Ilexhurst - all beaches

The beach was surrounded by trees and had a lot of leaves or mulch on the ground. Unfortunately, there was no designated parking area, so visitors had to search for open spots without no parking signs and then find the small entrances to access the beach. Furthermore, there were no restrooms or showers available, and the houses nearby did not have wheelchair access. After spending some time there, I decided to leave and search for a better beach in the area.

This serene beach is a hidden gem with easy access to a variety of food, refreshing drinks, and clean restrooms. The sand is soft and inviting, and the atmosphere is filled with happy people enjoying themselves. While parking may require a bit of patience, the reward is worth it. Our visit on a sunny Thanksgiving afternoon was simply perfect, and we stayed long enough to witness the stunning sunset.

This beach is truly a gem! It's not as crowded as some of the other beaches on Anna Maria Island, which makes for a more peaceful and relaxing experience. One of the best parts about this beach is that we often get to see dolphins swimming in the inlet and under the bridge at the end of the beach by the jetty. It's truly a magical sight to see these creatures enjoying the water. Although the shelling isn't the best, we have still managed to find some nice ones from time to time. The Coquina Beach Market is a must-visit, with a variety of vendors selling all sorts of goods. It's currently held on Sundays and Wednesdays, but be sure to check the schedule as it changes depending on the time of year. The main part of the beach has a Cafe and sometimes offers live entertainment, making for a fun-filled day. There are also changing rooms, showers, and restrooms available for your convenience. And let's not forget about the gorgeous sunsets that grace the sky each evening. This beach truly has it all and is a must-visit for anyone looking for a peaceful and memorable beach experience.

The water at this beach is absolutely stunning! However, it is a bit small in size. The piers are a great feature for those who enjoy fishing or jumping into the water. There is also a variety of sea life, such as barnacles, tiny sea snails, pencil fish, and crabs, which can be caught in abundance. Overall, I had a wonderful time at this beach. Although, we did have to drive to another beach to access shower and restroom facilities.

This is my secret escape. There are never more than ten people here. I usually park my car at the church across the street. The water is absolutely stunning. I frequently get to witness the breathtaking sunset.