This Scenic Nature Preserve In Florida Offers Peaceful, Less-Crowded Hiking & Biking Trails

Tucked away on Florida's Gulf Coast in Bradenton, Robinson Preserve is a 682-acre coastal sanctuary with mangroves, tidal marshes, and pine uplands. It's the ideal destination for travelers looking for exciting adventures away from busier, well-known Florida beaches. The preserve promises tranquil and unique experiences you can only have in Florida. Imagine pedaling your bike along mangrove-lined trails, or climbing observation towers and being rewarded with striking views of Tampa Bay or the beautiful Anna Maria Island! Whether you are an avid hiker or someone seeking a slice of nature, Robinson Preserve won't disappoint.

Located in northwest Bradenton, Robinson Preserve is about 10 miles from Anna Maria Island, and about 20 miles from Sarasota. If you are flying in, the closest airport is the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), a 30-minute drive from the preserve. Visitors arriving from Tampa International Airport (TPA) can get to the preserve in about an hour via I-75.

Long before it was a haven for hikers and bikers, this was farmland with beautiful fields and pastures. In 2002, Manatee County purchased the property for an environmental restoration project with the aim of creating a coastal wetland ecosystem. Over the years, the county and community volunteers have restored tidal flows, planted native vegetation, and built boardwalks, trails, and observation towers. Today, the preserve has salt marshes, mangroves, and uplands, with plants and animals making it their home.

Despite being lesser-known, Robinson Preserve has some of the best hikes in the world to put on your bucket list. One of the popular trails in the preserve is Tower Trail, a one-mile loop that you can follow on-foot or bike. This boardwalk trail leads you through tidal marsh and pine flatwoods, and ends at a five-story observation platform standing 40 feet tall. From the observation tower, you can enjoy views of the preserve's wetlands and the blue waters of Tampa Bay. Named after the majestic birds you will see soaring overhead, Osprey Loop trail winds through palmetto scrub and coastal hammock. You will enjoy beautiful views of the wetlands, and it's also a great spot for bird-watching. 

You can combine Osprey Loop with Spoonbill Trail for a longer hike. Spoonbill Trail is a flat trail that meanders through tidal zones favored by roseate spoonbills and other shorebirds. The boardwalks give you an up-close view without disturbing the nesting areas. Since these loops intersect near the preserve's center, combining the trails allows you to enjoy nature and sample both habitats.

Eagle Loop is a 2.3-mile moderate hiking trail that takes you through mixed habitat zones. You can walk through the pine upland before descending back through the marsh. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a bald eagle high in the pines. Aside from hiking, Robinson Preserve is an exciting destination for kayaking and canoeing on the mangrove-lined waterways. You can rent a canoe or kayak on-site for self-guided paddling.

The surrounding Manatee County is awash with enchanting beach towns, interesting historic districts, and a thriving coastal culture. If you want to continue your outdoor exploration after an adventure in Robinson Preserve, consider a visit to Emerson Point Preserve on Snead Island. This park has beautiful trails through mangrove forests leading to stunning views of Tampa Bay and the mouth of Manatee River. If you want to pair coastal scenery with natural surroundings, this is one of the must-visit destinations around the world for avid hikers.

If you are ready to swap hiking boots for flip-flops, Anna Maria Island is about eight miles west of the preserve. The barrier island is popular for its soft sand and turquoise Gulf waters. You can spend your afternoon strolling along Pine Avenue's boutique shops, tasting fresh seafood, and later admire majestic sunset vistas from Anna Maria City Pier.

Want to experience small-town charm? Head south to the Cortez Historic Fishing Village, eight miles away. Get a chance to wander past the fishing shacks, watch the boats unloading the day's catch, and enjoy local seafood at dockside restaurants like Swordfish Grill.