Amazing Dog-Friendly, Florida West Coast RV Stay

Key Takeaways:

• Our month-long stay at the Holiday Cove RV Resort in Cortez, Florida was amazing!
• Tons of dog friendly parks, preserves and restaurants in the area
• Anna Maria Beaches are absolutely stunning
• January is a busy month; February & March are busier; get to your destination early morning and dine like a senior before 6
• Traffic was busy to jammed at times; plan for it!
• Fresh seafood in this area was amazing!
• Holiday Cove RV Resort is a hidden gem; great people, lush landscaping, paved sites, heated pool and excellent location
• Chili & Cedar loved the visits to local dog parks, preserves and beaches
• Anna Maria Island does not allow dogs on any beaches but there are parks and dog parks on the island for the pups

Campground Review:

Holiday Cove RV Resort is a hidden gem in Cortez. Less than a mile from the beautiful beaches on Anna Maria Island, this RV park includes a marina, lush landscaping, heated pool, paved sites, full hookups and friendly folks. There are several dog runs along the perimeter of the park and the neighborhood offers several options for longer walks.  This park is an ownership park and the owners take great pride in keeping their sites maintained. As short-term renters, we were warmly welcomed to several community get-togethers.  Just across the street, you’ll find the Cortez Cafe, a popular breakfast stop for the locals; the scrumptious Breezy Bakery; fresh catch at the Cortez Fish Market; and casual dining at Slicker’s Eatery. The seafood restaurants in this fishing village cannot be beat. We loved Tide Tables and Swordfish Grill.  Cortez is close to Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Sarasota and many nearby attractions. Friendly people, welcoming to dogs and a great location make this park one of our favorites to date. We will definitely be back.

What to do:

Anna Maria Island:

• Walk, swim or sunbathe on the amazing beaches; arrive early at Cortez Beach or Coquina Park but leave the dogs at home — there are no dog-friendly beaches on Anna Maria Island
• Catch the sunset at Bean Point, a secluded beach on the north end of the island
• Take the dogs to the Holmes Beach Dog Park in the city of Holmes Beach on the island – our dogs loved this off-leash park with room to roam
• Walk the dogs at the Joan Durante Park, a 32-acre preserve on Longboat Key with views of Sarasota Bay
• Enjoy the artificial turf at the Bayfront Dog Park on Longboat Key
• Enjoy the sunsets and fresh seafood at the Sandbar Restaurant
• Sip on margaritas and fresh tex mex at the Wicked Cantina
• Shop and dine at Bridge Street shops

Cortez:

• Visit the Florida Maritine Museum to learn more about this historic fishing village, one of the last on Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast
• Dine on fresh seafood at the Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina; arrive early at this popular waterside favorite
• Enjoy fresh seafood, cocktails and music at the Swordfish Grill
• Experience the best breakfast in Cortez at the Cortez Cafe, a family-owned restaurant on Cortez Road
• Visit the Breezy Bakery for freshly made cookies, cakes and pies – try the Key Lime Pie – “they bake with love and butter”
• Check out the innovative menu at Slicker’s Eatery

Bradenton:

• The Bradenton farmer’s market on Old Main Street is exceptional, with fresh local produce, handmade goods, food vendors and music. It’s also dog friendly!
• Visit the Robinson Preserve, a 600-acre coastal preserve with hiking trails, kayaking and bird watching. This became a favorite early morning walk for the dogs.
• Take the dogs to the Emerson Point Preserve in nearby Palmetto. This bayside, dog-friendly preserve offers shaded trails and views of the Manatee River
• Enjoy great coffee and breakfast at Judy’s Restaurant on Cortez Road
• Visit the Red Barn Flea Market an eclectic blend of flea market booths, plaza shops, food vendors and farmer’s market
• Plan a day trip with the dogs to Fort Desoto Dog Park in nearby Tierra Verde. This park features two fenced areas for off-leash play and a designated dog beach. Our dogs love this park! Every dog should have this park on their bucket list!

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

Next Stop: Rennegades on the River, Crescent City, Florida