Robinson Preserve at a glance
Robinson Preserve is a Manatee County preserve at 1704 99th Street NW in Bradenton, on the mainland and not on Anna Maria Island. It covers more than 600 acres of coastal habitat. The preserve has observation towers, a kayak launch, restrooms, water fountains and trails.
It opens at sunrise and closes at sunset every day. If you would rather paddle with a guide, the island's kayaking guide compares options.
Trails and towers
What you can walk and see.
Surface
The trails are mostly compacted shell. One paved path leads to Manatee Avenue.
Observation towers
The preserve has observation towers. Whether each one is open varies, so check the current notices from Manatee County and the signs on site.
Stay on the trails
Keep to the marked trails. That protects the habitat and keeps you out of areas that are closed.
Facilities
Restrooms and water fountains are available. Bring water and sun protection as well.
A half day at Robinson Preserve
A simple order for your visit.
| Activity | What the preserve offers | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Walk | Trails, mostly compacted shell, one paved path to Manatee Avenue | Temporary trail closures |
| Tower | Observation towers | Whether the tower you want is open |
| Paddle | Kayak launch near the entrance, more than 3 miles of routes | Whether your route can be used |
| Rest | Restrooms and water fountains | – |
For most visitors, a walk on the shell trails with a stop at a tower is the easiest start. Paddlers should begin with a short loop from the launch. Wear sturdy shoes for the shell surface, and bring a hat and water. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, so the early morning is a good time to start.
Our pick: a clear-kayak tour at Robinson Preserve
It is a guided paddle through the Preserve's own mangrove waterways, which is what the page is about.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kayak, boat and nature tours near Robinson Preserve
Paddle trips, boat tours and nature outings around Anna Maria Island and Bradenton, with live prices and availability.
Kayaking at Robinson Preserve
The preserve has more than 3 miles of internal paddle routes through mangroves and waterways. A round trip of about 5 miles to Palma Sola Bay is one example. The kayak launch is near the entrance.
Not every route can be used at all times, so plan a short outing first and extend it if conditions are good. Give any wildlife space; the wildlife viewing rules on the dolphin tours page apply to manatees and dolphins alike.
Kayak storage tubes cost $480 per year plus tax, which is not a rental fee. Bring your own boat or book a guided trip.
Current limits to check before you go
Storm damage can lead to cancelled tram tours and temporary trail closures at Robinson Preserve. These are temporary, not a permanent closure. Check the current notices from Manatee County before you travel, and check whether the towers and the trail you want are open.
Leffis Key Preserve, another county preserve, is closed after hurricane damage, so do not plan a walk there. The hurricane recovery page explains how the island is rebuilding.
Getting to Robinson Preserve
Robinson Preserve is on the mainland, in Bradenton, not on the island. Plan a car or a ride for the trip. The getting there guide covers airports and car rental.
Robinson Preserve: frequently asked questions
Where is Robinson Preserve?
At 1704 99th Street NW in Bradenton, on the mainland. It is a Manatee County preserve of more than 600 acres.
What are the opening hours of Robinson Preserve?
From sunrise to sunset every day. Temporary trail closures can apply, so check the current notices from Manatee County first.
Can I kayak at Robinson Preserve?
Yes. There is a kayak launch near the entrance and more than 3 miles of internal paddle routes. Not every route can be used at all times.
Can I rent a kayak at Robinson Preserve?
Rentals are run by businesses on the mainland, so check the price when you book. The county charges $480 per year plus tax for kayak storage tubes, which is not a rental fee. You can also bring your own boat or book a guided trip.
Are the observation towers open?
The preserve has observation towers, but whether each one is open varies. Check the current notices from Manatee County and the signs on site.
Is Robinson Preserve on Anna Maria Island?
No. It is on the mainland in Bradenton, so plan a car or a ride for the trip.