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Cortez, A “Real” Florida Fishing Village

Last Updated on October 8, 2023

Florida has so many treasures – offering the old and new, authentic and charming, well-known and yet to be discovered. Finding them is one of the joys of living in the Sunshine State.

Whether it’s a refreshing, bubbly spring, a quiet pine flatwood forest, a secret cache of sand dollars on a hidden beach, or a tucked-away restaurant featuring the freshest seafood, you know when you have found the real thing.

Cortez Mermaid, Cortez Village, Bradenton

For those who enjoy Florida discoveries, a beloved secret can be found an hour south of Tampa. Bradenton’s Cortez Village offers genuine and historic charm as one of the last remaining fishing villages in Florida.

One of the Last Remaining Fishing Villages: Cortez Village

Cortez Historical Sign, Cortez Village, Bradenton

Hugging the mainland shore of Sarasota Bay, just a bridge away from the sparkling Gulf of Mexico is a small, timeless community that truly embraces its maritime heritage. No high-rises here, just little cottages and homes and businesses lining narrow neighborhood streets.

Locals proudly build and refurbish boats in their front yards, and towering rows of crab traps are ready for the next fishing trip.

Little has changed since the last century. In fact, not much has changed since the village was first settled in the 1880s. Cortez Village is firmly ensconced in the National Register of Historic Places. The people here are dedicated to preserving its legacy.

A rarity, Cortez continues to exist as an off-the-beaten-path outpost, anchored by a nearby 95-acre wildlife preserve, a local historical museum dedicated to preserving its cultural heritage, and some of Florida’s best, and freshest, “dock to table” seafood restaurants.

Taste Delicious Florida Seafood

The dockside Star Fish Restaurant and the Cortez Kitchen just down the street both dish out fresh local Florida fare. The catch varies with the season but the menu usually includes snapper, grouper, stone crab, shrimp, and mullet.

Much of the seafood that lands at Cortez is shipped around the world but there is plenty left for both restaurants to be wildly popular, especially during the winter tourist season.

Starfish Company Bradenton

You may even want to step into their seafood markets. Here, you’ll get a better glimpse of the “catch of the day” before it hits your plate.

The Star Fish Restaurant offers waterside seating for admiring the view of Florida mangrove islands, fishing vessels, and the iconic Cortez fish house off in the distance.

It’s easy to relax while watching the view of the boats as egrets perch and pelicans swim by.

Cortez Fish House, Cortez Village, Bradenton

If you are a wildlife or photography buff, be sure to bring your camera! Grab a prize photo of the large flock of white pelicans congregating (primarily during the winter and spring months) on the sandbar in front of the Cortez Kitchen.

The perfect photo spot is accessible by walking the docks. You can’t miss such ideal scenery, wildlife, and fishing vessels.

Experience Even More Amazing Things to Do in Cortez Florida

Photo of two white pelicans on the water

If you happen to visit in February, you’ll be able to attend the Cortez Seafood Festival. This draws thousands as it serves up local fare along with musical entertainment and a host of artists and artisans.

Fishermen dish out the fresh-from-the-sea local catch for those who want to gorge on Florida’s finest.

Starfish Seafood Shop

At the end of the day, after a delicious meal and a stroll on the docks, you may want to find a comfortable spot to watch the setting sun as a pastel palette of clouds fills the sky and reflects on the bay. Or you can cross the bridge to Anna Maria Island.

Anna Maria has authentic charm and good food. Here, sparkling blue-green waters of the Gulf meet white, powdery crystalline sand. Either way, it’s a perfect ending to your day.

Cortez Sign

You just can’t miss with a visit to Cortez. Whether it’s dining on fresh seafood, catching the Florida vibe, or discovering downright authenticity, Cortez is “real” Florida.

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