Coquina Beach has put Anna Maria Island at the top of the list for best island in the United States for its perfect white sand, according to a Condé Nast Traveler’s reader survey.
Coquina’s sand was ranked fifth-best in the world in the Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ choice awards for “top island beaches for perfect sand.”
“This just shows how nice of an island we have here,” said Bradenton Beach Mayor Bill Shearon. “Our beaches are one of our greatest attributes.”
The Condé Nast Traveler website’s post said of Coquina Beach: “It’s laid-back, bordered by towering pines and boasts perfect, unspoiled sand as fine as powder. It’s also the longest stretch of sand on Anna Maria — uninterrupted, but for remnants of old piers jutting out into the water.”
Shearon wasn’t surprised. “We’re always on the top of travel lists,” he said. “I think we were beaten by Siesta Key on one list, so it’s nice to be back on top.”
On Condé Nast’s list were three other domestic destinations: one in Hawaii at No. 8 and two in Puerto Rico at No. 9 and No. 10.
— Tal Reeve — Tal Reeve