Cortez Beach, Anna Maria Island

Cortez Beach is a white sand beach nearer the southern end of Anna Maria Island. The entrance past sea oats and tall ironwood trees is lovely. There are two jetties at the beach giving it some definition. Beach houses and old apartment buildings line the beach on the north end but most of the beach is lined with ironwood trees. There are dead fish and tube worms on the shore, just like the other beaches on Anna Maria Island, during summer and early fall. The sand is white like snow and fine. It is gorgeous!

This more southern part of the island has older buildings than the northern part around Pine Ave, so it's not as nice. Bridge Street is the nearest commercial street but it is quite run down, with tacky pink and purple buildings. I'd recommend going to Pine Ave if you want a more upmarket, sweet look. The pier at the east end of Bridge Street, Bradenton Historic Street Pier, has its own charm with nice views of the palm tree clusters and homes on the intracoastal. But it is more cramped and older than the Anna Maria City Pier which is fantastic at night with its live music and views of the wide open water and Skyway Bridge. 
The parking at Cortez Beach is in a long row under the shade of tall ironwood trees. This is fantastic because you don't get hot when you get back in your car! It fills up very fast on the weekend so come super early.

Directions

Cortez Beach is located at 698 Gulf Dr S, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217. There is a row of parking along Gulf Dr, under tall ironwood trees, providing lovely shade. Parking is free. Come early because parking fills up very fast.

Click on map for interactive view