Several easy hiking trails make this a handy place to take a stroll. The terrain isn't very scenic…read morebut there is an observation tower that affords good views of the surrounding area. Unisex restrooms available at the parking lot. Free parking and admission.

What an amazing place to spend the day wandering trails, observing nature & the beauty of God's…read morecreation! 10/10 & will be back!

Emerson Point is one of those how-is-this-not-more-famous? kind of places. Whether you're into…read morehiking, biking, kayaking, or just soaking up the views, there's always something fun to do. The hiking trails are great, the kayak launches make it easy to get out on the water, and the observation tower is a must--climb to the top for an awesome bird's-eye view, including the Sunshine Skyway Bridge showing off in the distance. There are plenty of picnic spots, plus a pavilion with nearby restrooms (always a win). One of our favorite things is walking out to the Portavant Temple Mound, where helpful signs bring the area's history to life. And if you're looking for photo ops, this place delivers--nature shots, family photos, you name it. We've had ours taken here more than once. No matter if you're exploring, relaxing, or snapping pictures, Emerson Point always has beauty waiting around the corner. There's even a welcome center near the pavilion to get you started. A perfect spot to wander, relax, and fall a little in love with Florida!

This was our first time here and there is so much more to explore! We drove all the way to the…read morepoint and parked in the lot. There are portable bathrooms there and a lot of small beaches. We walked and stopped and enjoyed the water! We brought the bike and scooter and stroller but didn't get a chance to use them this time although there are plenty of good sidewalks to use! We will be back!

I saw a video on IG a few months back that stated this beach would make you feel like you were on a…read moreisland, so I had to check out Bean Point Beach. It was an hour plus drive south from my friends house in Gulfport to Anna Maria Island. Bean Point is the north point of the island. Be cautious if you park in a neighborhood as they will ticket you $75 if your car is touching the road. We find out the hard way:( We walked a few blocks and found a public beach access. When I saw the beach I couldn't believe my eyes. The water was a gorgeous color of blue/green! It was hard to belive this was Florida lol. We walked for a while and I found some pretty shells to take home from my adventure. This part of the beach wasn't too crowded which I loved. A few people were fishing and others were sitting and relaxing. While a few tourists were in the water. Brrrr it was too cold for me. I only let it hit my feet lol. I highly recommend checking out Bean Point Beach so you can see this lovely water and beach for yourself!

This was my very first time at Bean Point, and I swear it felt like I had stepped into a secret…read morepart of Florida that most people drive right past without ever knowing it exists. The moment my feet hit that soft white sand, everything around me slowed down. The air felt lighter. The water looked like it was painted in layers of turquoise and glass. Even the breeze seemed to move with intention, brushing past me in a way that made me feel completely present. I kept walking, almost in a trance, toward the point where the Gulf meets the sky, and for the first time in a long time, my mind wasn't racing. I wasn't thinking about tomorrow or yesterday. I was just there, breathing in a place that felt almost sacred. Then the sun began to set, and the entire sky transformed into something unreal. Pink, lavender, gold, and that deep blue that only shows up at the ocean's edge. Families were laughing softly in the distance, a couple was wrapped in a blanket, and I just stood there taking it all in, feeling this unexpected wave of emotion. It wasn't sadness or joy exactly. It was gratitude. Pure, uncomplicated gratitude that I got to witness a moment like that. Bean Point felt like a gift, handed to me exactly when I needed it. I cherish this place so much. I will be back again and again.

This is park and beach. It has a stretch of beach that allows you to walk on. It is really between…read morethe City of Bradenton Beach and City of Longboat Key. I see the shuttle services to this park. The beach is very nice to walk on and there it a tree line next to the beach with pavilions for shade. This is good beach since ii is in the west coast and the trees provide shade in the morning for the beach. You also can see the longboat pass draw bridge to be raise and allow the sail boat to be passed. Select the beach day that was not rain for a week, the water will look clearer and blue. Usually the stormy day stir up the bottom of the sea and is more yellow and not as beautiful. On the other side of the island they have two boat ramps to lunch your boat for activities. I suggest go to kayak since there is a lot of area to explore between main land and the island. Some has mangrove, some have shallow beach in middle of the bay. The Beach House restaurant is one of my favorite there with evening music. Joe's Eat and sweet for some ice cream and sweet treat. Vacation there for a night and experience it. Sun rise can be seen at the Longboat Pass Draw Bridge. And the sunset is at the beach.

Beautiful clean really nice place to go to be peaceful what you need to be disconnected.read more

hidden gem. don't tell anyone…read more great for sunrise faces East free fishing trailer park on da water

I was in need of some serious Vitamin Sea to survive the Yule tide whatever, so I escaped to…read moreFlorida for Christmas. On Christmas Day, I headed to Bradenton Beach Pier, basking in the sunshine and breathing in that salty air. The best part was there was hardly any crowds. So parking was easy, stress was nonexistent, and peace and tranquillity were the vibes. The real locals were out in full force, the egrets, and other local birds were checking out the people strolling the pier or fishing. Not much was open because it was Christmas, I'm not added to the charm. It felt peaceful, unhurried, and exactly how I wanted my holiday to be. Spending Christmas here during the off-season was a five star reminder that sometimes quiet is the best gift.

Having some time to spare, my child and I came here to walk along the water and enjoy outside for a…read morebit. We saw bunnies and dolphins which was a fun distraction for a 12 year old to keep him off his phone for a bit. 08.01.2025

Beautiful park mid island with children's play area,pickle ball courts, dog parks and walking…read morepaths. Behind Longboat Hardware with plenty of parking

This is one of the most beautiful, publicly maintained beach I have ever been to!…read more Here is what to expect: - Free and abundant parking - Clean bathrooms - Picnic tables, grills - Playground And the main star of the show .... the beach! The fine, white sand is made of quartz so it actually stays cools in the summer heat. If your children like hunting for seashells or building sand castles, this place can't be beat. This beach borders Longboat Key and the views going over the bridge of the undeveloped, stretches of pure white sand, and aquamarine water is breathtaking. This truly is one of my favorite places in the US to be.

Amazing beach! Spacious, quiet, not too far of a walk to the ocean. Lots of parking and cafe as…read morewell. Would recommend.

I would have loved if we could have gone inside the museum... that's what the 1 star knocked off is…read morefor. But the rest of the grounds and displays were great! The beachfront walking trail and the story of deSoto's history from Spain described in full detail... I was not excited to hear how some of the horses had to be killed and eaten for survival purposes ... But back in the day, almost 500 years ago, I guess emergency survival food and water kits weren't readily available. Good idea to keep in your car, along with some TP. I would love to kayak around here. The water and the view were beautiful! There is a long route and a short route for walking, you also will learn about the different types of mangroves and other Florida native plants/trees. Definitely worth another visit, hopefully when the museum is open again, but my understanding is there's no one even answering the phones (even at the number on the sandwich board as you enter the park) so you'll never know when they will reopen.

This site is still undergoing reconstruction after the storm damage in 2024 but the trails are open…read moreand a limited number of events are being staged on some weekends. The Spanish explorer De Soto landed near Tampa Bay in 1539 hoping to find gold, bring religion to the indigenous Americans and claim land for Spain. De Soto died from disease in 1542 never having found the gold he was seeking. The survivors of his expedition eventually reached the Mississippi river and set sail for the Caribbean in 1543. This National Monument is dedicated to him and has a nice hiking trail through the mangroves here. There are also two privately funded monuments dedicated to the religious personnel who accompanied De Soto on his voyage to America. Free admission and parking. The visitor center is still closed but porta johns are available.

I've been here many times If you enjoy the the beach I…read morehighly Recommend this This is the gulf ! The water is warm & crystal Clear not dirty I enjoy walking early morning along The beach & collecting the pretty Shells that wash up !! You won't be sorry ! Free parking The sand is clear as they are always Out there cleaning mornings

Absolutely beautiful beach!! No bathrooms but we still loved the view and water so it made up for…read morethe lack of facilities.

Wonderful beach! Sand is soft and not too hot. Water is warm and felt awesome. Ample parking…read more And best of all - not too crowded! Awesome afternoon here.

The beach and the water is very nice. Major problems: the lack of parking; very few amenities…read morelike showers and bathrooms; inconsiderate high powered Ebikes everywhere. Just try walking over the Cortez bridge and have an Ebikes barreling towards you or coming up from behind - so far after a week not a single one of dozens has bothered to slow down when passing me. I ride a bike all the time at home so don't think I'm a bike hater.