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Private retreat walking distance to beautiful beaches and restaurants.

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Welcome
The Blue Heron
Private outdoor lounge area
Queen size bed
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Cortez, FL
  • Place, Anna Maria Sound
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Bradenton Beach Marina
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Historic Bridge Street Pier
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchenette
Garden

About this property

Private retreat walking distance to beautiful beaches and restaurants.

The Blue Heron… a newly remodeled charming studio apartment in the historic fishing village of Cortez. Minutes to beaches, restaurants, shopping, and adventure! Many amenities within walking distance. Also many modes of free public transportation. Apartment is completely self-contained with a private entrance, outside lounge area, and parking at the door. Walk to the beach , shopping, convenient store. Bike and golf cart rentals along with bait shops and jet ski , kayaking, boat rentals and fishing charters.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Cortez

Located in Cortez, this vacation home is in the city center and near the beach. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Bradenton Beach and Coquina Beach. Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez and H2O Watersportz are also worth visiting. Jet skiing, motor boating, and surfing/body boarding offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling nearby.
View more Vacation Homes in CortezOpens in a new window
Map
Cortez, FL

What's nearby

  • Anna Maria Sound - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Bradenton Beach Marina - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Bradenton Beach - 2 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Historic Bridge Street Pier - 2 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Cortez Beach - 3 min drive - 2.4 km

Getting around

  • Sarasota-Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Star Fish Company - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Wicked Cantina - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Cortez Clam Factory - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private retreat walking distance to beautiful beaches and restaurants. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Private retreat walking distance to beautiful beaches and restaurants.?

As of May 1, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private retreat walking distance to beautiful beaches and restaurants. on Jul 6, 2026 start from $153, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private retreat walking distance to beautiful beaches and restaurants.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private retreat walking distance to beautiful beaches and restaurants.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Private retreat walking distance to beautiful beaches and restaurants. located?

Located in the heart of Cortez, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Blue Water Explorers and Bradenton Beach. Florida Maritime Museum at Cortez and H2O Watersportz are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 160 out of 171 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 171 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 171 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 171 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 171 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Amenities

9.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Nice little place to stay
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cute and quaint property. Host was very accommodating and responsive. We had a great time!! Fabulous location!!
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

H. Stuart H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We an very enjoyable stay at our Cortez VRBO. The accomodations were small, but very nicely appointed, with a cleanliness and attention to detail that was impressive. The location is very attractive, with lovely beaches within easy driving distance.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was adorable, well equipped, safe, clean, great location, everything was perfect. Our host kept us well informed. I highly recommend this property.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Judy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Room was very clean and comfortable
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lora W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice space. Just right for 2 of us. Close to great to restaurants and beach. Thanks for the coffee, cream and sodas.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location, easy to walk to AMI. Very clean
Stayed 14 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ken

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great place close to the beach!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

PENNIE T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a very relaxing private location. The host has provided many items you might need to enjoy the beach including chairs, beach towels and even a cooler. It was great to see the refrigerator stocked with water, soft drinks and cream for the morning coffee. I look forward to a return visit in the spring.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kent P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

Very clean and close to everything
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

Very clean and close to where we wanted to be.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Courtney T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay! Only issue is we did see a cockroach in the bathroom.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gulf Getaway

This cozy spot filled all of our needs & we look forward to staying again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris and Kim M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just Right

Every detail is thought of, just time to relax and enjoy the area. Great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
It was so cozy and nice and very good price
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cortez

Great place to stay. Perfect for 2 people. Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lynn J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy

Very cozy little place to stay for the weekend with good access to Annamarie Island
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vickie L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

lovely little launching spot

This was truly the perfect spot for exploring Cortez and Anna Maria Island. Beautiful beaches and lots of options for dining within walking distance. The accommodations were quiet, cozy, and clean. I can’t wait to return for another visit.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Stay

This spot was perfect for our needs.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shanda

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Lovely location. Perfect for a solo trip or 2 people.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

terrie o.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacation

The apartment is adorable, clean and is very conveniently located. I would stay again
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zach T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thank you

Perfect for weekend stay
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeff P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a great get away exactly what my husband and I were looking for. 10/10 wonderful host. Thank u

The room was cozy quiet and perfect setting for jet skiing or a day on the water the beach is right across the bridge awesome awesome would definitely definitely go there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Holly R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is our 4th time staying here. We love it. It is kept so clean! The host is very nice. The fridge has coffee creamer, bottled water & soda. She has beach towels, along with a great sturdy beach bag, as well as chairs & umbrella. Great location to restaurants, shops, beach, etc...you will love this little hidden gem. Perfect for two, to just get away.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darrell H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute place!

This is the place to stay for a couple..very clean, quick drive to the beach, they have everything you need for a day at the beach..we absolutely loved it and it will definitely be the place we come back to!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Hazel Petree

Host profile image
Your host Hazel is a third generation Cortezian, who along with her husband Steve, raised two sons in this home. Her family is one of the families who founded the fishing village of Cortez in the late 1800s.

Why they chose this property

Quiet location close to beaches and other amenities. No need for a car while vacationing as there are many restaurants, shopping, and activities within walking distance. There is also free transportation in the form of the Island trolley as well as the monkey bus.

What makes this property unique

Enjoy your own private outside relaxation area.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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