Hoofprints in Gold: A Sunset Horseback Ride on Palma Sola Causeway
A gentle, small-group seaside ride where the Gulf’s golden hour steals the show.
The light drops low over Palma Sola Bay, and the water starts to glow like a lit ember. Your horse noses forward, curious, as if the tide has a secret to tell. Hooves test the shallows; the bay answers back with a soft hiss. Egrets patrol the mangroves like white-suited ushers, and the Gulf’s evening breeze leans in with a salt-tinged hello. Here on the Manatee Avenue causeway just west of Bradenton, Florida, the day knows how to close the show. And you’re in the front row—saddle creaking, shoulders loosening, watching the horizon burn down to quiet.
Trail Wisdom
Wear Closed-Toe Water Shoes
You’ll ride on wet sand and shallow water—protect your feet and keep traction with closed-toe water shoes or Crocs.
Arrive 20 Minutes Early
Beat traffic on Manatee Avenue and use the extra time for the safety briefing and a relaxed mount-up.
Pack Light, Go Hands-Free
Bring only essentials in a small waterproof pouch; let your guide handle photos at peak sunset.
Mind the Wildlife
Give space to shorebirds and any manatees or dolphins—your guide will set the line and pace to avoid disturbance.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Neal Preserve boardwalks for pre-ride birding and sunrise views
- •Robinson Preserve’s observation tower for sweeping bay-and-Gulf panoramas
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Roseate spoonbills
Conservation Note
Seagrass beds in Palma Sola Bay are vital nurseries—guides keep to firm sand and shallow margins to minimize disturbance; follow their lead and give wildlife wide berth.
The Manatee Avenue causeway to Anna Maria Island opened in 1922, transforming travel and commerce along the Gulf coast.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Clear sunsets, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Evening breezes can feel cool
Spring delivers crisp visibility and comfortable temps—bring a light layer for the breeze across the bay.
summer
Best for: Long daylight, Warm water wades
Challenges: Afternoon thunderstorms, High humidity
Plan for potential pop-up storms; sunset departures reduce heat stress and crowding along the causeway.
fall
Best for: Calm water, Fiery sunsets
Challenges: Occasional lingering storms
Autumn sunsets can be spectacular, with calmer winds and rich color; monitor weather windows.
winter
Best for: Low-angle golden light, Fewer crowds
Challenges: Cooler temps, Shorter daylight
Dress warmer for the breeze and plan earlier start times to catch the early-set sun.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Closed-Toe Water ShoesEssential
Protects your feet and offers traction in wet sand and shallow water.
Lightweight Windbreaker
Evening breezes off the bay can be cool, especially in spring and winter.
Sun Protection (Hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses)Essential
Low sun across the water can be intense—shield your skin and eyes during golden hour.
Small Waterproof Phone Pouch
Keeps your phone dry and secured so you can focus on the ride while your guide snaps photos.
Common Questions
Do I need prior riding experience?
No. The ride is guided at a walking pace with a thorough safety briefing; beginners are welcome.
What should I wear on my feet?
Closed-toe water shoes or Crocs are recommended for traction and protection in shallow water and wet sand.
Can children participate?
Yes. Riders ages 8 and up can join; the pace and group size are designed to be family-friendly.
Will we ride in deep water?
No. The route follows firm sand and very shallow water along the causeway’s edge, chosen for safety and comfort.
What happens if the weather turns?
If storms or high winds roll in, rides may be delayed or rescheduled for safety. Your guide will confirm any changes the day of.
Can two people share a saddle?
For safety, each rider has their own horse and saddle. Tandem riding is not permitted.
What to Pack
Closed-toe water shoes for traction in wet sand; lightweight windbreaker for breezy evenings; polarized sunglasses to cut water glare at sunset; small waterproof pouch to secure your phone and essentials.
Did You Know
The Manatee Avenue causeway connecting Bradenton to Anna Maria Island opened in 1922, providing the first direct automobile route to the island.
Quick Travel Tips
Book a weekday sunset to avoid weekend traffic on Manatee Avenue; arrive 20–30 minutes early for parking and the safety briefing; check the sunset time and choose a ride that starts 60–90 minutes prior; pair your outing with dinner in Cortez Village to stretch the evening.
Local Flavor
Post-ride, head to Cortez’s Star Fish Company for dockside grouper sandwiches or pop into Motorworks Brewing in downtown Bradenton for a cold pint in the beer garden. For dessert, detour to Anna Maria Island for a cone at Small Town Creamery before strolling the beach under twilight.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Sarasota–Bradenton International (SRQ), 20–25 minutes by car; Alternative: Tampa International (TPA), ~1 hour. Meeting point: Parking pull-offs along Palma Sola Causeway (Manatee Ave W/SR 64). Drive time: ~10 minutes from downtown Bradenton, ~20 minutes from Anna Maria Island. Cell service: Generally strong along the causeway. Permits: None required for participants; minimum age 8.
Sustainability Note
Stay on firm, wet sand and avoid riding through seagrass beds or bird roosts. Pack out all trash, use reef-safe sunscreen, and maintain respectful distances from dolphins, manatees, and nesting shorebirds.
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