Why Is Venice Worth Visiting?
Venice is known for its many waterways and beaches. There are several beautiful lakes within the city limits, as well as many rivers that feed into the Gulf of Mexico. Because it lies on the coast, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Venice, FL if you love being near water.
The city’s founders decided to create a community that would mimic Venice, Italy. Many people retire here permanently after spending their lives in colder climates. It’s also a great place for boating enthusiasts because there are so many marinas and boat launches in this area.
Venice is also a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to other attractions such as Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach. Its beautiful beaches and great restaurants that offer fresh seafood make it worth staying in. It’s not surprising that so many people love visiting Venice because it’s such a pretty place!
Things to Do in Venice, FL on the Beach
One of the most popular things to do in Venice, FL is to spend time on its sandy beaches. The water is clean and clear, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Of course, Venice Beach is the most popular, and it’s connected to Chancy Howard Park if you want to see some greenery amid the sand. Venice Fishing Pier, on the other hand, is a great place to catch some sun and try your hand at fishing. You can also walk out to the end of the pier to get a better view of the Gulf of Mexico.
There are several more beaches in Venice, and we’ll describe them below. You’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you!
Caspersen Beach
This beach is known for its wide, flat shoreline that’s perfect for walking and running. The sand here is also great for building sandcastles, and some people say they’ve found shark teeth lying around! You can find Caspersen Beach on Harbor Drive, behind Red Lake. It stretches all the way south to Manasota Key.
South Jetty Beach
This beach is on the northernmost tip of Venice and is a great place to watch the sunset, see some dolphins or go on a boat tour. The beach ends with Humphris Park, a nice place to look for wildlife. Across the water, you can see North Jetty Beach in Nokomis.
Brohard Paw Park Beach
This beach is located in the southern part of Venice, just north of Caspersen Beach, and it’s a great place to bring your dog! It has a fenced-in area for dogs to run around and play, and there’s also a doggy shower, so you can clean them off before heading home.
Attractions in Downtown Venice
There are plenty of things to do in Venice, FL away from the beach. Start your exploration at the Venice Museum and Archives, where you can learn about the city’s history. Then, stroll around Historic Downtown Venice and do some shopping or stop for a bite to eat. You’ll find plenty of cute cafés and restaurants, as well as some local boutiques.
Don’t forget to visit the Venice Art Center, where you can see some rotating exhibitions by local artists. The center also offers classes if you want to try your hand at painting or sculpture. If you’re looking to catch a live show, Venice Theatre and Venice Performing Arts Center have you covered.
For a leisurely stroll, Centennial Park is a great option. It has a gazebo and plenty of benches where you can sit and people watch. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love the playground and water fountains.
Leaving the Downtown
Venetian Waterway is another pretty park, and it’s perfect for a morning jog or walk. It follows a man-made canal and has several bridges that you can cross. You’ll also find some Venetian-style homes along the waterway.
And, of course, you can’t leave Venice without crossing the North Tamiami Trail to visit the 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot! It’s now a museum that houses an eclectic collection of artifacts. In the neighborhood, you’ll also find Clyde Butcher Venice Gallery & Studio, where you can see the world-famous photographer’s black and white prints of Florida landscapes.
Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting in Venice
In addition to the aforementioned South Jetty Beach, there are several other great places in Venice to see some Florida wildlife. The Venice Area Audubon Rookery is a great place to go birdwatching.
If you want to spot some lizards and tortoises, Shamrock Park & Nature Center is the place for you. You can also take a nature walk or go kayaking there. South Venice Lemon Bay Preserve is another option, and it’s within walking distance of two other nature preserves.
Touring the Ideal Classic Cars Museum in South Venice
Are you interested in cars from the 1950s and 1960s? If so, you’ll want to add the Ideal Classic Cars Museum to your list of things to do in Venice, FL. This museum has a rotating collection of over 50 classic cars, so there’s always something new to see.
Dining and Shopping in Venice
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Venice has plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Snook Haven is the local favorite for BBQ, and they also have live music most nights. You can even spot alligators in the Myakka River State Park!
For a casual meal, try Peach’s Restaurant or La Botte Italian Bistro. As for seafood, Sharky’s on the Pier serves up fresh catches, and they have a great view of the ocean. And for an authentic Italian meal, head to Made in Italy.
When it comes to shopping, you’ll find everything from local boutiques to national chains in Venice. The Downtown area is especially good for finding unique treasures. Some popular places to shop include Sea Pleasures & Treasures, Green Parrot Gift Shop and Venice Stationers.
Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Venice!
And there you have it! These are just a few of the things to do in Venice, FL. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, cultural attractions or shopping and dining, you’ll find it all here. It’s time to start planning your trip!
Did we miss anything? Tell us about your favorite places in the comments below.
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