Visit Neal Preserve on Your Sarasota Vacation

The fun of going on vacation in Sarasota is not limited to activities that are done within the city alone. There are various things to do near Sarasota. One place you can go to immerse yourself in nature is Neal Preserve. Neal Preserve is a 120-acre preserve in the Manatee County of Florida. It contains about 0.5 miles of boardwalk trails, shells, and a 6.1-meter tall observation tower.

Here is our guide for the best ways to have fun and the activities you can engage in at Neal Preserve during your stay in a Sarasota vacation home.

How to Get to Neal Preserve

Before you can engage in the fun activities available to you at Neal Preserve, you have to get there first. From Sarasota, head north on North Washington Boulevard for about 0.6 mi and pass by Chase Bank, then turn left onto 10th street and continue ahead for about 1.0 mi. 

Take the first exit onto North Tamiami Trail when you get to the traffic circle. Continue forward for about 0.4 mi till you get to another traffic circle. Then, take the second exit onto North Tamiami Trail/US Hwy 41 N. 

Continue on US Hwy 41 N and pass the subway on the left. After that, turn left onto Florida Boulevard and drive ahead for about 1.3 mi. Then turn right onto 34th St W and drive for about 0.3 mi. Once again, turn left onto El Conquistador Pkwy and drive for 1.3 mi. Take the second exit onto 75th St, when you get to the traffic circle and drive for 3.3 mi. Finally, turn left onto Manatee Avenue W. Drive for a further 3.0 mi, and you will see Neal Preserve on the left.

What to Expect at Neal Preserve

Neal Preserve is a great site, especially for bird watching and hiking. What is more, you do not have to pay any entrance fee. However, it’s a sensitive location because of the birds’ nesting sites. Therefore, you should know a few limitations so you will not break vital rules while you’re there.

One of the primary limitations is that pets are not allowed into Neal Preserve in order to keep the natural wildlife habitat peaceful and undisturbed. Bikes are also prohibited, allowing you to walk through the Sarasota walking trails and enjoy the beauty of nature at Neal Preserve without any worry about getting out of someone’s way.

What to Do at Neal Preserve

Neal Preserve is open daily, therefore you can go there whenever you like. There are several exciting things you can do at Neal Preserve. Your first option is to hike the 0.5 mi long trail for the perfect recreational experience. It is rated easy and will only take about nine minutes for a healthy daily walk, meaning that is it suitable for all ages. 

Another option is to climb the observational tower to have a full view of the coastal mangrove marshes. You can do all these while watching the beautiful birds of various species. You can also explore the history of the Native American burial mounds that go as far back as 500 BCE.

Neal Preserve is a unique and unforgettable place to explore during your Sarasota vacation. It allows you to enjoy and experience the natural ecosystem of our area, without embarking on strenuous activity.

Furthermore, if you are seeking a Sarasota vacation that is as distinct and individual as you, Vunique Vacations is your answer. Our collection of one-of-a-kind luxury Sarasota vacation homes are sure to impress, and our team of hospitality professionals is ready to assist you every step of the way to ensure a memorable stay. Contact us today to get started on planning your next and best Sarasota vacation.