Location guide
From Holmes Beach
Visiting Cortez Fishing Village from Our Holmes Beach Cottage
Cortez Fishing Village delivers authentic Old-Florida character, dockside seafood, and a genuine working waterfront feel. Founded in the 1880s, Cortez is one of the last surviving commercial fishing villages in Florida, with weathered fish houses, shrimp boats, and net camps still lining the bay. The Florida Maritime Museum tells its story, and each February the Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival draws thousands to the waterfront. It is best for foodies and history lovers visiting Cortez Fishing Village near Anna Maria Island. Cortez is a small residential and working village, so a Holmes Beach base gives you the beach, with Cortez a short drive away for fresh seafood and history. From our Holmes Beach home, reaching Cortez Fishing Village is a short drive over the bridge. Cortez itself is a small working village, so staying nearby in Holmes Beach keeps the Gulf beach one house away and Cortez a short drive over the bridge.
Local highlights
Beach type
Bayfront views right in the village, with Anna Maria Island's Gulf beaches just minutes across the bridge.
Restaurants
Historic seafood shacks and dockside markets selling fresh-off-the-boat grouper, mullet, and stone crab.
Walkability
A compact, historic village core that is easy to stroll, from the docks to the Florida Maritime Museum.
Vibe
Historic, salty, and authentic, an unpolished slice of Old Florida in the best way.
Annual events here: Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival. See also the holiday weeks, each with its live calendar.
Where to stay: Sandbox Beach House in Holmes Beach
Sandbox Beach House is a relaxed, family-friendly 2-bedroom cottage in Holmes Beach for up to 6 guests, one house off the beach, with a private saltwater pool and a 7-night minimum stay. One dog up to 35 lb is welcome with approval ($150 per week pet fee, charged at booking). Cortez Fishing Village is a short drive over the bridge from our Holmes Beach base, so day trips feel effortless.
Bringing a dog?
Dogs are not allowed on the island's beaches, so plan walks, patios and off-island outings with these guides.
Explore nearby
Also explore Bradenton Beach, Bradenton. See our walk-to-beach location, review the Pet policy (one dog up to 35 lb), and peek at pool and family spaces.
Ready to plan your Cortez Fishing Village week?
Confirm your dates, then build your beach + pool rhythm around the part of Anna Maria Island you like most.
Check availability at Sandbox Beach House in Holmes Beach, your base for Cortez Fishing Village.