Perico Preserve
Serene nature preserve with marshlands, a bird sanctuary & trails for hiking & biking. A restored farmland turned haven for wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for wildlife viewing
Perico Preserve
Best Time
Best light for wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Serene nature preserve with marshlands, a bird sanctuary & trails for hiking & biking. A restored farmland turned haven for wildlife.
"This place is an absolute gem for anyone who loves nature, peace, and a great walk."
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for the 1.5-mile loop trail, which includes paved paths, sand, and boardwalks.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as many trails are open and exposed to the sun.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Birdwatching Paradise
Throughout the preserve
Spot an incredible array of bird species, from majestic white pelicans to graceful herons and egrets. A true delight for avian enthusiasts.
Wildlife Encounters
Along the trails and waterways
Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, horseshoe crabs, and jumping mullet. The preserve's restored wetlands teem with life.
Scenic Boardwalks & Trails
Perico Preserve Loop Trail
Wander along picturesque boardwalks and winding trails offering stunning views of the bayou and surrounding natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife
Trail Etiquette & Connectivity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for the 1.5-mile loop trail, which includes paved paths, sand, and boardwalks.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as many trails are open and exposed to the sun.
🔭 Binoculars for Birding
Enhance your birdwatching experience with binoculars to get a closer look at the diverse avian population.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially on warmer days, as there are limited facilities within the preserve.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for the 1.5-mile loop trail, which includes paved paths, sand, and boardwalks.
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as many trails are open and exposed to the sun.
🔭 Binoculars for Birding
Enhance your birdwatching experience with binoculars to get a closer look at the diverse avian population.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially on warmer days, as there are limited facilities within the preserve.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera to photograph the abundant wildlife and scenic landscapes. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Perico Preserve, calling it a 'gem' for nature lovers. The well-maintained 1.5-mile loop trail, abundant wildlife, and scenic boardwalks are consistently praised. Its connection to Robinson Preserve offers extended exploration, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful escape.
"Here’s a five-star review for Perico Preserve in Bradenton, FL, written in a natural and enthusiastic tone:
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I can’t say enough good things about Perico Preserve in Bradenton! This place is an absolute gem for anyone who loves nature, peace, and a great walk. The 1.5-mile loop trail is perfect—easy enough for all ages but still feels like a little adventure with its winding paths, boardwalks, and stunning views of the bayou. The wildlife here is incredible; I’ve spotted white pelicans, herons, egrets, and even jumping mullet in the water—it’s like a front-row seat to nature’s show! The preserve is beautifully maintained, with thoughtful touches like swings along the trail and picnic tables near the parking lot. It’s clear a lot of love has gone into restoring this spot, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite places to unwind. No dogs or bikes allowed, which keeps it serene and focused on the birds and scenery. If you’re in Bradenton, do yourself a favor and visit Perico Preserve—you won’t be disappointed! Five stars all the way.
Amy Jones, local real estate broker with Coastal Key Realty."
Amy Jones-Broker
"The trails are both shaded & open - combination. Elite neighborhood of houses surrounds this preserve. People running, biking & walking. There is a path that connects to Robinson Preserve so you can get A LOT OF MILES!!! Very clean, paved side walk and sand paths. In the mangroves saw horse shoe crabs mating, lots of crabs, full
Of jumping mullet fish. At Robinson Preserve someone in a golf cart will drive around to make sure there is no one left after sunset…"
Natalia Spinelli
"Has a local charm. Connects to Robinson Preserve for a full day of hiking beachside. Plenty of wildlife. Lilly our resident tortious comes out daily."
Frederick Morgan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Perico Preserve is located at 11700 Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available.
Information on public transportation routes to Perico Preserve is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the preserve. Check local transit schedules for potential options.
Yes, there's a trail that connects Perico Preserve to Robinson Preserve, allowing for extended hiking and biking adventures.
There is plenty of parking available at the preserve, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Perico Preserve, especially when combined with Robinson Preserve, offers a full day of exploration with its extensive trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Perico Preserve is a public park and does not require an entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty for free!
While specific hours aren't always posted, preserves are generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to enjoy the wildlife and trails.
No, tickets are not required for Perico Preserve as it is a free public park. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Dogs and bikes are not permitted on the trails within Perico Preserve to maintain its serene atmosphere and protect the wildlife.
Observe wildlife from a distance and never feed them. This helps protect both the animals and the visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Perico Preserve features a 1.5-mile loop trail that combines paved sidewalks, sand paths, and boardwalks, offering a varied hiking experience.
Yes, Perico Preserve is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with a wide variety of species attracted to its restored wetlands and marshlands.
There are picnic tables available near the parking lot, and while restrooms aren't explicitly mentioned, it's advisable to check for facilities or plan accordingly.
You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, gopher tortoises, horseshoe crabs, and jumping mullet.
The trails offer a mix of shaded and open areas, providing a comfortable walking experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalks offer great vantage points for capturing wildlife and scenic marshland views. Early morning and late afternoon light are ideal.
Absolutely! With its abundant birdlife and other creatures, Perico Preserve is a fantastic location for wildlife photography.
A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing wildlife details, while a wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the preserve.
There are no specific photography restrictions mentioned, but always be mindful of wildlife and other visitors. Drone photography may be restricted.
The 'golden hours' of early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography, enhancing the natural beauty of the preserve.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider bringing binoculars to enhance the kids' viewing experience and spark their curiosity about nature. The connection to Robinson Preserve also means you can extend your outing if the kids have energy to spare. 🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers
+1 The boardwalks provide excellent vantage points for observing both avian life and the surrounding wetland ecosystems. Don't forget your binoculars and camera to fully capture the experience. 📸 Photographers
+1 Focus on the diverse birdlife, the intricate details of the marshlands, and the unique textures of the boardwalks. A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing close-ups of the wildlife, while a wide-angle lens can be useful for sweeping landscape views. Remember to be patient and respectful of the environment to get the best shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Perico Preserve
One of the most exciting aspects of the Perico Preserve trails is their connectivity. A trail conveniently links Perico Preserve to the neighboring Robinson Preserve, opening up possibilities for much longer hikes and a more extensive exploration of the area. This connection allows visitors to create a full-day adventure, combining the unique offerings of both preserves.
For those interested in the ecological significance, Perico Preserve is a testament to wetlands restoration. What was once old farmland has been transformed into a thriving bird sanctuary and a habitat for diverse wildlife. The trails provide an excellent vantage point to observe this transformation and appreciate the efforts made to preserve this valuable ecosystem.
Wildlife Encounters at Perico Preserve
+2Beyond the birds, keep an eye out for other fascinating inhabitants. Gopher tortoises are frequently spotted along the trails, adding to the charm of the preserve.
+1 The waterways are alive with jumping mullet fish and horseshoe crabs, especially during mating season, offering unique glimpses into the local ecosystem. It's important to remember that these are wild animals, and visitors are encouraged to observe them from a safe distance. Never feed the wildlife, as this can disrupt their natural behaviors and diets.
+1 The preserve's designation as a place where dogs are not allowed further contributes to a peaceful environment for the animals to thrive. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit