18 different holes each named after a different fish, fun history, & fish feeding, the Fish Hole is a great place for a post-beach activity.

5: Play volleyball or build a sand castle on the Public Beach. This place has two volleyball courts in the sand, a playground, a cafe right on the beach, & a lifeguard on duty. It also has an ice cream & gift shop with all of your beach necessities.

6: Rent a kayak & explore the island waters. Many places on the island offer low-rate kayak renting prices with different styles & sizes, as well as the amount of time you can rent them. You can freely take your kayak out into the Gulf of Mexico & paddle along as you travel across the shore & see the sights.

7: Search for unique & pretty shells on the shore near you. On the A.M.I. beaches you can find endless different types of shells, clams, & coquinas in many different shapes & colors. Some of the shells have holes in them, perfect for making a necklace, bracelet, or other jewelry. This multi-purpose task is loads of fun for everyone.

8: Play soccer, football, or baseball at the Holmes Beach or Community Center fields. These places offer the free use of their fields. All you need to bring is your sports gear & a good time. This is a fun way to spend your time, especially if you like sports.

9: Walk down Pine Avenue & explore all the cool shops & attractions. Pine Avenue is known for its unique shops & historic sites. With many boutiques, eateries, & history, the activities are endless. The activities include bocche ball outside of the Olive Oil Outpost, small festivities in front of the Flip-Flop Shop & Candy Stop. The Flip-Flop Shop is also a must-do for kid island vacationers that love sweets & small treats. Yum!

10: Have fun & enjoy your stay on A.M.I. Pick a beach & bodysurf, swim, or soak up the sun. With all of these activities to do & more, you’ll have so much fun.

Just follow these steps and you’ll be guaranteed to enjoy your summer lots & lots. Stick around, because more Kid’s Korner is coming your way. Enjoy your summer!!!

Larry

June 25, 2012January 22, 2021

Tropical Storm Debby for Anna Maria Island – Hurricane Season 2012

This is an information page that is used when there is a tropical storm headed for Anna Maria Island. The storm for this blog is specifically Tropical Storm Debby for Anna Maria Island. Island Real Estate does this for all tropical storms that show to be headed for Anna Maria Island.

UPDATE: 2:00 PM – Wednesday – June 27th – by Larry

Good bye Debby. Debby is officially over the Atlantic and no longer going to bother our little piece of paradise. It is a nice change of pace. Was not happy to see her arrive but happy to see her go. That is it for now, Anna Maria Island should be in tip top shape in the next few days. This will be my last post. Thanks so much to all for your kind words via email. I am happy to be your eyes and ears on Anna Maria Island! Thanks to the National Hurricane center for the picture below.

Continue reading “Tropical Storm Debby for Anna Maria Island – Hurricane Season 2012”

Larry

June 22, 2012April 11, 2022

Kid’s Korner on Anna Maria Island – Top Things to Do

Welcome to Kid’s Korner, the best place to stop by & see the latest happenings for us kids on Anna Maria. Hey Anna Maria Island kids, do you have any fun activities planned for this summer while visiting Anna Maria Island? If not, I’ve got plenty of exciting things for you to do. With a diverse choice of activities always going on, summer on A.M.I. – Anna Maria Island Kid’s corner is never a bore.

So, let’s start with some fun summer lessons.

To begin, there is a surf camp run by Eternal Summer Surf Camp that occurs on White Avenue beach every Sunday from early July to the middle of August. Instructors will give instructions & demonstrations on how to surf & let you surf tons yourself.
Also, there are sailing lessons by Bimini Bay Sailing happening right now. They offer 6-hour teaching courses by experienced sailors. You can choose your boat that best fits you, & go out into the water as they teach you the basics on sailing. You’re sure to learn some new skills during this summer.

Next are the camps.

Anna Maria Island Community Center offers a youth & teen program called “Summer My Way” that involves sports, arts & crafts, field trips, specialty camps, & much, much more. You can pick & choose your activities & join many others as you enjoy your summer, your way. Find out about the specialty camps, or choose a camp. You could choose one week or every week, just a specialty camp, or just the field trips.
Also, Crosspointe Fellowship Baptist Church runs a Vacation Bible School for K-5^th graders for one week in the summer, July 16^th-20^th from 9 a.m. to noon. They plan to go on many adventures & uncover mysteries. Find out more at at www.CrosspointeFellowship.com. Your summer is sure to be a blast no matter which way you toss the dice.

Looking for something fun to play with? Here on Anna Maria Island, we have equipment rental shops. These rental stores have a great variety of merchandise – you can rent anything from golf carts to sail boats & everything in between.

For example, at Beach Bums on Pine Avenue, you can rent different types of bikes & boards, kayaks, golf carts, & more. My family & I have rented a golf cart previously, & they’re pretty cool. On Anna Maria Island, they let you drive your golf cart on the street, so it’s pretty awesome. But because they allow you to ride them on the street, your parents will be the ones doing the driving, while us kids get to ride in style. These golf carts vary in size, color, & designs, & you could have one for just 2 people, or one for you & your entire family. They offer the free use of helmets & life jackets with rental. Their bike types include regular two-wheelers, quad-bikes, cruisers, tricycles, tandems, electric & surrey bikes, along with bike seats for babies & toddlers. They have nature hikes & other kids activities you’re sure to love, as well.
What’s more, Bimini Bay Sailing offers rental sailboats for a small fee. You can choose your sailboat & how long you wish to rent it. They offer Sunfish, Lasers, Zumi, & everything in between. They go from an hour to a month, & delivery is optional. More facts can be found on the same site as their sailing lessons. These rentals are a unique way to get around the island.

So no matter what you do or when you do it, with either young or older kids, at Anna Maria Island Kid’s Korner it’s certain you’ll have a great summer here on Anna Maria Island.

Larry

February 16, 2012August 24, 2024

Anna Maria Island Gulf Front and Bay Front Dining

Anna Maria Island Gulf Front and Bay Front Dining is a must during your visit. Experience gorgeous sunsets over the gulf or views of the bay while you enjoy fresh Florida seafood or cocktails at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Anna Maria City Waterfront Dining

The Waterfront Restaurant at the north end of Anna Maria Island overlooks Tampa Bay offering a casual dining atmosphere with fresh seafood, salads, steaks, and pastas. The Waterfront is a great addition to Anna Maria Island Gulf Front and Bay Front dining. Stop in and ask them about their microbrew selection.

Just across the street from the Waterfront Restaurant is the Historic Anna Maria City Pier. The City Pier Restaurant is located at the end of the pier and has a great selection of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and of course seafood. The pier is also a great place to go fishing, and enjoy spectacular views of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

If you look to the west from the City Pier towards the Gulf of Mexico you will see the Rod N Reel Pier. The Rod N Reel pier has a killer breakfast, beautiful views, and also offers lunch and dinner. Fishing from the Rod and Reel pier is a real treat. Another popular restaurant in Anna Maria City is the Sandbar Restaurant located right on the beach. The Sandbar Restaurant is a fantastic restaurant that has an excellent selection of steaks, seafood, and American cuisine. Find The Sandbar on Spring Avenue.

Holmes Beach Waterfront Dining

One of Anna Maria Island’s famous restaurants is The Beach Bistro in Holmes Beach. The Beach Bistro is the best fine dining Anna Maria Island Gulf Front and Bay Front Dining option. The Beach Bistro offers fantastic fresh local seafood, prime American beef, and lamb, making this restaurant a must visit during your trip to Anna Maria Island. If you’re looking for a great place to have breakfast or a tea party try the Harrington House in Holmes Beach.

Located at the Manatee public beach the Café on the Beach is an inexpensive indoor and outdoor dining establishment. Try the all you can eat pancake breakfast it is fantastic!

Bradenton Beach Waterfront Dining

On the south end of the island in Bradenton Beach. Make sure you stop into the Gulf Drive Café & Tiki Bar perched right on the beach. The Gulf Drive Café & Tiki Bar offers Indoor and outdoor dining in a casual atmosphere with extraordinary cuisine. Just a short distance down Gulf Drive you’ll find Wicked Cantina. This restaurant is across the street from the Gulf, but does offers gorgeous waterfront views. Wicked Cantina offers fabulous Austin style Tex-Mex, hand crafted cocktails and great ambiance on their deck!

Just down the beach is the Beachhouse Restaurant offering beachfront dining and fresh Florida seafood, great beaches and great fun.

The Bridge Street Bistro in Bradenton Beach is just across the street from the Gulf of Mexico and offers an open air bar with live music on the first floor. The top floor offers excellent food and amazing Gulf Views. Stroll down Historic Bridge Street toward the bay and stop in the Bridge Tender for a bit to eat. At the end of Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach is Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurant, a great place to stop in as you are, and enjoy a cocktail, or dinner in a casual, relaxed atmosphere right on the Bay.

Larry

February 15, 2012November 28, 2020

Annual Cortez Fishing Festival

This weekend there is something fishy going on in the Village of Cortez… With live music, fresh Florida seafood, arts and crafts displays, the Cortez Fishing Festival is sure to be fun for the whole family. The annual Cortez commercial fishing festival is expecting more than 20,000 people in the Historic Village of Cortez this weekend.

The festival starts this Saturday February 18th and will continue through Sunday February 19th from 10am to 6pm on both days. Admission is only $3, and kids under 12 get in FREE! The proceeds benefit the F.I.S.H. Preserve.

There are a couple of different Parking options available for you this year: There will be free parking east of Festival area at the F.I.S.H. Preserve, space is limited and will defiantly fill up early.

Remote Parking will be available at G. T. Bray Park in Bradenton located at – 5502 33rd Avenue Drive West Bradenton, 34209. Additional parking will be available at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island – Anna Maria Island residents can take the free trolley to the parking site. Round-trip shuttle service from remote parking lots is only $2.50.

Live Music Schedule

Saturday February 18th Stage #1 – Waterfront
10:30 am: Soul R Coaster
12:00 pm: Awards and Introductions
12:30 pm: Eric von Hahmann
2:00 pm: Shaman
4:00 pm: Razing Cane

Saturday February 18th Stage #2 – Bratton Store
10:30 am: Eric von Hahmann
11:45 am: Passerine
1:00 pm: Brian Smalley
2:15 pm: St Pete & Main Hatch Motley Sea Shanty Singers
2:45 pm: Eric von Hahmann
4:00 pm: Jimmy Johnson

Sunday February 19th Stage #1 – Waterfront
10:30 am: Soupy Davis and his Band
12:00 pm: Eric von Hahmann
1:30 pm: Dr. Dave Band
3:30 pm: Gumbo Boogie Band

Sunday February 19th Stage #2 – Bratton Store
10:30 am: Main Hatch Motley Sea Shanty Singers
11:15 am: Jimmy Johnson
12:30 pm: Terry Blauvelt
1:45 pm: Sister Act – Lane & Val
3:00 pm: Eric von Hahmann
4:00 pm: Eric & Jimmy

Larry

January 24, 2012November 28, 2020

Anna Maria Island Activities, Day Trips, and Things To Do

Discover the old Florida charm of Anna Maria Island with a plethora of activities in a gorgeous natural setting. Plan a day trip to go Parasailing, boating, paddle boarding, or take a guided SEGWAY tour of the island. You can rent just about anything on Anna Maria Island from bikes to beach toys.

Anna Maria Island has plenty of retail recreation as well; jump on the free Anna Maria Island Trolley for your perfect day of shopping, dining, looking for seashells or a quite walk on the beautiful sugar sand beaches.

Both Manatee Public Beach and Coquina Beach are excellent spots for an afternoon volleyball game with friends, family, or a cold draft beer. If you’re looking for the perfect picnic spot, check out Bean Point, or Bay Front Park in Anna Maria.

On the north end of Anna Maria Island, is the famous Anna Maria City Pier built in 1911 to accommodate steamers bringing the crème de la crème from Tampa and St. Petersburg to Anna Maria Island shops and restaurants before the first bridge was built to the island.

And on the other end of the Island, in Bradenton Beach is Bridge Street a great place for walking, Shopping, Dining, Family Activities, and breathtaking views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay.

If you decide to venture off the Island, check out the activities and events in Bradenton, Sarasota, Tampa, or even a day trip to the theme parks in Orlando. Whatever you decide to do, slow down and savor it. You’re on island time.

Larry

January 20, 2012November 28, 2020

Applebee’s Family Restaurant In Bradenton

Applebee’s welcomes you to the neighborhood and is a great family restaurant with an added bonus of late night fun where you can be a star. They have paired karaoke nights with their awesome service and affordable delicious food. The karaoke is family friendly, but usually attracts a more adult crowd since it starts at 10PM. Continue reading “Applebee’s Family Restaurant In Bradenton”

Larry

January 17, 2012November 28, 2020

Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium in Sarasota, FL

Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium is located in north Sarasota a short drive from Anna Maria Island. The Aquarium is a wonderful day-trip full of fun activities for everybody. Enjoy the touch pools, working labs and high tech interactive exhibits! Mote marine also has weekly shark-feedings that are fascinating to watch. You can even book an Eco boat tour during your visit. There is plenty to do and see at this wonderful non-profit organization.

Mote Marine Laboratory Aquarium

The entire facility is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m daily including all holidays.

Mote Marine has two buildings filled with Aquariums along with a shark tank, turtle tank and an Otter exhibit. You will need to walk across a street to see all the areas so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Also consider stopping at the Save our Seabirds (SOS) facility located in between the two Mote facilities. Admission is half price with a Mote Marine ticket. Ticket sales go to help this great organization rehabilitate injured wildlife.

Check out Mote’s website for daily events and activities for the entire family! Island Real Estate also has more information on aquariums close to Anna Maria Island.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 388-4441

Larry