BRADENTON – Manatee County’s Robinson Preserve has been named a “2022 Travelers’ Choice” destination by Tripadvisor.
The 682-acre coastal wetland habitat is in the top 10% of attractions worldwide, according to the publication.
Both visitors and locals enjoy exploring the 2.5-mile paved trail as well as the 5 miles of shell coastal trails.
“We bring our bikes out here at least once a month and ride the trails as a family,” said Keith Brisco, of Lakewood Ranch, riding the trails with his wife, Kathy, and three children. “It’s a beautiful ride, and easy even for the younger kids. They love going up the tower; it’s a must every time we come out here.”
The tower Brisco speaks of is a 40-foot observation tower open to the public, with a view that includes four counties and five bodies of water. In addition to walking, running or biking, Robinson Preserve also offers 3 miles of blueways for paddlers to navigate mangrove tunnels, marshes and more connecting to the Manatee River, Perico Bayou and Palma Sola Bay.
“This is a great honor,” Manatee County Administrator Scott Hopes said. “It truly reflects the commitment to preserving and restoring sensitive lands and natural resources.”
The main entrance of Robinson Preserve is located at 1704 99th St. N.W. with another vehicle entrance at 10299 Ninth Ave. N.W. An aquatic entrance for kayakers is at the west end of the Palma Sola Causeway, and a bike- or hike-in entrance is north of the parking lot at the humpback bridge at Perico Island.
