Enjoy a beach day at Coquina Beach on Anna Maria Island, where you’ll find the Gulf of Mexico’s calming waters, soft sand, and swaying Australian pine trees.
You also may find your next best friends as Coquina continues to grow in popularity.
Coquina Beach is located on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island, right before crossing into Longboat Key. Coming from Bradenton and the town of Cortez, you’ll make a left on the bridge that takes you toward Coquina and go a mile or so down.
The beach itself has several parts to it, and that’s important to know if you’re meeting someone there. Saying “I’ll meet you at Coquina Beach” just won’t cut it due to the size of the parking lot and the number of people visiting.
Coquina Beach is operated by Manatee County and has lifeguard stands throughout, just like its county-run counterpart Manatee Beach, located a few miles north in the town of Holmes Beach.
There are a number of other smaller beaches from which you can choose in the area, including Bradenton Beach (which is also the name of the city where Coquina Beach is located), Cortez Beach, Whitney Beach on Longboat Key, as well as the public beach areas in the cities of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria.
Yet many people choose Coquina because of its charcoal grills, lifeguard stands, and ample free parking.
When visiting Coquina Beach, you’re just minutes away from Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach, which has several restaurants, shops, and a bayside pier. There’s also The Beach House, a well-known restaurant located on the beach that focuses on sustainable seafood and produce items grown right on its farm in Manatee County.
A few minutes further north you’ll find the towns of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria, with quaint shopping, eateries, and places to stay. The whole area is located Anna Maria Island, which is often called “Old Florida” for its family feel and lack of high rises.
Just south of Coquina Beach after Longboat Pass Bridge is the tony town of Longboat Key, which also has a few public beach areas but much more limited parking.
What to Expect at Coquina Beach
Coquina Beach can be lovely and serene but we also find it’s becoming busier year-round. Here’s what you can expect on a typical busier day.
When you arrive, find parking as close as you can to the beach. If you’re concerned about restrooms, try to park near them. There also are cute turquoise-painted changing areas, perfect if you couldn’t get on that swim suit before arriving. (No more changing in the car!)
You’ll see the trail that connects all of Coquina Beach followed by grills and shade, and then the actual beach. Considering that the grills are a major attraction for Coquina, don’t be surprised to see families snagging those grills and adjacent picnic tables in shady areas early in the day. On a recent July 4th, the grills were all taken by around 8 am. So, you’ll smell the meat on the grill and hear the competing sounds of Latin music like salsa and reggaeton as families start their reunion.
On the beach itself, expect to walk a short to medium distance to set up your beach gear. You may be able to situate yourself under the Australian pines adjacent to the beach for more shade, but you’ll need to walk further to the water.
Get those umbrellas tight into the sand–we’ve seen a few blow out recently due to the wind!
And DEFINITELY wear your sun block. Skin cancer is real and the Florida sun is strong–treatment for skin cancer is practically a hobby here in the Sunshine State.
Next, you’ve got your choice of lazing around in your beach area, heading into the water for some swimming or relaxing on a floatie, or walking along the beach to look for shells. Shelling tends to be better on nearby Longboat Key, but you might find just enough to keep you or the kiddos content.
People coming to Coquina tend to be well-equipped when it comes to food. We’ve seen plastic card tables set up under tents and filled with food, including snack chips, sandwiches, and birthday cakes. It’s as if the families live on the beach. Yet if you’re not that prepared, head on over to Coquina Cafe to grab a bite. If you’re really friendly, maybe one of the families gathered around the grills will share their food with you.
If you’re leaving in the middle of the day, expect to encounter some haggling over your parking spot. On our recent visit, we hadn’t even left the beach and someone who saw us packing up our stuff asked if we were leaving and where we were parked. That person then texted her partner, who was still in their car, to look out for us so they could snag our good parking spot.
If you’re arriving to the beach when the parking lot is already crowded, you may have to be a little aggressive to find a spot. Or, you’ll find you have to park toward the very end of the parking lot.
The parking situation at Coquina Beach sure makes the local trolley look appealing, and you can catch it right at Coquina. It travels from the north end of Anna Maria Island beside Anna Maria City Pier all the way to Coquina Beach.
Things to Do at Coquina Beach
The best thing to do at Coquina Beach is to relax, of course! If you’re visiting with little kids, it may be hard to truly relax, but you can watch them have fun playing in the sand or the water. Beyond these obvious activities, here are a few more things that you can do:
–Play volleyball on the volleyball courts.
–Take your kids to play on the playground, near the south part of Coquina Beach.
–Plan a barbecue with family and friends (as we mentioned, arrive early to get a grill!)
–Rent a pavilion for a party.
–Grab a bite to eat or a drink at Coquina Cafe.
–Search for coquinas, or the tiny, colored clam-like shells found near the shoreline that gave the beach its name.
–Take a walk along the shaded trail that connects the full beach area.
–Use the Anna Maria Island Trolley to check out the local area.
–Cross the street to check out Leffis Key Preserve for a peaceful, bayfront experience.
–Walk up to Bridge Street for some shopping or to explore restaurant options. Our article here provides more ideas on what to see and do on Bridge Street and around Bradenton Beach.
–Bring your fishing rods and do some fishing.
–If you’ve got the time and money, take advantage of water activities like paddleboarding, parasailing, or a guided fishing charter.
–If you enjoy beach walks, head toward the right where you’ll find some shorter but scenic piers on Bradenton and Cortez beaches.
–Watch one of the area’s can’t-miss sunsets.
–Look out for different types of fish as well as the occasional dolphin, sting ray, or manatee. Yes, there could be sharks, too, but no “Jaws” type encounters! Bring snorkeling gear for the best view.
–If you’ve got more time, explore the towns of Holmes Beach and Anna Maria.
Tips for Your Visit to Coquina Beach
–Arrive early for the best parking and fewer crowds.
—Look at the parking signs to see where you’re parked and to let anyone meeting you know where you are. Another landmark you can use is the lifeguard station number (for example, “I’m set up near lifeguard station 7.”)
—Don’t swim at Longboat Pass. Most of Coquina Beach is ready welcome you to enjoy the water, but not at Longboat Pass, which connects the Gulf and the Bay. The currents are too strong there. Still, it’s a beautiful area for walking, taking pictures, or swimming.
—Take advantage of the Anna Maria Island Trolley, which starts at 6 am and continues until 10:30 pm.
FAQs
–What are Coquina Beach’s hours?
Coquina Beach is open from sunrise to 10 a.m.
–Is alcohol allowed on Coquina Beach?
Alcohol is not allowed.
–Are there restrooms on Coquina Beach?
Yes, there are restrooms and changing areas.
–Are dogs allowed on Coquina Beach?
Sorry, they aren’t! The best alternative is nearby Palma Sola Causeway, where you can hang out with your favorite furry friend.
–Hay parillas en la playa Coquina?
Si, hay parillas pero hay que llegar temprano para asegurarlos.
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