Neal Preserve’s 120 acres include both coastal habitats, such as mangrove forests and salt terns, as well as pockets of oak hammock uplands. The site features passive outdoor recreation opportunities including a 20 foot tall observation tower, 0.3 mile shell trail loop, and boardwalks that wind through the coastal environment. Located on the south side of Manatee Avenue, overflow parking is available on the north side of the Anna Maria Island Bridge. There is one portable restroom in the parking area.
Neal Preserve is a very historically significant site. As you walk, imagine the active Native American culture that once existed here. Your route will move past reconstructed burial mounds (the originals were excavated in the 1930’s by the Smithsonian) through an area inhabited from 3000 BC to 1400 AD. Remember all of these are protected and collecting is not allowed in this “open air museum.”
Due to the sensitive nature of the habitat and nesting bird sites, pets are not allowed at Neal Preserve and bicycles are not allowed on trails and should be parked at racks provided. We encourage visitors to explore the half-mile of shell and boardwalk trail on foot and enjoy a peaceful recreation experience.
Hours
Open daily 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset.
- Boardwalk
- Fishing Access
- Interpretive signage
- Outlooks and Observation Towers
- Picnic areas
- Picnic Shelter
- Picnic Tables
- Wildlife viewing areas
Observation Tower
Observation Deck
Covered Pavilion
