Few places in this world remain unchanged by the hands of time, clinging fiercely and beautifully to the way things once were. For those heading to Florida and looking to bask in the wild party scenes of Miami or Orlando, unfortunately, you’ve come to the wrong place. If, however, you’ve come to explore a place rooted in authenticity, community, history, and a deep respect for the sea, continue reading. Situated between Sarasota and the brilliantly white sands of Anna Maria Island sits one of Florida’s last remaining fishing villages, Cortez. Here, you won’t find upscale resorts, chain restaurants, or mega condos — but a place where boats rock gently in the harbor, fishermen bring in the catch of the day, and locals tell stories of the Florida that once was.
Founded in the late 1800s by families of North Carolina fishers, Cortez stands tall after weathering many a storm, with descendants of the original cast of characters still living in town today. In fact, 97 of the village’s buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a walk around the town and explore one of the many restaurants serving deliciously fresh seafood, peruse the quaint shops selling trinkets, and walk the docks to see the fishers in action. Of course, for those of you who can’t sit still, the town offers the opportunity to rent kayaks, jet skis, and fishing charters. Cortez is the perfect little escape to catch a glimpse of old Floridian charm, a thriving local seafood industry, and a peaceful coastal vibe that seems to say: Take it slow and enjoy life.
Dine on some of the freshest fish Florida has to offer
We did mention you should come here hungry, right? Well, if your stomach is grumbling just thinking about stuffing your gills with mahi mahi, grouper, and shrimp, you’ve come to the right place, as the village is a top-of-the-line location for seafood lovers in Florida. Cortez is well-protected by two barrier islands: Anna Maria and Long Boat Key, which makes it a safe, prime location for fishing boats to access the Gulf of Mexico.
A must-try when in the area is the Star Fish Company — a place where the fish practically leap out of the sea onto your plate. Named one of USA Today’s Top Restaurants of the year in 2024, it’s a fantastic place to snag a spot at one of their picnic tables and chow down on some market-to-table delicacies. You can even visit their market to purchase fresh food to cook at home, or some local art to bring back to remind you of all the yummy fish you ate. Still hungry? Make your way to Tide Tables, a small waterfront restaurant serving up fresh-off-the-boat seafood. The place is a real hidden gem — one that you might drive right past if you didn’t know what you were looking for.
Swordfish Grill is another great option for those looking to enjoy a waterfront spot while enjoying some freshly caught seafood, live music, and gorgeous sunset views. Finish up the evening with some famous Florida key lime pie, or head to Tyler Ice Cream — a family-owned locale scooping homemade flavors like peanut butter cup sundae.
Catch a fish and learn about the history of Cortez
