The Best Picnic Spots in the Bradenton Area

Being outdoors is a way of life of many Floridians, and packing a picnic is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Florida lifestyle. The Bradenton Area has prime picnic spots that appeal to nearly everyone looking to take their meal to-go. Grab your cooler and picnic basket, we’re setting off in search of that perfect picnic spot.

Emerson Point Preserve

Situated on a peninsula with vast views of Terra Ceia Bay to the north and the historic Manatee River to the south, Emerson Point Preserve is reminiscent of the natural Florida coastline of years past. This lush public park offers a variety of hiking and kayak trails to experience a wide variety of coastal Florida wildlife and habitats. Download the park map and set off to one of the many picnic areas to enjoy your meal surrounded by the natural sights and sounds of this unique preserve.

Longboat Pass

With abundant shade and a beautiful seascape, Longboat Pass is an ideal picnic spot. There are many vantage points at this park, including watching the drawbridge open and close for the fishing boats, the swirling emerald waters of the pass, and the tranquil shoreline of Coquina Beach. This recently updated park features plenty of parking, picnic tables, and bathrooms. You’ll find plenty of places for your outdoor meal, which means you’ll be returning to this special spot in the future.

Anna Maria Bayfront Park

This public park is the perfect place for families looking for a little surf and sun with their meal. Anna Maria Bayfront Park is found on the northern end of Anna Maria Island, offering picturesque vistas of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the newly-opened Anna Maria City Pier. Kiddos will enjoy splashing in the calm waters while parents watch and prepare a tasty lunch under one of the many covered pavilions. With a playground, freshwater showers and bathrooms, this place should be high on the list of all parents!

G.T. Bray Park

You’ll find endless recreational activities at G.T. Bray Park, one of the largest parks in the Bradenton Area. From baseball fields to pickleball courts, playgrounds to picnic tables, there are activities for everyone—including your pooch at the dog park. Bring your cooler with plenty of ice, you’ll probably spend most of your afternoon exploring this 140-plus acre park.

Leave Only Footprints

An outdoor picnic is the perfect way to enjoy the vast natural resources of the Bradenton Area. Whether dining beachside on a blanket or savoring a sandwich under a mainland pavilion, please remember to pick up after yourself and to not feed the wildlife. Take plenty of pictures but leave only footprints behind!

Longboat Pass (Coquina Beach): 2651 Gulf Dr. Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
Emerson Point Preserve: 5801 17th St. W, Palmetto, FL 34221
Anna Maria Bayfront Park: 316 N Bay Blvd., Anna Maria, FL 34216
G.T Bray Park: 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W, Bradenton, FL 34209