Anna Maria Island, Florida, offers plenty to see and do. No matter your interests, you can find something to entertain you! You might want to spend your days lounging on the beach, learning about local history, or indulging in fresh seafood. But while you’re here, you’re not limited to just the activities near our Anna Maria Island rentals. You can also head over to the mainland for even more to explore!
While in town, consider taking a day trip over to Bradenton (not to be confused with Bradenton Beach here on AMI) and experiencing Emerson Point Preserve. This attraction is ideal for nature lovers and families who want to connect without life’s everyday distractions.
Here’s what you need to know before you go!
What is Emerson Point Preserve?
Emerson Point Preserve is easily one of the most beloved Bradenton parks, visited by locals and tourists alike throughout the year. The preserve is accessible every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset. You’ll find more than 300 acres of land where you can enjoy the view, explore the trails, or have a picnic lunch with your family.
Guests come to Emerson Point Preserve both for nature and history. Nature lovers will appreciate the array of outdoor activities here, such as kayaking, hiking, biking, and more. For the history buffs, take a look into the historic remains of past inhabitants of the area and discover what life was like when Manatee County was first settled. This preserve is the oldest of its kind in all of Manatee County!
This area can trace its history back to around 800 AD when only Native Americans lived here. Some of the temple mounds built by the first inhabitants can still be seen today! Be sure to check out the biggest temple: Portavant Mound, also called Snead Island Temple Mound. There are lots of signposts here outlining the lives of the inhabitants.
How to Get to Emerson Point Preserve From AMI
You can find Emerson Point Preserve on the west side of Snead Island, which lies on the northern shores of the Manatee River. The official address is 5801 17th Street West in Palmetto, which is about a 30-minute drive from Anna Maria Island.
If you’re staying in one of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, you’ll want to start by making your way onto FL-64 E/Manatee Avenue to take you off of the island. After 8.2 miles, turn left onto 6th Avenue W, then turn left onto 9th Street W. Continue onto US-41 BUS N for 1.6 miles before turning left onto 10th Street W.
Continue on 10th Street for 2.4 miles, then continue onto 13th Street W. Turn right onto Tarpon Road and left onto 17th Street W. Drive just another 1.2 miles, and you’ll find yourself at Emerson Point Preserve!
What to Expect
When you arrive at Emerson Point Preserve, you’ll find a few amenities to help make your time in the area more comfortable. It’s best to start your journey at the park ranger station, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. If you’re looking for a restroom during your time at the preserve, you’ll find them near the picnic areas.
Emerson Point Preserve has convenient parking on-site, so you don’t have to worry about losing your car or taking a hike before you even get to the preserve itself! Keep in mind that, especially on the weekends, this preserve is pretty popular, so parking can fill up fast. There are several parking lots on the property itself, or you can choose to parallel park on the road nearby if the lots are full.
Hiking is an incredible way to enjoy this area; you’ve got eight trails to explore if you choose. One of the most well-loved trails here is Pioneer Trail, which gives you incredible views from every turn and some interesting history as well. You’ll find informative signs along the trail telling you about the area’s past, and eventually, you’ll make your way to a boardwalk with an amazing view of the preserve.
Plan Your AMI Vacation
Contact the team at Island Vacation Properties today to get started! In addition to assisting with your rental, we can also recommend fun attractions for your group to enjoy.
Biking is one of the most popular things to do near Anna Maria Island, and this activity is especially beloved at Emerson Point Preserve. Cyclists are allowed to bike on most of the trails throughout the preserve, but if you have any questions about where you can and can’t go, grab a trail map or ask an employee at the visitors’ center.
Cyclists and hikers alike can enjoy the Restoration Trail. Starting at the shell path, find the sign that says “Restoration Trail South” to get started. This trail takes you through the marshes and wetlands, offering beautiful views of the lake and some of Florida’s most beautiful plant life. If you want to extend your journey, complete the Restoration Trail North loop, too!
If you want to experience the water in a whole new way, consider kayaking! Kayaking is a great way to explore the preserve in a way that many people don’t get to experience. There are two spots where you can launch your kayak from the main park road, and a Blueway Trail connects them.
Of course, when you visit Emerson Point Preserve, there are a few rules and guidelines you’ll need to follow. If you choose to bring your dog, be sure to keep them on a leash at all times and pick up after them. Be sure to pick up after yourself as well, particularly if you bring a picnic lunch. Be respectful of the nature and wildlife around you and observe from a distance.
The Observation Tower
Speaking of observing, the best place to do it is from the Observation Tower! When you get to the top of the tower, you’ll have a view worthy of a photo op. You can see the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from your vantage point, as well as the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay, and the Manatee River. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the preserve and can witness the beauty of your surroundings in a new way.
To get to the Observation Tower, you’ll need to head to the boardwalk nearest the canoe launch. Luckily, there is some parking in this area, so you can park close enough to make the tower the first thing you experience.
Your Anna Maria Island Vacation
After you’ve spent a long day visiting Emerson Point Preserve, you’ll probably be ready for a hot shower and a good night’s rest. That’s where we come in! Island Vacation Properties is proud to offer convenient Anna Maria Island vacation rentals just a short drive away from the preserve and many other local attractions.
Enjoy amenities like flat-screen TVs, fully equipped kitchens, complimentary WiFi access, and more. Explore the area by taking the free Anna Maria Island Trolley! If you need tips about where to go or what to do, our team can help there, too. In addition to assisting with your rental, we can also recommend fun attractions for your group to enjoy.
