Anna Maria Island is known for its stunning white sandy beaches, but the island is also home to many great parks and nature trails that allow you to explore more of the local landscape.
Our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals give you easy access to these three special parks and trails.
De Soto National Memorial
The De Soto National Memorial was created in 1948 to commemorate the 1539 expedition of Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto, which shaped the history of Anna Maria Island as well as the American Indian societies in Southeast America.
Open year-round, the 26-acre De Soto memorial offers many seasonal activities, including demonstrations at Camp Uzita and living history programs. In the summer months, guided kayak tours are available. The living history demonstrations run from mid-December through Easter Sunday.
The park is also home to a 1-mile trail that’s relatively easy to walk (rated as moderate). Enjoy beautiful wildflowers and views. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed and well-behaved. Dog owners are responsible for removing their pet’s waste.
The trail will take you past a few important historic sites, like the Holy Eucharist Monument, Tabby House Ruin, Memorial Cross, De Soto Monument, and Camp Uzita, the replica Spanish camp.
The park has a wheelchair-accessible picnic area as well as a beach area.
De Soto National Memorial is open daily from 9am-5pm and is free to enter.
Plan Your Anna Maria Vacation
Are you dreaming of a perfect beach getaway? Island Vacation Properties can help make that dream a reality. Call or click today to book your Anna Maria Island escape!
Leffis Key
Conveniently located on Gulf Drive South, Leffis Key Preserve offers stunning panoramic views of Sarasota Bay.
At one time, Leffis Key was a spoil island overrun by non-native plants. Today, the small island has been completely transformed and offers many opportunities to enjoy nature.
The 26-foot-high hill is the star of the show, but the island is also home to more than 20,000 marsh grass plants, including saltwater cordgrass, smooth cordgrass, and salt joint grass.
Leffis Key has several walking trails that circle the stunning hill. Benches and boardwalks allow you to enjoy the park comfortably and at your own pace. Viewing platforms have been strategically placed along the paths to provide stunning views of the open water.
Spend the afternoon hiking, or bring your pole to fish along the boardwalks. The park also offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing. A covered picnic area allows you to enjoy a peaceful lunch – rain or shine – and the trails are easy to hike.
Birding is a very popular activity at this preserve. People come from all over the world to see the birds at Leffis Key.
Leffis Key Preserve is open every day from 8am until sunset. Because the park is located within Coquina Beach Baywalk, dogs are not permitted at the preserve. The park isn’t typically crowded even during peak season.
Neal Preserve
Spanning 120 acres, Neal Preserve is home to both coastal habitats and oak hammock uplands.
Meander along half a mile of boardwalk and shell trails, or check out the 20-foot tall observation tower. The walking trails will take you past reconstructed Native American burial mounds. These protected areas help preserve the area’s rich history.
Due to the nesting bird sites and the sensitive nature of the preserve, dogs are not allowed at Neal. Bicycles are also not allowed on the trails, but they can be parked at the provided racks. There are ample opportunities for hiking and bird watching at this sprawling preserve.
The hike to the top of the observation tower is worth the effort. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and vegetation.
Neal Preserve is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
There’s more to Anna Maria Island than just white sandy beaches. These three parks, which all have easy walking trails, are within just a short distance from our Anna Maria Island pet-friendly vacation rentals. Add them to your must-visit list when staying with us. All of the parks are open year-round and typically aren’t even very busy during peak season. After an afternoon of enjoying the beautiful landscape, be sure to check out some of Anna Maria Island’s best restaurants!
