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Bradenton and Coquina beaches:

Clarisa Gerlach/Tampa Bay Online

Take home a souvenir from one of many beach shops on Gulf Drive.

Bradenton Beach is the epitome of "old Florida." Seaside inns and small cottages line this stretch of beach located on the southern end of Anna Maria Island.

This quaint community has not been polluted with mammoth hotels or chain restaurants.

Small stores offering live bait and shells are scattered on Gulf Drive, along with pizza and ice cream shops.

	Clarisa Gerlach/Tampa Bay Online
	Coquina Beach is an ideal spot for a picnic.

The center of town celebrates the Historic Bridge Street, the first bridge to connect the island community to the mainland. At the bay end of Bridge Street, is a restored fishing pier.

A free parking lot, just south of the landmark, is recommended for beach access and shopping. There isn't any parking along Gulf Drive and traffic backs up easily on the two-way road. Some areas are also private access only.

Head south toward the whispering Australian pines and you'll find Coquina Beach, a large public recreational area fronting the Gulf of Mexico.

Don't forget your picnic basket at this family-oriented beach. The large trees provide a perfect setting for a picnic or just relief from the sun.

Packing a meal is a good idea because there are no restaurants within walking distance.

Coquina Beach also has a small playground, concession stand, showers and lifeguards.

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