On Anna Maria Island, you can experience the best of Florida without the tourists and high-rises on every corner. Welcoming locals will surround you and lead you toward the best restaurants and shops around. You can stroll down the shoreline, go on a tour for some history, or explore the parks near Anna Maria Island. One of the best parts about AMI is the incredible wildlife, and there are plenty of ways to get up close and personal to the animals. Here are a few great places to see Anna Maria Island wildlife.
Robinson Preserve
In northwest Bradenton, about a 20-minute drive from Anna Maria Island, you’ll find Robinson Preserve. This destination consists of almost 700 acres of land made up of tidal marshes, preserved mangroves, and coastal wetlands. There are plenty of ways to take advantage of the preserve, like bringing your kayak to float through the mangroves or hiking along the 2.5 km trail. Be sure to visit the NEST, the educational space where you can learn more about the incredible animal and plant life on the preserve. They also have picnic pavilions for you to enjoy your lunch, so you can make your trip to Robinson Preserve an all-day affair.
Robinson Preserve is located at 1704 99th Street Northwest. They are open daily, every day of the year, from sunrise until sunset.
Leffis Key Preserve
Another great preserve in the area is Leffis Key Preserve, where you will have one of the best views of Sarasota Bay. The saltwater wetlands here are truly breathtaking, and you can spot incredible plants like Southern red cedars, sea grapes, Jamaica dogwood, and more. Follow the footpaths around the hill and find the strategically placed platforms for the best views. There are signs along the trails to help you learn more about the plants and animals that live in the area. You are also allowed to fish in certain areas along the trail.
Leffis Key Preserve is located at 2351 Gulf Drive South. They are open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset.
One of Anna Maria Island’s Beaches
You don’t have to go to a nature preserve to spot some beautiful wildlife. You can simply head to any one of Anna Maria’s beaches for an incredible view. Some of the more popular spots include Coquina Beach, Bean Point, and Manatee Public Beach. Getting to the beach early is your best bet, as that is when beaches are less crowded and birds are more likely to be visible. Though you can spot the birds in the sky any time of day, you’ll be able to see them catching their breakfast or taking a pleasant stroll in the morning. Getting to watch these magnificent creatures is the perfect way to start your day.
There is beautiful nature everywhere you turn in Anna Maria Island, and these are just a few of the best places to learn more about the incredible creatures that inhabit the area. Of course, there is so much more to do in Anna Maria besides these few sites. From nature to history to shopping and more, there is truly something for everyone in your party to enjoy on your Anna Maria Island vacation.
If you own property on AMI, it may be stressful to maintain your rental. With our Anna Maria property management services, services, you can leave the hard work to us while you sit back and enjoy your passive income. Being a homeowner here can be incredibly rewarding, and we are here to help you make the most of it. For more information on our services for your Anna Maria Island vacation rentals, contact us today!
