Coquina Beach is the longest stretch of beach on the southern end of Anna Maria Island on the Gulf of Mexico.

Coquina is a fantastic spot to spend the day with family and friends with it’s relaxing atmosphere, calm waters and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the day.

The flat beach is lined with sand dunes where waving grasses and sea oats add to the natural beauty of the beach.

This area is a favored spot for sea turtles to come ashore and lay their eggs. The white sand beach is ideal for sunbathing, safe swimming, or playing Frisbee. You may be lucky enough to find a sand dollar or pretty shells washed up along the shoreline. Keep your eyes open, and you may even see leaping dolphins coasting along just offshore in the Gulf. Florida Sunshine Survival Tips.

Coquina Beach Offers Soft White Sand and Often Very Clear Water

Amenities include plentiful free parking, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, showers as well as a playground for the kids.

The beach is lined with a paved walking/bike path, and there are several volleyball courts.

Lifeguards are on duty at Coquina Beach, making it a safe place to swim, snorkel and discover seashells and sand dollars.

The Park’s southernmost end borders New Pass Inlet which runs from the Gulf of Mexico into the Intracoastal Waterway and is a great spot to shore fish. If you get too hot, cool off under the shady Australian Pine Trees.

Boat Launch

A boat launch is located just across the street from Coquina Beach on the Intracoastal Waterway side.

Footpaths and boardwalks lead off from the ramp around the mangrove-lined lagoons. It makes a pleasant walk beneath shady pine trees along Florida’s natural coastline, and it’s ideal for a spot of fishing or bird watching.

Check out our blog for a Sarasota top 10 beaches infographic!

See more Things to do in Bradenton.

Coquina Beach is accessible from Bradenton via Cortez Road or Manatee Avenue, or from Longboat Key via Gulf of Mexico Drive.