Coquina Baywalk

Coquina Baywalk

Coquina Baywalk [view slides]

Explore Leffis Key on a series of trails and boardwalks through mangrove tunnels on the Coquina Baywalk. A unspoiled sliver between the Gulf of Mexico and Sarasota Bay, Leffis Key sits between Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key. Although the entire trail system is less than a mile, it’s fun to explore. The trails offer great views of the bay from observation decks hidden away in the mangroves—you feel like you’re peeking out of tunnels! Climb to the top of the spoil piles for a sweeping view of the bay and ocean.

Resources

South Florida: An Explorer's Guide Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State Florida's Best BeachesFlorida's Best Beaches

 

Overview

Location: Bradenton Beach
Length: 0.8 mile
Lat-Long: 27.450817, -82.690650
Type: loops
Fees / Permits: none
Difficulty: easy
Bug factor: moderate
Restroom: yes, across the road at the beach

Open dawn to dusk. The shell paths and boardwalks are suitable for strollers or for wheelchairs with assistance.

Directions

Leffis Key is 3.2 miles south of the Anna Maria Causeway on East Bay Drive, just south of Bradenton Beach. The park entrance is on the left, across from the beach.

Hike

After you walk across the broad entrance boardwalk, you have your choice of directions to take. Head left to check out the boardwalks through mangrove tunnels, with overlooks on the bay. Turn right to walk out to a crystal-clear cove where interpretive signs point out the sea squirts and sponges. In the center of the island, a tall spoil pile provides a sweeping view of the sea, the bay, and the northern rim of Longboat Key. Take the kids, take your dog, and take a break from the beach to enjoy this little gem

Trail Map

Sierra Club

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Trackbacks

  1. [...] Coquina Baywalk at Bradenton Beach- This hike is rated as an easy, one mile loop on the shell paths and boardwalks. Walk across the boardwalk and either turn left toward the mangrove tunnels or right to the cove. It is open from dawn to dusk and is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. [...]

  2. [...] the West, hikers around the area can get plenty of ocean views and diverse terrain on local trails The Coquina Baywalk offers some of the most diverse hiking anywhere in Sarasota, as you walk through mangrove tunnels, [...]

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