Slow Down or Speed Up: Two Coastal Preserves Worth the Trip
After road tripping around Florida for years I have seen many different park and recreation areas. Sarasota County has an amazing park system that is highly accessible and I personally enjoy benefitting from the investments that they have made to allow the public to experience these areas.
There are two coastal parks that I recently visited that were especially captivating: Emerson Point Preserve and Robinson Preserve. As the crow flies, these parks are separated by the Manatee River. If you are driving, it takes approximately 30 minutes depending on traffic to travel from one park to the other.
These coastal parks are currently free to enjoy and, at some point, were at risk of development. It is a reminder how truly valuable and wonderful our conservation areas are. Had they been developed, this natural beauty would have been lost.
Emerson Point Preserve
Emerson Point is 365 acres and borders the Manatee River and Terra Ceia Bay. It is a lot longer than it is wide so there are a number of areas to park along the main drive that runs the length of the park and explore. Hiking, paddling, and fishing are popular activities to enjoy.
For anyone who is a fan of history, Emerson Point has some significant Native American history with the Portavant Mound which is the largest in the Tampa Bay area. It is hundreds of years old. There is a board walk that traverses it in a northeast/southwest direction and gives a decent visual indication of how large the mound really is. I noticed some smaller shell mounds as I hiked the various trails around the park. Several interpretive signs explore the history of the area.
Emerson Point’s trail system is over six miles and winds along shell mounts and through gumbo limbo trees. Many of the trails are narrower and provide an immersive experience. There were a number of benches tucked away off the trails around the Portevant Temple Mound area that provided a bit of privacy to enjoy the natural surroundings. On the north side of the park is the observation tower. The view of Terra Ceia Bay from there is quite impressive on a clear day.
There are a few kayak launch points that are great for exploring the mangroves. Wading birds, mangrove tree crabs, various fish, and many other living things can be seen up close during a gentle paddle along the red mangroves on the north side of the park. If coastal viewing is the goal, then the boat ramp and trail to the right of it provides a beach like experience. Check out the pavilions if your plans include picnicking.
Emerson Point Preserve with its dense wooded areas, narrower trails, history, and several stops to sit down and enjoy nature are ideal for a slower or more relaxed visit; however, if exercise or covering more distance is preferred then Robinson Preserve would be worth checking out.
Robinson Preserve
Robinson Preserve borders the southern shore of Manatee River where it empties into Tampa Bay. It is over 680 acres and includes 10 miles of trails both paved and unpaved. The trails were quite wide in most areas and are ideal for jogging or cycling. With many bridges and coastal access, fishing is quite popular here in a number of spots. Internal mangrove trails isolate paddlers from the dynamic currents that exist along the beach. The most noticeable feature is the massive observation tower on the north end of the park.
Eight listed hiking trails vary in length from 0.2 to 3.1 miles that explore different areas of the park. There are a number of shaded benches to rest at. Miles of paddling trails are available to explore, launch your own paddle craft or rent one from an offsite vendor. The five-story tower is one of the most substantial observation platforms I have experienced.
A 360-degree viewing deck is available at the middle and top of the structure. The hike to the tower is just over half a mile from the north entrance of the park. For opportunities to see Tampa Bay, the Osprey and Tern trails provide some access and glimpses from behind the mangroves.
Robinson Preserve has less shade and more wide open spaces when compared to Emerson Point, which seemed to appeal to visitors that were using the area primarily for exercise. Since they are not too far apart they both can be explored in a single day trip.
Things to Remember:
- As always, have water, sun protection, and insect repellent. Considering the amount of wetlands at these parks it is likely you will need all three at some point during a visit.
- The sunsets at these parks are amazing, just remember the parks close at sunset but some of the ideal places to view them may be far from the exit of the park.
Ryan Worthington, known as The Florida Excursionist, is a Live Wildly Adventurist. He grew up in Florida State Parks and has spent his life exploring — and championing — the state’s wild places. A Florida Master Naturalist, he documents conservation areas across the state through guided hikes, social media, and his podcast The Florida Madcaps.
