Cortez Beach - Anna Maria Island's Best

Car doors slam. Then comes the pitter-patter of feet, running barefoot toward the ocean. Seagulls squawk overhead, peering down from their lofty height to see what sweet morsels they might snatch up. Sunbathers shade their eyes from the bright sun, rotating their bodies like rotisseries, to tan every inch of their skin. Children build sand castles. Snorkelers come up for air. Fish dart between the legs of body surfers. This, is paradise.

Cortez Beach has got to be my favorite. Located on Anna Maria Island just off the end of Cortez Road, its serene beauty and relaxing atmosphere make it perfect for a casual day out. My fiance and I go there a lot to snorkel, swim, or just walk along the beach. We even got our Scuba Diver's Licenses at a great dive shop there, called Sea Trek Divers (seatrekdivers.com). There's plenty to do and see, whether you're on the beach or in the water.

If you want to grab a bite to eat while you're at Cortez Beach, there are several quaint local restaurants. One we ate at just recently is Oma's Pizza & Italian Restaurant. It has a great family atmosphere, and HUGE, amazing pizzas - not to mention other Italian cuisine. Definitely something you'll want to try while you're in the area.

Planning on making a vacation out of your stay? There are blocks and blocks of beach houses for rent; daily, weekly, or even monthly. You can stay right on the beach, a street over from the beach, in a condominium looking out over the water, or in a cottage with a sandy path to the beach. Cortez Beach has countless options to choose from, to make your stay one-of-a-kind.

As for amenities on the beach itself, Cortez beach is fully loaded. There is plenty of free parking, restrooms, and showers for everyone. Not to mention masses of picnic tables and pavilions, under expansive, shady oaks and pines. Plus, there are lifeguards on duty all throughout the day; so, should any emergency arise, there will be someone to take care of it.

But, the best part is walking out onto a beautiful beach and feeling the white sand swishing between your toes, the warm breeze floating in from the ocean... Gives your mind the reason to imagine you're in a different world. There's something about the beach... so captivating, so free... That gives the soul flight.

Cortez Beach is the utmost of island paradise.