How this list works
Every park and preserve below is public, run by Manatee County, the City of Palmetto, or the State of Florida. What each one has comes from the county's own pages, and each list says when it was checked. Places our team recommends from experience have their own pages in our Both Sides of the River guide.
Parks and playgrounds
Parrish
- Bunker Hill Community ParkPavilionPicnic tablesPlaygroundRestroomsSoccerTrailsDirections to Bunker Hill Community Park
- Fort Hamer Park Boat RampBoat rampPavilionPicnic tablesRestroomsDirections to Fort Hamer Park Boat Ramp
- Hidden Harbor ParkPavilionPlaygroundTrailsDirections to Hidden Harbor Park
- Ola Mae Sims ParkBasketballDog parkPicnic tablesRestroomsTrailsDirections to Ola Mae Sims Park
- Parrish Community ParkPavilionPlaygroundSplash padDirections to Parrish Community Park
Ellenton
- Gamble Plantation Historic State ParkDirections to Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
Palmetto
- 14th Avenue ParkDirections to 14th Avenue Park
- Blackstone ParkBatting cagesDog parkPavilionPicnic tablesPlaygroundRestroomsSkate parkSoccerSoftballDirections to Blackstone Park
- Buffalo Creek ParkBaseballBasketballBatting cagesFootballPavilionPicnic tablesPlaygroundRestroomsSoccerDirections to Buffalo Creek Park
- Heritage ParkDirections to Heritage Park
- Hidden Lake ParkDirections to Hidden Lake Park
- Lamb/Sutton ParkDirections to Lamb/Sutton Park
- Lincoln Park (Coach Eddie Shannon Park)BasketballFootballPavilionPicnic tablesPlaygroundRestroomsSoccerSplash padTrailsDirections to Lincoln Park (Coach Eddie Shannon Park)
- Palmetto 17th Street ParkDirections to Palmetto 17th Street Park
- Riverside ParkDirections to Riverside Park
- Rubonia Community CenterBasketballCommunity centerPicnic tablesPlaygroundRestroomsSoccerDirections to Rubonia Community Center
- Sylvan Oaks ParkPicnic tablesPlaygroundDirections to Sylvan Oaks Park
- Taylor ParkDirections to Taylor Park
From Manatee County's own park pages (what each one has) and its parks map (City of Palmetto and state parks), checked October 9, 2026. Hours, fees, and closures change, so check the agency's page before you go.
Nature preserves and trails
Parrish
- Duette PreservePicnic tablesRestroomsTrailsDirections to Duette Preserve
- Headwaters at Duette PreservePicnic tablesTrailsDirections to Headwaters at Duette Preserve
- Moody Branch PreservePicnic tablesPlaygroundTrailsDirections to Moody Branch Preserve
- Rye PreservePlaygroundRestroomsTrailsDirections to Rye Preserve
Palmetto
- Emerson Point PreservePavilionPicnic tablesPierRestroomsTrailsPart of this place is listed as closed. Check the county page before you go.Directions to Emerson Point Preserve
- Palmetto Estuary PreserveDirections to Palmetto Estuary Preserve
Terra Ceia
- Terra Ceia Preserve State ParkHiking trailsBoat rampKayak launchTo hike, park at the trailhead at the north end of Hightower Road, where a kiosk has a trail map: six miles of trails, foot traffic only, and please don't block the gates. The boat ramp is at the end of Moccasin Wallow Road, open 24/7. Open 8 a.m. to sunset; no fee.Directions to Terra Ceia Preserve State Park
From Manatee County's own park pages (what each one has) and its parks map (City of Palmetto and state parks), checked October 9, 2026. Hours, fees, and closures change, so check the agency's page before you go.
Places our team recommends
Bradenton Riverwalk
The City of Bradenton's riverfront park, about two miles along the Manatee River downtown, open 24 hours.
- Our agents' pick
Before you go
In summer, go early: shade, water, and bug spray make a Florida park morning a lot better. Check each place's own website for hours and closures before you drive out.
