Located at 17th Avenue Northwest and 99th Street Northwest, this 487-acre coastal preserve is a popular place to kayak, bird watch, fish, run, walk, roller blade, skateboard, camp…and… YES, bring your pet!

The preserve is comprised of waterways, marshlands and uplands. From a 50-foot tower observe salt marshes, mangroves and coastal hardwood hammocks as well as a breathtaking view of the Skyway Bridge and St. Petersburg.

Bring the binoculars as there are shorebirds, nesting Osprey and bald eagles.

Bring your bike and zip along 10 miles of packed shell trails that connect boardwalks and beaches along the river. Two kayak/canoe drop-in areas access 2.5 miles of mangrove waterways to the Manatee River, Perico Bayou and Palma Sola Bay.

Oh, and don’t forget the bathing suit and picnic basket as there are small beach areas with benches and picnic tables. Sunscreen and water are a must especially during summer months. As for dogs, make sure they’re on a leash.

TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT:
    You may want to wear closed toed shoes or boots as some off trail areas are inappropriate for flip flops.
    Kayakers: Car-top launching is available on a sandy beach in the preserve with a water hose for rinsing at take-out. Find sheltered channels and lagoons at the Preserve with a short portage across a beach to Manatee River, Tampa Bay Rattlesnake Key and Snead Island.
    Alternate Access Point: Travel Manatee Avenue toward Anna Maria Island and park along the western end of Palma Sola Causeway. Access the preserve by boardwalk or man your kayak/canoe through mangrove tunnels. Caution: Don’t expect to make it into the mangrove tunnels from outside the preserve at low tide. When the tide is changing, the mangrove tunnels can have quite a current. When Bald Eagles are nesting, a section of the trail will close with alternate routes available.
    Hiking: Available on all trails.
    Bicycling: Available on designated trails only.
    Rollerblading: Available only on the paved trail.
    Fishing: Catch and release is available throughout the preserve.
    Picnicking: Tables and grills are located near the entrance in a shaded area with covered pavilion and restrooms. Other tables and benches are scattered throughout the park.