Florida was once full of tucked-away little spots filled with an old-time, traditional Americana vibe that today sometimes feels lost forever. Many people head to the quirky, under-the-radar Stock Island to experience Florida Keys vibes, where fishing, relaxing, and sundowners are still the order of the day. However, you don’t have to drive the length of the Overseas Highway to conjure up that Sunshine State magic — there are plenty of other places where life still moves at a slower pace. One of the quaintest and most charming is Cortez, a delightful fishing village on the Gulf Coast.
Cortez lies in Manatee County on the Gulf Coast, about halfway between St. Petersburg and Sarasota. While it is almost completely surrounded by the sprawling city of Bradenton’s modernity and chaos, this tiny fishing village has held on to its peaceful charm and still exudes an atmosphere that brings to mind the best of the Florida Keys.
A picturesque waterfront and historic charm in Cortez
It is worth saying that there isn’t much to do in Cortez. Unlike South Beach’s Sunset Harbour (an underrated and affordable neighborhood for Florida nightlife), this won’t be the ideal destination for anyone looking for exciting attractions. But if you want an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and a chance to refresh and relax, this is the place for you.
It is worth exploring the rich history of this delightful settlement. Founded in 1890 by settlers from North Carolina, it has retained much of its antiquated ambiance, with historic seafront cottages built by the first inhabitants and bungalows from the 1920s. The Florida Maritime Museum is a great place to get a little historical context, but be sure to check if it’s open before adding it to your itinerary. The real joy of Cortez comes from wandering around its tiny yet lovely town center…