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Coquina Baywalk

Coquina Baywalk

Explore Leffis Key on a series of trails and boardwalks through mangrove tunnels on the Coquina Baywalk.

Leffis Key  |  Bradenton Beach
( 27.450817, -82.690650 )      0.8 miles

152shares
CLOSED indefinitely for public safety
Coquina Baywalk
See more photos from Coquina Baywalk

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 GuideHiker's Guide to the Sunshine State

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. Dogs are not permitted.

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 and take a break from the beach to enjoy this little gem.

Visit their website

Category: Hikes, Natural Lands, Nature Trails, Southwest Florida, TrailsTag: Accessible, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Family-Friendly, Fishing, Mangroves, Observation Decks

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jenn

    July 15, 2019 at 12:01 pm

    Came mid-July. It was absolutely beautiful and a wonderful hike in the mostly-shady mangroves. However, the mosquitoes were all over us. They followed us up and down the many paths to multiple overlooks. If we had remembered bug spray, it would’ve been perfect!

    Reply
  2. Raymond Voelker

    December 31, 2017 at 10:01 pm

    Dog friendly?

    Reply
    • Sandra Friend

      January 31, 2018 at 2:12 pm

      Dogs are no longer allowed.

      Reply
  3. Kelly

    December 9, 2017 at 10:49 am

    Was the Coquina Baywalk damaged n
    by the hurricane and is it still opened?

    Reply
    • Sandra Friend

      December 11, 2017 at 12:12 pm

      There are no warnings posted on the Leffis Key webpage maintained by Manatee County, so here’s hoping everything is fine. We don’t live near enough by to check on it.

      Reply

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