The drive in on Manatee Ave
Good to know: Manatee Avenue traffic is fast, so signal early and pull fully onto the sand. Bacteria readings in Palma Sola Bay are often high, so check the latest sample before you swim, and rinse off after. Dogs are welcome here on a leash but not on any island beach. Bridge and traffic tips
Bay beach
The sandy bay-side strip on both sides of Manatee Avenue on your way to the island. Calm, shallow water, picnic spots, beach horses and jet skis, and the one beach around here where leashed dogs are welcome.
📍 9500 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
🕒 Sunrise to sunset · 941-742-5923
Dog-friendly
Bay-side causeway park on Manatee Ave on the way to the island, open sunrise to sunset. Widely listed as dog-friendly for leashed dogs; the county page doesn't spell out pet rules, so follow posted signs. Dogs are not allowed on Anna Maria Island's beaches.
📍 9500 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
🕒 Sunrise to sunset · 941-742-5923
Museums & attractions
Ride a horse right into Palma Sola Bay on the causeway. Guided aquatic rides from $160 for ages 10 and up. Rides took a break in fall 2025 for a county water study and have been back since October 2025.
📍 8400 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
Museums & attractions
Rescue horses and one-on-one guides on the Palma Sola Causeway. The Sand and Surf ride starts on the beach and ends in the water (ages 3 and up); the Cruise ride stays in the bay (ages 10 and up). Rides run 1 hour 30 minutes, about $150 to $160 plus tax, with sunset rides on some nights.
📍 8400 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
Kayak, paddle & jet ski
Jet ski rentals that launch right off the Palma Sola Causeway, open daily from 8am until an hour before sunset. They also rent boats that you pick up at Kingfish Boat Ramp.
📍 8400 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
🕒 Daily 8am to 1 hour before sunset · 941-274-1575
Kayak, paddle & jet ski
Jet ski and boat rentals based on the causeway at 8400 Manatee Ave W, near Palma Sola on the way to the island. Safety gear comes with the rental, and you can book online.
📍 8400 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
Kayak, paddle & jet ski
Kayaks and paddleboards to use at Palma Sola Causeway Park and Robinson Preserve. Paddleboards $35, one-person kayaks $40 and two-person kayaks $50 for 4 hours. Launch times are 8am and 10am on weekdays and 8am, 12pm and 2pm on weekends. They deliver too.
📍 8500 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
Fishing charters
Free county fishing pier on the causeway, open dawn to dusk, with restrooms, a picnic area, fresh water and a monofilament recycling bin nearby. You'll need your own bait and a Florida fishing license.
📍 9450 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
🕒 Dawn to dusk · 941-742-5923
Fishing & bait · Restrooms & parking
Manatee County boat ramp on the causeway, handy for launching into Palma Sola Bay. No overnight parking under county Ordinance 23-121.
📍 9500 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
Fishing & bait · Restrooms & parking
County-run boat ramp right where Manatee Avenue lands on the island, next to the welcome sign. Three lanes, docks, restrooms and about 50 parking spaces. Parking fills up fast; Holmes Beach police enforce the lot rules and a 15-minute limit at the dock. No overnight parking.
📍 752 Manatee Ave, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Restrooms & parking
Public restrooms, a picnic shelter and fresh water by the fishing pier and county boat ramp on the causeway. Park on the causeway shoulders; there's no overnight parking at the ramp.
📍 9450 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
🕒 Sunrise to sunset · 941-742-5923
Photo spot
The classic arrival photo, right after you cross the Manatee Avenue bridge onto the island. The Rotary Club of AMI maintains the sign, and its lifeguard-chair prop is back in place (confirmed in person on September 30, 2026).
📍 Kingfish Boat Ramp, 752 Manatee Ave, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
Nobody paid to be listed here. Rental and ride prices change often, so book directly with the operator.
