A local's guide to getting outside: preserves, beaches, riverfront parks, paddling, and sunsets, on both sides of the Manatee River.
These are places our team recommends: where to walk, paddle, fish, and watch the sun go down. Each one says who recommends it, and the details come from the place itself.
The undeveloped northern tip of Anna Maria Island, in the City of Anna Maria, where the Gulf meets Tampa Bay. No lifeguards; swimming is not recommended.
The City of Bradenton's riverfront park, about two miles along the Manatee River downtown, open 24 hours.
A Manatee County beach park at the south end of Anna Maria Island, on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach.
A Manatee County beach on Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach, on Anna Maria Island, with county lifeguards.
A Pinellas County park, outside Manatee County, near Tierra Verde across the Sunshine Skyway, with beaches, a dog beach and a historic fort.
A Manatee County preserve at the north tip of Longboat Key, often called Beer Can Island.
The city beaches of Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, reached by the city's public beach accesses.
Manatee County's public beach at the end of Manatee Avenue (State Road 64) in Holmes Beach, on Anna Maria Island.
A Pinellas County beach, outside Manatee County: the Gulf beach at the south end of St. Pete Beach, across the Sunshine Skyway.
What clients say
“I was an out of state buyer and Agata Diggs represented me in the purchase of my second home. She was extremely responsive! Even if she couldn't talk at the moment, she would text me and tell me that she would call me in 15 minutes. She never left me wondering. I've recommended her to a few friends since then. She did a great job.”
“Amazing service from Melissa Moore who helped sell my aunt's home. Being from Scotland, I had lots of questions which Melissa promptly answered even when she was on vacation! We had one viewer and full offer!”
“Working with Alexis Christensen over the past 3 years has been nothing short of incredible. And yes, I really mean 3 years.”
“I am thrilled to have worked with Rachel. She has been professional, but most importantly she was kind, she listened, and was always available to answer any questions. She was a godsend from the very first day and soon felt like family. I would recommend her to anyone.”
“We are incredibly grateful to have been referred to Carly by a friend. When we called her at the last minute to assist with our home purchase, she stepped in and made the entire process seamless. Carly went above and beyond our expectations, and we highly recommend her. We look forward to working with her again in the future.”
Why Leslie Wells Realty
Tell us what you like to do on a Saturday, and we'll tell you which communities put you closest to it.
Dunes at the north end of Anna Maria Island by Gzzz (CC BY-SA 4.0); Tower Plaza on the Bradenton Riverwalk by The Grid (CC BY-SA 4.0); Old Green Bridge Pier by Sanibel sun (CC BY 4.0); Battery Laidley at Fort De Soto Park by Beyond My Ken (CC BY-SA 4.0); Sunset at Holmes Beach by Bobpinz (CC BY-SA 4.0); Pass-a-Grille Beach, St. Pete Beach by Richard Mc Neil (CC BY 3.0).
