Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream: A Sweet Stop Near Anna Maria Island
There’s something about homemade ice cream that tastes even better after a sunny Florida beach day. Whether you're heading back from the beach, looking for an after-dinner treat, or simply craving something sweet, Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream has been a favorite in the Cortez area for decades.
Located on Cortez Road just before Anna Maria Island, Tyler’s has been serving homemade ice cream since 1984. Founded by Larry and the late Geri Tyler, the family-owned shop built its reputation around a simple idea: fresh, great-tasting ice cream made locally.
Today, that tradition continues, making Tyler’s an easy addition to an Anna Maria Island vacation.
Homemade Ice Cream Since 1984
Part of what makes Tyler’s special is its history.
The ice cream is made in small batches, and more than 300 flavors have been created since the business first opened. That homemade approach has helped turn Tyler’s from a neighborhood ice cream shop into a local tradition enjoyed by residents and generations of visitors.
For vacationers, it's also an opportunity to experience a little piece of the Cortez area just beyond Anna Maria Island.
From Classic Flavors to Something Different
Choosing a flavor may be the hardest part of your visit.
Familiar favorites such as French Vanilla, Butter Pecan, Strawberry, Cookies & Cream and Mint Chip share the menu with more adventurous options including Blue Moon, Mississippi Mud, Trash Can, Black Raspberry and Crazy Peanut Butter. Seasonal selections can add even more choices throughout the year.
And you don't have to settle for a traditional scoop.
Tyler’s serves cones and bowls along with ice cream flights, banana splits, shakes, malts, ice cream sodas and build-your-own sundaes. Specialty creations have included favorites such as the Turtle Sundae, Brownie Sundae and Tropical Island Sundae.
Want to take some back to your vacation rental? Pints and quarts are available to go, too.
Why Tyler’s Is Worth a Stop During Your Anna Maria Island Vacation
One of the best things about Tyler’s is how easily it can fit into an island vacation.
Spend the morning or afternoon enjoying the beaches of Anna Maria Island, explore historic Cortez Village, and finish your outing with homemade ice cream. Families with children can turn it into a fun post-beach treat, while couples might make it a casual dessert stop after dinner.
Because the Cortez location sits just off Anna Maria Island, it's also convenient to visit on your way to or from the island.
Sometimes the simplest vacation traditions become the ones everyone remembers.
Explore Cortez While You’re There
If you're already making the short trip off Anna Maria Island for ice cream, consider spending a little time exploring Cortez.
Historic Cortez Village is one of Florida's remaining working fishing villages and offers visitors a glimpse into the area's maritime heritage. Pairing a visit to Cortez with a stop at Tyler’s can turn an ice cream run into another memorable part of your Anna Maria Island getaway.
Local Tip: Tyler’s makes an especially easy stop when you're traveling between Anna Maria Island and the mainland via Cortez Road.
Planning Your Visit to Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream
Cortez Location
11904 Cortez Road W
Cortez, FL 34215
Phone: 941-794-5333
Tyler’s also has a Longboat Key location for visitors exploring farther south.
Because operating hours and available flavors can change seasonally, we recommend checking Tyler’s current information before heading out.
Make It Part of Your Anna Maria Island Getaway
A beach day followed by homemade ice cream is a pretty easy combination to get behind.
Whether you stick with a favorite flavor or try something you've never had before, Tyler’s Homemade Ice Cream offers a taste of local tradition just minutes from Anna Maria Island.
After all, some vacation traditions are worth keeping—especially when they come by the scoop. 🍦
Where to Stay on Anna Maria Island
The best part about staying on Anna Maria Island is having beaches, restaurants, shops and local favorites like Tyler’s within easy reach.
Bradenton Beach puts you on the southern end of the island with convenient access to Cortez, Bridge Street and mainland attractions. Holmes Beach offers a central location for exploring the entire island, while Anna Maria provides the laid-back atmosphere and historic charm of the island's north end.
Browse Island Real Estate Vacations properties by area to find the location and amenities that work best for your getaway:
Find your home away from home and start planning an Anna Maria Island vacation filled with beautiful beaches, local flavors and plenty of sweet stops along the way.
About the Author - Midline Lozin
Midline is one of the newest members of the Island Real Estate Vacations team. With a strong background in customer service and vacation rental operations, she enjoys helping guests plan their stays and making their vacation experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. In her role, Midline assists guests with vacation rental bookings and provides support throughout their time on Anna Maria Island.
