Neal Preserve
A serene 120-acre wetland preserve with historical significance, featuring boardwalks and an observation tower for wildlife and sunset viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Serene wildlife viewing
Neal Preserve
Best Time
Serene wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 120-acre wetland preserve with historical significance, featuring boardwalks and an observation tower for wildlife and sunset viewing.
"Discover ancient history and stunning bay views on the boardwalks of Neal Preserve."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are a mix of boardwalk and shell paths. Good walking shoes are a must!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Florida sun is strong! Hats, sunscreen, and water are essential for your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Observation Tower
Center of the preserve
Climb for panoramic views of Sarasota Bay and the surrounding natural beauty. Perfect for sunset!
Boardwalk Trails
Throughout the preserve
Meander through wetlands on extensive boardwalks, offering close-up views of flora and fauna.
Historical Shell Mounds
Along the trails
Discover ancient burial grounds and learn about the area's rich prehistoric history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Respect the Habitat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are a mix of boardwalk and shell paths. Good walking shoes are a must!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Florida sun is strong! Hats, sunscreen, and water are essential for your visit.
📸 Capture the Views
The observation tower offers stunning 360° vistas, ideal for photography.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
To protect the preserve's delicate ecosystem and historical sites, leave your pets at home.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are a mix of boardwalk and shell paths. Good walking shoes are a must!
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
Florida sun is strong! Hats, sunscreen, and water are essential for your visit.
📸 Capture the Views
The observation tower offers stunning 360° vistas, ideal for photography.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
To protect the preserve's delicate ecosystem and historical sites, leave your pets at home.
⏳ Short but Sweet
The preserve is small; plan for a leisurely 30-60 minute exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Neal Preserve is appreciated for its historical significance and natural beauty, particularly its boardwalks and observation tower offering scenic views. However, some visitors find it to be quite small and note that certain areas of the boardwalks could benefit from maintenance. The proximity to traffic noise is also a minor drawback for some seeking complete immersion in nature.
"A small natural area with extensive boardwalks throughout. There is a lookout tower overlooking Sarasota Bay and the surrounding area.
Neal preserve is a large prehistoric complex that consisted of shell middens and burial grounds between 3000BC and 1000AD. There are remnants of the mounds throughout.
There is wildlife here and you may see eagles and other birds of prey. A very nice area for a 30 minute walk.
There is a small parking lot. Highly recommended"
Mike Zito
"-No Dogs Allowed
A bit underwhelming especially considering the amazing nearby preserves available. We had never been and decided to see what it had because we frequent other natural preserves near us. We probably won't go back.. it's very small and having the noise from Manatee ave traffic doesn't allow for you to feel like your in nature. It has sand/shell trails and some boardwalk as well. The boardwalk areas definitely need work as we saw(and nearly missed) several holes and chunks missing from the wooden planks. You can tell that this place has not been cared for in a very long time. It's sad to see a preserve like this. Most of the signs showing specific trees or plants didn't actually have those trees or plants there to view which is not typical of a preserve. After all that's why they have the signage.. Overall as local lifetime floridians we were very disappointed in the lack of care and size of this location. I can only hope that the future shows something more for the area."
Nicole Petree
"Nice trail made of shells and wood boardwalk. Plenty of parking at the time of my arrival (apprx. 8:30am). If you walk every trail, you will cover just under 1 mile (I measured .8 mile on my Garmin GPS watch). The lookout tower gives a nice 360° view of Neal Preserve. This preserve is located directly across from the Compass by Margaritaville Hotel. We saw an Osprey, a rabbit, a few common birds, and numerous crabs."
Glen Button
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Neal Preserve is located on Perico Island in Bradenton, Florida. It's easily accessible by car and has a small parking lot. Many visitors note its proximity to hotels like Compass by Margaritaville.
Yes, there is a small parking lot available. Visitors have reported ample parking, especially if arriving earlier in the day.
While Neal Preserve itself is focused on walking trails, nearby areas like Jim Neville Marine Preserve offer excellent kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities.
Neal Preserve is primarily designed for walking and exploring on foot. Cycling is generally not recommended on the boardwalks or shell trails.
Neal Preserve is located near Bradenton, Florida, and is also a short drive from Sarasota.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Neal Preserve is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's free to explore.
The preserve is generally open from dawn to dusk. It's best to check local listings for specific hours, but it's a great spot for morning or evening visits.
The boardwalks offer a relatively smooth surface, but some sections may have minor wear. The observation tower has stairs. Visitors should assess their comfort level.
Unfortunately, dogs and other pets are not allowed in Neal Preserve to protect the wildlife and historical sites.
Yes, there is a picnic area with an outhouse available for visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spot various birds, including ospreys and palm warblers, as well as rabbits and crabs. Keep an eye out for eagles and other birds of prey.
Most visitors find that walking all the trails takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much time you spend observing wildlife and reading the historical signs.
The preserve features a mix of sandy shell trails and wooden boardwalks that wind through the wetland habitat.
Absolutely! Neal Preserve is a fantastic spot for bird watching, with diverse bird species often seen along the boardwalks and from the observation tower.
Neal Preserve is a significant prehistoric complex, featuring ancient shell middens and burial grounds dating back thousands of years.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation tower offers panoramic views perfect for landscape shots. The boardwalks provide opportunities to photograph the native flora and fauna up close.
Yes, the observation tower provides excellent vantage points for capturing beautiful sunset views over Sarasota Bay.
You can capture images of various birds, small mammals, and marine life. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for wildlife activity.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural preserves to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and are ideal for wildlife photography and capturing the preserve's serene atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that dogs are not allowed, so plan accordingly. The preserve is small, making it ideal for younger children who may have shorter attention spans. Pack water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for the shell and boardwalk trails.
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers
It's a great spot for bird watching and appreciating the local flora. The historical significance of the shell mounds adds an educational element to your solitary exploration. Plan for a short, contemplative visit to truly soak in the tranquility.
📸 Photographers
Focus on capturing the intricate details of the native plants and the wildlife that inhabits the preserve. The boardwalks allow for close-up shots of birds, crabs, and the unique wetland vegetation. Be mindful of the lighting and try to capture the atmospheric beauty of the preserve.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Neal Preserve's Trails
These trails are designed to showcase the preserve's native flora and fauna. Informative signs along the way highlight specific plants and trees, though some reviewers note that signage doesn't always perfectly match the visible species. The total walking distance, if you cover all the paths, is just under a mile, making it a manageable and enjoyable experience for most fitness levels.
Pro Tip: Walking the trails counterclockwise is a popular strategy, starting with the boardwalks and finishing on the shell paths. This allows for a varied experience and ensures you don't miss any of the preserve's features.
The Historical Significance of Neal Preserve
Visitors can learn about this history through interpretive signs placed along the trails. These signs detail the findings of ancient graves and the cultural practices of the people who lived here between 3000 BC and 1000 AD. The presence of these historical sites underscores the importance of respecting the preserve and staying on designated paths.
Community Insight: Some visitors find the historical aspect particularly fascinating, adding another layer of depth to their visit beyond just enjoying the natural scenery. It's a reminder of the long human history intertwined with Florida's landscapes.
Wildlife Encounters at Neal Preserve
Beyond birds, visitors have reported seeing rabbits and numerous crabs scurrying along the trails and boardwalks. The preserve's ecosystem supports a diverse range of life, and the elevated boardwalks provide excellent opportunities for close-up observation without disturbing the animals.
Best Viewing Times: Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the most active periods for wildlife. This is when animals are most likely to be foraging or moving about, increasing your chances of sightings.
Social
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