Florida's Gulf Islands Visitors Guide® 2008 - (Page 19) Beaches Picture-Perfect Beaches Everyone has a different idea of what makes up the perfect beach. Some people just want a secluded stretch of sand, with nothing but swelling dunes sprinkled with sea oats whispering in the wind and stately Australian pines reaching into the clear blue sky above them to keep them company. Others prefer a lively hub of activity, with enough pick-up volleyball games, playgrounds and water sports to keep them busy for days. A few folks are just happy to stroll along an uninterrupted shoreline and search for shells, shark teeth and other treasures. But what if you want it all? No need to travel the state to find your perfect beach. You only need to visit one place: Florida’s Gulf Islands. Our breathtaking beaches offer all this and more; most have lifeguards and concession stands, picnic tables and plenty of free parking. Some even have nature trails and fishing piers. Even better, all are within a short drive of one another, so experiencing the different beach characteristics along our coast is easy. And believe us: you won’t want to miss a thing. The majority of our beaches are open from sunrise to sunset, so you’ve got the whole day to relax and unwind or wear yourself out on your perfect beach. Enjoy! Anna Maria Bayfront Park Location: 316 N. Bay Blvd. in Anna Maria Parking/Fees: Free Parking Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions with grills, picnic area, playground and lifeguards Anna Maria Beach Location: West ends of streets from White Avenue North to Bean Point in Anna Maria Parking/Fees: Free parking lot at Spring Avenue and Gulf Drive; no parking allowed on residential side streets that end at the beach. Hours: Sunrise to sunset Facilities: None dunes & sea oats These natural barriers certainly inspire beachcombing. But they are also an intrinsic part of the beach ecology. For their sake, and to protect the beaches we all love so much, avoid walking on the dunes or amid the sea oats and stick to the boardwalks and marked paths. Beer Can Island (Greer Island) Location: Located at the northern tip of Longboat Key, accessible by walking north from the street end of North Shore Road off of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Parking/Fees: Free parking Hours: Dawn – 10 p.m. Facilities: No facilities or lifeguards available treasures SHELLS, SHARK TEETH AND SEA TURTLES Anna Maria Island is a prime sea turtle nesting spot; more than 100 sea turtle nests were recorded last year. Take care not to harass mother turtles, their nests or hatchlings. For an up-close look, guided tours are available in July. Visit www.islandturtles.com. All of our area beaches are awash in colorful shells, but Beer Can Island is a special favorite of locals, who arrive in early mornings and at low tide to hunt for treasures. Shark teeth finds are common on Coquina and Cortez Beaches, but don’t worry, these teeth are fossilized remains of sharks long gone from area waters. Coquina Beach Location: Southern end of Anna Maria Island, one mile south of 5th Street North in the City of Bradenton Beach. Parking/Fees: Free parking lot Hours: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Facilities: Concessions, BBQ pits, picnic facilities, boat ramp, playground, restrooms, showers and lifeguards Cortez Beach Location: Between 5th Street and 13th Street off Gulf Drive in the city of Bradenton Beach. Parking/Fees: Free parking, public transportation drop off/pickup available Hours: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. Facilities: Concessions, covered pavilions, picnic tables, showers, lifeguards Holmes Beach Location: Located off Gulf Drive from Beach Avenue to 27th Street in Holmes Beach Parking/Fees: Free parking, public transportation drop off/pick up Hours: Sunrise to sunset Facilities: Boat ramp doggie beach If man’s best friend doubles as your travel partner, stay at one of our pet-friendly resorts. And, just so that Fido doesn’t feel left out, after you get back from our “people” beaches, you can take him out to one of three doggie-friendly locales, reserved especially for fourlegged friends: The beach at Palma Sola Causeway (Manatee Avenue west of 75th Street in Bradenton), Happy Tails Canine Park (33rd Avenue near GT Bray Park in Bradenton), Dog Leg Park at Buffalo Creek (69th Street in Palmetto). Longboat Key Beaches Location: Beach access points on Longboat Key Parking/Fees: Free street parking Hours: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m. Facilities: None Manatee County Beach Location: Found at the end of Manatee Avenue in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island Parking/Fees: Free parking lot Hours: 7 a.m. – sunset Facilities: Concessions, Beach Shop, chair and umbrella rentals, picnic area, grills, restrooms, showers, playground and lifeguards Palma Sola Causeway Location: 8500 Manatee Ave. W., which links Bradenton and Anna Maria Island Parking/Fees: Free parking lots Hours: Sunrise to sunset Facilities: Covered pavilions, picnic area, grills and restrooms www.FloridasGulfIslands.com | Page 19 http://www.islandturtles.com http://www.FloridasGulfIslands.com
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