Coquina Beach - A Most Scenic and “Old Florida” Beach!The “feel” of this beach and greater Anna Maria Island, Florida, in general, is “old Florida.” So squint your eyes and imagine that you’re back in the 1950s or 60s. This is the kind of place to do that. If you’re younger, squint your eyes and pretend you’re back in the 80s and 90s! Nonetheless, I think you’ll understand the feeling I’m trying to convey to you so you, yourself, don’t miss the feel of the “good old days” of ole Florida! The sand is soft and the shoreline of Coquina Beach is bordered by tall Pine Trees that shade a picnic area, between the parking lot and shoreline, complete with picnic benches and grills. There’s much to enjoy; from the south end of the beach a wide strand along the shoreline narrows into a thinner swath of sand as you head north along the beach. There you’ll find a more private, peaceful area of the beach where you can just lay back.
    Bring your beach cooler and sunscreen, chair and sun umbrella as well as your favorite book and laze the day away soaking up some rays on the seashore in your swimsuit or favorite beachwear. Tip:
Here's where to find all your beach stuff from swimsuits to flip-flops to you favorite beachwear.
 The main public area of Coquina Beach has numerous amenities including lifeguards, restrooms and a concession stand where you can pick up some treats and there’s a rental booth where you can get some lounge chairs, cabanas and umbrellas. There are also a couple volleyball courts and a playground area for the kids plus a huge parking lot. Parking at this beach should not be a problem.
 Coquina is close enough to other Sarasota Beaches to take a scenic drive north along the Longboat Key coast and spend some time at this old Florida beach. Travel time from downtown Sarasota depends on whether it's "in season" or "off season," but I would plan on about an average of 45 minutes to an hour, maybe less.  Tip: The sun can be intense most of the year on Anna Maria Island. Don't forget sunglasses to protect your eyes in case the rays get mean while you're on Coquina Beach.
Here's my favorite place to find really cool sunglasses.
Directions from Sarasota: Go over the Ringling Bridge off of downtown Sarasota onto St. Armand’s Key and follow Rt. 789 around St. Armand’s Circle to the north and on to Longboat Key. Stay on Gulf of Mexico drive north on Longboat Key until you cross the bridge to Anna Maria Island. Coquina Beach will be on the left. Return from Coquina Beach to Sarasota Beaches main page.
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