Park Details

Click to find out more about the program!

Dog-friendly (leash required) on the east side.

NOTICE: A mechanical vegetation management project will be occurring throughout Manasota Scrub Preserve. The goal of the project is to widen trails, reduce vegetation heights, and re-establish firebreaks for wildfire mitigation purposes. Equipment will be on site starting 7/30/26 and the project is expected to be completed by the end of August 2026. Affected trails will be closed off while heavy equipment is in use.

For the current status of this and all Sarasota County parks, please click here.

Interested in learning more about our Natural Areas? Nature programs can be found here. Select the category "Natural Area and Trails."

Download the Manasota Scrub Preserve Kiosk brochure to your phone before your next trip!

This 179-acre preserve is a small pocket of wilderness in a suburban community. Visitors can appreciate a variety of upland and wetland communities along a system of trails. Resident wildlife such as gopher tortoise, Northern Quail, Great-Horned Owl and swallowtail butterflies can be observed. An assortment of wildflowers including pawpaw, golden aster and blazing star may be visible from the trails.   

• There is limited parking.
• Benches are available, some with views of the seasonal wetland.
• Picnic area near the parking area.
• Primitive, natural surface hiking trails provide for fairly comfortable and easy walking.
• Dogs are allowed on leash (6-ft maximum) only in the area of the preserve east of Bridge St. and north of 5^th St.