To fully appreciate the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast while vacationing in one of our Anna Maria Island rentals, you will not want to miss all that Robinson Preserve has to offer. From biking and hiking to boating and picnicking, Robinson Nature Preserve has something for everyone in the family. In fact, the preserve is nationally ranked as a top family activity in the area. So, once you have enjoyed the beaches and parks that Anna Maria Island is so famously known for, be sure to add this preserve to your list of things to do in Anna Maria Island.
Let’s take a closer look at this 682-acre expanse of coastal wetlands and mangrove forests, as well as some of our Anna Maria Island vacation rentals you might consider to ensure your lodging is as comfortable and convenient as possible.
About Robinson Preserve
Located in Bradenton, FL, Robinson Preserve is less than ten miles east of Anna Maria Island and easy to get to by car. The main entrance to the preserve is at 1704 99th Street in Bradenton. If you are driving, take FL-64 East/Manatee Avenue for about 4.5 miles out of Anna Maria Island, then turn left onto 75th Street West. Go about 1.5 miles, then make a left onto 17th Avenue NW. This becomes 99th Street NW; the preserve will be on your left. It is only about a 20-minute ride from many Anna Maria Island rentals. As a convenience, you will find restrooms and water fountains throughout the preserve. The preserve has an aquatic entrance at 9800 Manatee Avenue West, which is the location of the Surferbus, where you will find paddle boats and kayak rentals.
Robinson Nature Preserve is the result of a partnership between the Natural Resource Department and various state and local agencies, such as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, to maintain the marsh and wetland habitats, remove invasive species, and re-create basins and creeks. Today, visitors can enjoy the lush vegetation and marine and other wildlife that call the preserve home.
To ensure that the land remains in its top natural state, the rules of the preserve include no littering, no walking or biking off trails, no collecting of plants or other artifacts, no wading or net casting in preserve waters, no hunting or disturbing wildlife, and no pets without leashes. All rules are clearly listed on the reverse side of the preserve map handed out to visitors upon arrival.
There are also specific rules for the manatees that are in the area in abundance. You may paddle near them, but only for up to 30 minutes, then you must move to other preserve trails. The non-pursuit policy does not allow you to follow the manatees, and respect for these animals and their habitat must be observed at all times.
What to Do at Robinson Preserve
It is easy to fill an entire day with all of the activities available at Robinson Nature Preserve. Take in the sights on foot or by bike by following hiking and biking trails. Some trails allow motorized bikes. Trails range from 0.2 miles to 2.2 miles; there is a paved trail, a rubberized trail, and a primitive hiking trail where no bikes are allowed. You can birdwatch and see hundreds of species of fish indigenous to the waters, including jumping mullet, minnows, sailfin mollies, and longnose killifish. Fishing is allowed in designated areas.
Take the half-mile Tower Trail to the famous 53-foot, five-story Observation Tower with expansive views of not only the preserve but across the Tampa Bay area: four counties and five bodies of water. It is an unparalleled view you will not want to miss!
There are also two covered pavilions and picnic areas where you and your family can stop to enjoy a bite amidst the natural beauty. As part of the preserve rules, there are no alcohol or glass containers allowed, and be sure to clean up after use. You might also enjoy rollerblading on the 2.2-mile paved Spoonbill Trail that starts at the walk-in entrance on Manatee Ave. You will find plenty to do on the water at Robinson Preserve, such as canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Plan Your Anna Maria Island Vacation
Contact the team at Island Vacation Properties to start planning your island getaway. Browse our rentals to find the perfect place to host your trip, and book today!
Kayak, Paddleboard Rentals
The Robinson Preserve Surferbus Resort on Manatee Ave. West is where you will find exclusive bookings for kayaks and paddle boards. Because of this destination’s popularity, it is recommended to book at least one day in advance of your trip. Surferbus has recently added pedal kayaks to their rentals.
There are a few self-guided kayak and paddleboard trails you can follow on the preserve’s map. These trails total about three miles, and the launch is near the preserve’s entrance, where you can spot dolphins and manatees, as well as other wildlife. One recommended trip is a round-trip five-mile paddle through the preserve to Palma Sola Bay and back to the launch. There are also Eco trips by kayak or paddle board, leaving every half hour from Surferbus.
The New Expansion at Robinson Preserve
The Expansion at Robinson Preserve began back in 2012 and is officially opened, with 150 restored acres featuring rubber mulch trails and new bridges, walkways, and kayak trails. While the new kayak trails do not currently connect to older trails, plans are to make this happen in the near future.
Perhaps the most significant addition is the multi-purpose tree house-like Mosaic Center for Nature, Exploration, Science, and Technology (NEST), located at the corner of 9th Ave NW and 99th Street NW. It is available for public programs, birthday and corporate parties, weddings, and more. The building has an outdoor deck and a waterfront screened porch and is fully air-conditioned. The NEST features science programs for kids, yoga classes, organized walks, nature classes, and crafts. The building also has a Canopy Zone and a playground of rope bridges, slides, and climbing nets.
Your Anna Maria Island Vacation Rental
At Island Vacation Properties, we offer a wide range of Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, from one up to five-plus bedroom condo and house rentals. You can enjoy the waterfront and beachfront views, private or community pools, private yards, beach access, and views from balconies, decks, and so much more!
Some great amenities and features, depending on the rental you choose, include king- and queen-sized beds, full kitchens, a washer and dryer combo, high-speed internet, a BBQ grill, and provided linens and beach towels. All rentals are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized for your peace of mind.
What is more, most Anna Maria Island rentals are situated close to attractions and activities, so you will never have far to go to get to where the action is. You might even choose to walk or bike to some of the things to do on Anna Maria Island, such as top restaurants, parks, beaches, and shops. If this all sounds like your dream vacation, then get started by booking a stay with us today!
Plus, from anywhere on the island, you are not far from Robinson Nature Preserve; no matter which Anna Maria Island rentals you choose, you will have a quick, convenient ride to this top destination.
