Coquina Beach
Pristine white sand beach on Anna Maria Island, known for its clear turquoise waters, family amenities, and stunning sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Coquina Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pristine white sand beach on Anna Maria Island, known for its clear turquoise waters, family amenities, and stunning sunsets.
"Coquina beach is perfection! The location was wonderful, the beach was well kept, clean bathrooms and ample parking."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking fills up fast! Come early, especially on weekends, to snag a good spot close to the beach.
☀️ Pack for Sun Protection
The Florida sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, hats, and consider a beach umbrella for shade.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine White Sands
Entire beach
Miles of soft, white sand perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, and long walks.
Calm, Turquoise Waters
Gulf of Mexico shoreline
Enjoy the clear, shallow, and warm waters of the Gulf, ideal for swimming and wading.
Picnic and Play Areas
Designated areas along the beach
Family-friendly amenities including picnic tables, grills, and play areas for kids.
Coquina Beach Market
Near the beach
Browse local crafts, jewelry, and enjoy treats like mango lemonade at this seasonal market.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Prime Parking
Check for Amenities Post-Hurricane
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking fills up fast! Come early, especially on weekends, to snag a good spot close to the beach.
☀️ Pack for Sun Protection
The Florida sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, hats, and consider a beach umbrella for shade.
🧺 Utilize Picnic Areas
Take advantage of the picnic tables and grills for a delightful beachside meal.
🌊 Be Aware of Waves
The water can have choppy waves, which might be challenging for very young children or those who prefer calm waters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Free parking fills up fast! Come early, especially on weekends, to snag a good spot close to the beach.
☀️ Pack for Sun Protection
The Florida sun is strong. Bring sunscreen, hats, and consider a beach umbrella for shade.
🧺 Utilize Picnic Areas
Take advantage of the picnic tables and grills for a delightful beachside meal.
🌊 Be Aware of Waves
The water can have choppy waves, which might be challenging for very young children or those who prefer calm waters.
🐚 Look for Coquina Shells
Keep an eye out for coquina shells, which are a unique part of this beach's ecosystem.
☕ Grab a Bite at the Cafe
The Coquina Beach Cafe offers food and drinks with stunning beach views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Coquina Beach is widely praised as a near-perfect beach destination, lauded for its beautiful white sand, clear turquoise waters, and family-friendly amenities like picnic areas and close parking. Visitors appreciate the convenience and natural beauty, though some note the ongoing impact of hurricane damage on restroom facilities and the presence of choppier waves at times.
"Coquina beach is perfection! The location was wonderful, the beach was well kept, clean bathrooms and ample parking. There are waves. The sunset viewing opportunity was amazing. Also, near downtown restaurants. Perfect beach!"
Kathryn Miller
"We love Coquina Beach because the distance between the parking area and the water is very short, which is handy for our family, especially with our son with special needs. There is a snack bar available if needed. The restrooms were destroyed in hurricane Milton last year - they have portable toilets, but the changing restrooms and cubicles they used to have were great - hoping they rebuild those. It is very busy at peak times, but there is a generous amount of parking all the way along the public beach area - but it is advantageous to come early. The beach is very shallow out to the buoys - maybe 12 feet or so at max. And there are lifeguards right there. The sand is great, but not quite as fine and white as Siesta Key, but it is still a beautiful beach."
Jason Wright
"Beautiful beach - The picnic tables and grill area were a huge plus for us! We cooked hot dogs and hamburgers, picnic table and trash can are right next to the grill. Parking was very close so we didn’t have to carry everything very far.
Water temp- It’s the beginning of June. Extremely hot outside but the water felt great. There are a lot of choppy waves that my kids and mom found difficult to stay a float comfortably.
Besides that 100% recommend!"
mercedez hoffa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coquina Beach is located on the southern end of Anna Maria Island in Bradenton Beach, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available along the beach. It's about a 30-minute drive from Sarasota and roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes from Orlando. 
Yes, Coquina Beach offers free parking along the entire length of the public beach. However, it's highly recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as spots fill up quickly. +2
Yes, Coquina Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand located on the southern tip of Anna Maria Island, in Bradenton Beach, Florida.
The drive from Orlando to Coquina Beach is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Renting a car is the most convenient option for this trip.
The close proximity of parking to the water is very handy for families, especially those with children or individuals with special needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Coquina Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. Parking is also free.
Coquina Beach is a public beach and is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. Specific park facilities may have different hours, but the beach itself is open to visitors throughout the day.
No, tickets are not required for Coquina Beach as it is a public beach. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
As a public beach, there are generally no specific entry restrictions beyond standard beach rules regarding safety and conduct.
In 2015, Coquina Beach was elected by Condé Nast Traveler readers as one of the Top 5 beaches on islands with perfect sand.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Amenities include picnic tables, grills, play areas, and a casual cafe. Portable toilets are currently available, as permanent restrooms were impacted by a hurricane. Lifeguards are also on duty.
Yes, lifeguards are present at Coquina Beach, providing an added layer of safety for swimmers.
The sand at Coquina Beach is described as great, though not quite as fine and white as Siesta Key. It's still considered beautiful and perfect for beach activities.
Yes, Coquina Beach is a good place to find shells, including the namesake coquina shells, which are important to the beach's ecosystem.
Absolutely! With its shallow waters, play areas, picnic facilities, and close parking, Coquina Beach is a fantastic choice for families.
Visitors have reported seeing lots of wildlife, and it's also a location where manatees can be spotted, especially during mating season.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Coquina Beach Cafe is located on-site and offers food and drinks with beach views. You can also find picnic tables and grills if you prefer to bring your own food.
The cafe offers casual dining options and drinks, perfect for a beachside meal.
Yes, Coquina Beach is located near downtown Bradenton Beach, offering a variety of dining options.
Definitely! Coquina Beach has picnic tables and grills, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic.
Mango lemonade from the beach market has been highlighted as a delicious treat.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, both sunrise and sunset, offer stunning light for photography. Sunsets are particularly spectacular here. +1
The long stretches of white sand, the turquoise waters, and the natural scenic surroundings are all highly photogenic. The Coquina Beach Market also offers colorful scenes.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management for current rules regarding drone operation before flying.
Capturing the clear waters, the coquina shells, and the abundant wildlife, including potential manatee sightings, can lead to unique photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While permanent restrooms are still being rebuilt, portable toilets are available. The beach's natural shade is also a welcome feature on hot days. Consider bringing sand toys and enjoying the simple pleasure of building sandcastles on the soft sand.
🏖️ Beach Lovers & Sun Seekers
+2While it can get busy, especially on weekends, the ample free parking and the sheer expanse of the beach mean you can usually find a good spot to lay your towel. The presence of the Coquina Beach Cafe means you can easily grab a refreshment without leaving the shore.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
Look for unique shots of the coquina shells, the natural scenery, and the wildlife. The Coquina Beach Market can also provide colorful and interesting subjects for your photos. Remember to bring your wide-angle lens to capture the full panorama.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Anna Maria Island's Coquina Beach
+3Beyond the natural beauty, Coquina Beach provides essential amenities for a comfortable day out. Picnic tables and grills are available, encouraging visitors to enjoy meals with a view. While permanent restrooms were impacted by a hurricane, portable toilets are currently in place, and lifeguards are on duty to ensure safety. The presence of natural shade from trees adds to the comfort, and the beach is known for its abundant wildlife, including the namesake coquina clams and occasional manatee sightings.
The Coquina Beach Market, a seasonal event, adds another layer of attraction, offering local crafts and treats. This market, along with the casual beach cafe, provides opportunities to experience local culture and flavors. Whether you're seeking a peaceful day of sunbathing, a family fun day with picnics, or simply a beautiful spot to watch a breathtaking sunset, Coquina Beach delivers a quintessential Florida beach experience.
+1Planning Your Visit: Parking, Amenities, and Best Times
While the natural beauty of Coquina Beach is undeniable, it's important to be aware of the current amenity status. Following hurricane damage, permanent restrooms are still under reconstruction, with portable toilets serving visitors. Lifeguards are on duty, providing a crucial safety feature. The beach also boasts picnic tables and grills, making it an excellent location for a family barbecue. The Coquina Beach Cafe offers a convenient spot for snacks and meals with a view.
To make the most of your visit, consider the best times to go. Weekday mornings offer a more serene experience with fewer crowds. Late afternoons are perfect for enjoying the warm water and witnessing spectacular sunsets. While the sand is beautiful, it's not as fine as some other famous Florida beaches, but its overall charm and the clear, shallow waters make it a beloved destination for many.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit