Updated: June 2026
Just minutes from Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Cortez is one of the last authentic working fishing villages in the state. Shrimp boats still head out at sunrise here, fresh Gulf seafood comes straight off the docks, and the laid-back pace delivers a true Old Florida experience that feels worlds away from the typical beach town. Whether you are here for dockside dining, fresh seafood markets, or a glimpse into local history, Cortez is one of those places that rewards the short drive every single time. For the full picture of where to eat across the island and beyond, my Dining on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide is the best place to start.
Quick Facts About Cortez
One of Florida’s last working fishing villages, generations of local families still fish these waters. Cortez is famous for fresh seafood, especially stone crab in season, and its laid-back waterfront charm, with docks, seafood markets, and wildlife, makes it a hidden gem worth seeking out.
The History of Cortez
Founded in the late 1800s, Cortez Fishing Village has remained a working fishing community for generations. Unlike other coastal towns that have transformed into tourist hubs, Cortez has preserved its roots. Fishermen still bring in the day’s catch, shrimp boats still head out at sunrise, and a tight-knit community remains dedicated to keeping maritime traditions alive.
For a deeper dive into that history, stop by the Florida Maritime Museum, where exhibits showcase historic boats, local fishing methods, and life in early Cortez. It is a small but genuinely worthwhile stop, especially if you are traveling with curious kids or anyone with an interest in Old Florida history.
Dockside Dining in Cortez
If fresh seafood is on your itinerary, Cortez does not disappoint. Star Fish Company lets you grab your order at the window and enjoy it right on the docks, offering an authentic catch-to-table experience that is hard to replicate anywhere else. Swordfish Grill provides lively waterfront dining with live music, while Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina offers casual, open-air seating where you can watch boats drift by. Cortez Kitchen is a laid-back spot known for seafood baskets, cold drinks, and a fun local vibe.
These restaurants source their fish straight from local boats, ensuring the freshest Gulf Coast seafood possible. For more dining options around Anna Maria Island, check out my Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide.
Breakfast & Lunch in Cortez
A true local gem in the heart of Cortez Village, Cortez Cafe is a laid-back diner known for hearty breakfasts and casual lunches. It is a favorite among locals, fishermen, and early risers looking for a no-frills, Old Florida experience. Stop in for classic breakfast plates, sandwiches, and a friendly small-town atmosphere before heading out to explore the village or hit the water. For more morning spots nearby, my Best Breakfast on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide covers the best places to start your day across the island.
Ice Cream in Cortez
No visit is complete without a stop at Tyler’s Gourmet Ice Cream, a longtime local favorite serving up homemade ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes in generous portions. For more sweet options right on the island, my Best Ice Cream on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide covers every scoop worth seeking out.
Best Seafood Markets in Cortez
Cortez is one of the last authentic fishing villages in Florida, and its seafood markets are a big part of what makes it special. Stop by Cortez Fish Market or Star Fish Company to pick up Gulf-caught grouper, snapper, shrimp, stone crab, and other local specialties. Whether you are grabbing fillets for dinner or whole fish to cook at home, these markets offer a true taste of Old Florida straight from the fishermen who caught it. For a complete look at fresh seafood options in the area, my Purchasing Fresh Seafood on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide covers everything you need to know.
Shopping in Cortez
Cortez Village has a few standout stops beyond the docks. The Beach Shop carries coastal apparel, souvenirs, and beach essentials, perfect for gifts or mementos.
The real find, though, is The Fox Mercantile. Named Best New Shop of 2024 by Sarasota Magazine, this boutique carries coastal gifts, homeware, clothing, and accessories alongside its own Fox-branded merchandise including signature soy candles, jewelry, and curated coastal finds. The in-house coffee bar, Foxi Coffee, serves handcrafted specialty drinks, liege waffles, and breakfast burritos, and the sprawling outdoor garden patio makes it genuinely easy to linger. Whether you are stopping in before heading to the island or making the short drive over specifically to browse, The Fox Mercantile earns its reputation. For a full look at everything this shop has to offer, my The Fox Mercantile in Cortez: My Insider Guide covers it all.
Beyond the catch of the day, Cortez Village has a few gems for shopping. The Beach Shop carries coastal apparel, souvenirs, and beach essentials, perfect for gifts or mementos.
Festivals and Events in Cortez
Cortez hosts community-driven events that celebrate its maritime heritage throughout the year. The highlight is the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival, held annually with fresh seafood, live music, arts, crafts, and family-friendly activities. The Cortez Nautical Flea Market is a fun waterfront event featuring antiques, maritime collectibles, and handmade goods. And the Cortez Stone Crab and Music Festival combines the area’s famous stone crab season with live music, food vendors, and a lively celebration of Gulf Coast culture. For more events in the area, my Festivals on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide covers the full calendar.
Why Visit Cortez During Your AMI Trip
Cortez offers a slower pace and a deeper local flavor compared to the beaches and tourist areas of Anna Maria Island. The village is especially lively during stone crab season, when locals and visitors flock for the freshest claws straight off the boats. For more on that, my Best Stone Crab on Anna Maria Island: My Insider Guide is worth a read before you go. Walk the weathered docks, enjoy fresh dockside seafood, and soak in the waterfront charm. It is a rare glimpse of Old Florida that simply cannot be replicated in larger coastal towns.
Coastal Close
Cortez is the kind of place that reminds you why people fell in love with Florida’s Gulf Coast in the first place. No high-rises, no chain restaurants, no rush. Just shrimp boats at sunrise, fresh Gulf seafood on the docks, and a community that has been doing things the same way for generations. It is a short drive from Anna Maria Island and a world apart from everything else. My downloadable Anna Maria Island Restaurant Guide on Etsy is a great resource to bring along if you are planning your meals across the full area.
— izzy