Coquina Beach which refers to the small clams known as coquin that cover its shoreline lies in the southernmost region of Anna Maria Island. This stretch of sandy beach lies towards the western direction of the country towards the Gulf Of Mexico, making sure that there is picturesque scenery, sufficient areas for play, and a conducive environment for families. Coquina Beach has become popular amongst the residents of the area, but it is still somewhat in the shadows of other Florida beaches making it ideal for people wanting a calm day at the beach.
Guidelines for Accessing Coquina Beach
Accessing Coquina Beach is straightforward and convenient whether it is by car, public transport, boat, or any other means. The beach is only about a 30 minutes’ drive from Bradenton but even for those who are far, there is Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport that is only about 25 miles from the beach.
Detailed Path:
Start from Bradenton and take Manatee Avenue or Cortez Road to Anna Maria Island, continue driving south on Gulf Drive till the beach.
Starting from Sarasota, you can drive and join U.S. 41, then proceed down Cortez Road until Z crosses the bridge to the island.
Coquina Beach has free and ample parking with multiple parking zones available close to the sand.
- Public Transport: The free Island Trolley stops at Ewa Beach making it easy to move around without a vehicle. Manatee County also has buses which can connect the island to Bradenton.
Coquina Beach
Activities You can do at Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach offers a wide range of options whether it is boredom or action that you wish to indulge in.
Swimming and sunbathing in the sun
The waters of Coquina Beach are calm and pleasantly warm, which makes swimming quite delightful and very much so safe for families with young children since lifeguards are present during peak times. The fine white powdery sand spreads for miles, making it ideal for laying down towels to enjoy the warm Florida sun. However, remember to carry enough sunscreen and a beach shade, preferably an umbrella.
Places for picnics and barbeque
In the event that you are going for a family outing or a friends’ hangout; Coquina Beach’s picnic centers will be of great help. There are tables placed under barbeque attire and the tree has a shade which makes the area cooler. You can also have the meal just within the beach premises just a few steps away from the sand. In addition, there are open spaces with playgrounds for children as their parents rest or even cook.
Coquina Baywalk
The Coquina Baywalk is the place for any nature enthusiasts. This boardwalk winds its way through a mangrove swamp and has a number of scenic views of the Sarasota Bay. It is a nice walk that also serves as a bird watching haven as there is a variety of birds spotted including the herons, pelicans and ospreys. Not only is the Baywalk good for structural purposes but also for appreciating the scenic view surrounding it and perfect for a leisure walk after one has spent the day at the beach.
Collecting and Looking for Shells
Among the numerous beaches that are available for vacation lovers, Coquina Beach can also be noted for its splendid shell collection opportunities. The aftereffects of high tides usually leave the beaches lined with incredible and diverse shells like the coquina clam shells, sand dollars and many others. For shell collectors, an ideal time to go out would be in the early morning hours as there are fewer people on the beach and a low tide makes it easier to look for shells and other collectibles on the sand.
Angling and other Recreation Pursuits
At Coquina Beach, fishing is one of the leisure activities that most of the tourists believe is great and do often engage in. This is particularly true for fishing around the Coquina Beach South Boat Ramp which provides easy access to the waters of Sarasota Bay. From the beach, one can fish without the need to rent a boat, however, if you wish to go further out into the ocean, a boat is made available for your use. Fish such as snapper, red fish and grouper among others are found readily available for catch by the fishing enthusiasts.
For further fun brainstorming activities at the beach, Coquina Beach water sports activities are also wonderful. Kayaks, paddle boards, and even snorkeling gear can be found in the vendors’ shops whereby they are used to enhance the user’s experience in the still waters.
Coquina Beach Market
In case you come to visit within the period from November to May, make sure you attend the Coquina Beach Market in particular. Now every Sunday and Wednesday, enjoy an open-air market with a wide variety of goods from local art and hand-made crafts to fresh fruits and delectable snacks. This is a great way to sample the local culture and get a distinctive item to bring back home.

Featured Events and Activities
Coquina Beach has activities all year round, but certain events are more important than others:
The Sea Turtle Nesting Season: May – October. During this period, the beaches’ boundaries may be noticed, which indicate that the area is off-limits as that is a turtle nesting gained. Also if luck is on one’s side, the view of the young ones scurrying towards the sea will be seen.
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- Sunset Drum Circle: There is a get together of people on the beach every Sunday evening to drum and enjoy the sunset. It is an interesting and fun way to wind down the evening whether one takes part in it or simply watches it.
- 4th of July Fireworks: Visiting Coquina Beach is among the top options offered when looking for the best spots on Anna Maria Island to view the fireworks set for Independence Day. It occurs at night and above the water as sunset slowly falls, the view is fabulous.
Coquina Beach’s Features
Coquina Beach has an array of facilities to make sure your stay is enjoyable. They consist of:
Restrooms and Showers: neat restrooms are present together with outdoor showers for washing off bathers after swimming Come.
- Lifeguards: Lifeguards are present at beaches when it is most crowded and receptive to swimmers.
- Concession Stand: It has some limited offerings including a snack bar and refreshments and snacks, along with some beach item grocery help, such as sunscreen and towels.
In addition, plenty of hotels and motels are also available, as well as other types of accommodations including vacation rentals and campsites, allowing for more than just a day’s visit.

Advice on How to Enjoy Coquina Beach
In order to fully enjoy your experience at Coquina Beach, bear the following in mind:
- Get There Early: This is a family beach and as the day progresses, the beach gets very busy especially on weekends. There is no point in arriving if you will not park close to the entrance and also get a good place on the sand.
- Carry along the Necessary Items: It is advisable to have sunscreen, a hat, and most importantly, water. There are some shady areas though the sun in Florida may be scorching hot.
- Look Out for Animals: There are also birds and fishes and sometimes one can spot sea turtles. If a nest can be seen, do not approach the nest and keep a safe distance from it.
Sunbathing Should be Followed by Sunset: Many people visit Coquina Beach in the evening in order to enjoy its beautiful sunsets and you should not miss the opportunity of watching the sunset as it sinks into the Gulf of Mexico. This will surely be a memory to cherish.