Discover Outdoor Splendors with a Local Guide to Anna Maria Island’s Parks

Anna Maria Island is a veritable paradise with sugar sand beaches and sunny summer days. It is unsurprising that AMI is a hub for vacationers and business travelers. And while there is joy to be found in shopping, dining, and more across the island, there is nothing more refreshing than the great outdoors, and AMI has no shortage there to be found. Manatee County, where AMI is located, is home to over 33 parks, miles, and miles of beaches. Planning your stay and looking for the right park for your adventuring whims? We have you covered. Take it from the locals; these are a few of Anna Maria Island’s parks that are favorite must-visit destinations for vacationers and residents alike. 

 Anna Maria Bayfront Park 

316 N Bay Blvd, Anna Maria, FL 34216

Anna Maria Bayfront Park is located on the island’s northern tip and is close to the Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key. There are plenty of grills to pick from for that perfect family picnic, and clear ocean waters will have you ready for a swim. Or are you looking for the perfect place for your special day? Anna Maria Bayfront Park’s beach and pavilion are open for wedding rentals as long as you secure a special event permit ahead of time from the county. 

Amenities Include: 

• Benches
• Grills
• Pavillion 
• Picnic tables
• Recycle Containers
• Restrooms 
• Shower
• Trash Receptacles
• Water Fountains 

Additional Note: The playground equipment has been removed due to safety concerns from Anna Maria Island’s Parks Board, but the city plans to replace it soon. 

Coquina Beach 

2650 Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

The park at Coquina Beach is nestled among tall pines, a beautiful contrast to the ocean blues and Old Florida’s beachy feel. The park features beach-friendly wheelchairs for added accessibility, making it a park that absolutely everybody can enjoy. Not only does the park feature winding walkways for your afternoon stroll, but it is also home to the Coquina Beach Cafe for all of your snacking or sipping needs. 

Amenities

• Beach
• Benches
• Bike Racks
• Changing Cabanas
• Concessions
• Games Tables
• Gift Shop
• Grills
• Multi-Purpose Paved Trail
• Pavilions
• Picnic Tables
• Playgrounds
• Recycle Containers
• Restrooms
• Shower
• Trash Receptacles
• Trolley Stop
• Volleyball
• Water Fountains 
• Wheelchairs

Manatee Beach Park 

4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

If you are looking for the perfect beach day getaway with a friendly neighborhood park feel, then Manatee Beach Park is the park for you! Book a kayak or paddleboard excursion, or rent chairs and an umbrella and get to relaxing already! Manatee Beach Park, like Coquina Beach, offers additional accessibility aids in the form of beach-ready wheelchairs, first come, first served! This park is also home to the delicious Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe. Enjoy drinks, dinner, and sunset, all from unbeatably beautiful beachside seating! 

Amenities

• Beach 
• Benches
• Bike Racks
• Changing Cabanas
• Concessions
• Gift Shop 
• Grills
• Picnic Tables
• Recycle Container
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Trash Receptacles
• Trolley Stop
• Volleyball
• Water Fountains
• Beach Wheelchairs

Leffis Key Preserve (Coquina Baywalk) 

Gulf Dr. S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Leffis Key Preserve is one of our favorite of Anna Maria Island’s parks. While many of the parks on the island focus on the beachy vibes of the island, Leffis Key provides visitors with a different and unique look that highlights local Florida flora. Explore a network of boardwalks constructed with nature in mind through the coastal mangrove forest along Sarasota Bay. The boardwalks lead up a manufactured hill with a pavilion and an unbeatable overlook of the forest and coast beyond. Over the past two decades, significant work has been done to uproot invasive species so native plants can thrive on this 0.8-mile hike you should not miss!

Amenities

• Fishing
• Picnic Pavillion
• Bike Rack
• Restrooms 
• Observation Deck 

Note: Depending on the season, mosquitos can be pretty prevalent here. Make sure to make the appropriate bug repellant and bring water to hydrate! 

Bonus Park: Myakka River State Park 

13208 State Rd 72 Sarasota, FL 34241 

Myakka River State Park is on the mainland and perfect for a day-trip, just an hour’s drive from Anna Maria Island. Despite not being directly on AMI, this park is just too beautiful to keep to ourselves. For those of you looking to connect with nature during your stay, Myakka River State Park has something for everyone, including kayak and canoe rentals, miles of trails, gorgeous native flora, and an abundance of fauna to observe in their natural habitat. We highly recommend the wildlife tours. They last 45-60 min, are fun and informational, and are ADA/wheelchair accessible and friendly! 

Available Experiences at Myakka River State Park Include: 

• Bicycling
• Birding
• Boat Tours
• Camping
• Fishing
• Geo-caching
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Paddling
• Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

• Amphitheater
• Boat Ramp
• Cabins
• Campfire Circles
• Concession and Restaurant
• Horse Trails
• Showers
• Restrooms
• Visitor Center

Looking for more park suggestions or ready to start planning your trip to Anna Maria Island? You are just one step away from paraside and Serendipity is ready to help ensure your trip is perfect. Take that step and reach out today.