Coquina Beach at a glance
Coquina Beach lies at 2650 Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach, on the southern part of the island. It is a county beach with picnic areas, a playground and a lifeguard station. The beach is open from sunrise to sunset unless signs or a permit say otherwise.
You can come in the late afternoon and stay for the sunset over the Gulf. The view depends on the weather and on where you sit, so treat it as a likely highlight, not a promise. If you want the same light from the water, the island's sunset cruises and dolphin tours are an alternative.
Facilities at Coquina Beach
What the beach normally offers. Availability can change from day to day.
Restrooms, showers and changing rooms
Normally available. Check on arrival which ones are open.
Picnic areas and grills
You may grill only at the grills that are already there.
Playground and volleyball
Both are available, which makes the beach easy for children and groups.
Lifeguard station
Coquina Beach is one of the three island beaches with lifeguards, along with Manatee Public Beach and Cortez Beach.
Trolley stop
The free Route 5 trolley stops here, so you can come without a car. See the trolley guide.
Anna Maria Island parking at Coquina Beach
The lots at Coquina Beach and Cortez Beach are free. They close at 9 p.m., and parking overnight is not allowed. That closing time is not the same as the hours of the beach itself, which run from sunrise to sunset, so move your car before 9 p.m. if you stay for the sunset and a late walk.
If the lot is full, the trolley is the easier option. It runs along Gulf Drive between City Pier and Coquina Beach, with a stop at Manatee Public Beach. For other ways to reach the island, see the getting there guide.
Our pick: a kayak tour near Coquina Beach
This paddle starts at a boat ramp just across the road from Coquina Beach's north entrance and comes with snorkel gear, a good way to use the same stretch of coast from the water.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat trips and tours from Anna Maria Island
Dolphin watching, sunset cruises and other trips near Coquina Beach, with live prices and availability.
Beach rules at Coquina Beach
- Alcohol, glass, pets, fireworks and drones are not allowed.
- Stay off the dunes and do not disturb wildlife.
- Grill only at the grills provided.
- Golf carts may not drive on the beach or on the footpaths.
Sea turtles nest here from 1 May to 31 October. After sunset, do not use lights on the beach, keep away from nests and animals, and remove beach furniture at dusk.
Sand renourishment in autumn 2026
Manatee County began pumping new sand onto about 0.9 mile of beach in September 2026. The work area runs from south of 13th Street S to Longboat Pass and involves about 63,450 cubic yards of sand. The work is scheduled to finish at the end of October 2026.
Work areas can change which part of the beach you can use, and the sand can look different for a while afterwards. Check the current notices from Manatee County and the signs on site before you plan a long day here. The island's wider storm story is on the hurricane recovery page.
Pavilion rental
The county rents pavilions at Coquina Beach. The rate in 2026 is $95 plus tax for the North pavilion and $85 plus tax each for the South and Trailside pavilions. This is a special reservation, not an entrance fee.
Plan the rest of your trip
More to see next to the beach.
Coquina Beach: frequently asked questions
Is parking at Coquina Beach free?
Yes. The lots at Coquina Beach are free. They close at 9 p.m., and overnight parking is not allowed.
What are the opening hours of Coquina Beach?
The beach is open from sunrise to sunset unless signs or a permit say otherwise. The parking lots close at 9 p.m.
Does Coquina Beach have lifeguards?
Yes, there is a lifeguard station, and the county counts Coquina Beach among its guarded beaches. Check the posted flag before you swim.
Can I bring a dog or alcohol?
No. Alcohol, glass and pets are not allowed, and neither are fireworks or drones.
Is the sand work finished?
The renourishment is scheduled to finish at the end of October 2026. Check the current notices from Manatee County and the signs on site for the current state.
How much does a pavilion cost?
In 2026 the North pavilion costs $95 plus tax, and the South and Trailside pavilions cost $85 plus tax each. A pavilion is a special reservation, not an entrance fee.