Lake Manatee and Anna Maria Island

Our Shy Turtle Friend

We spent five nights at Lake Manatee in Bradenton, Florida.  The best part of this campground, in my mind, is its close location to Anna Maria Island, a place we love to vacation. The lake is pretty. The hiking and biking options are more limited than other state park campgrounds we have visited this year, although we did spy this cute turtle on one of our walks. The biggest distraction was the noisy nearby drag races on the weekends. 

Lake Manatee

As I mentioned, the best part of this campground is it's close proximity to Anna Maria Island. Dick's grandparents and parents used to own homes on the island and we have vacationed here often over the years. The beaches, with their white sand and stunning green-blue water, are gorgeous, flat, and warm--perfect for walking. We went over to the island twice, once to meet Dick's sister Lynn.  Both times we ate at the Anna Maria Island Oyster Bar.  Ah, the good life!

Gulf Side on Anna Maria Island

 

Bay Side on Anna Maria Island