In Venice, the phrase "On the Island" takes on a whole new meaning, describing the dreamy, sun-kissed lifestyle you’ll find waiting here. Turn the wheel from the main drag, Tamiami Trail, and head over the Intracoastal Waterway on one of the three bridges that connect the Isle of Venice to the mainland. You're now on island time.
Take it to the Beach
At the south end of the Island are the town’s famous shark tooth-strewn beaches, including Caspersen Beach, known for having the biggest shark teeth in Florida.
The annual Sharks Tooth Festival is held each spring at the nearby Venice Municipal Airport, but no matter when you visit the beach, it's always a good time to search for the coveted natural treasures.
If you’re not satisfied perusing the sandy shore for Venice’s claim-to-fame, there are also diving charters that will take you offshore to search for larger teeth.
Continue beach-hopping at Brohard Beach, where the Venice Municipal Pier stretches 700 feet into the Gulf. There is a live bait and tackle shop, and fishermen can cast a line here without a license.
At Venice's dog-friendly beach, near South Brohard Beach, pups bring their owners to play in the surf or sniff out new friends in the gated paw park area.
Farthest north on the island and at the west end of Venice Avenue is Venice Beach, a certified Blue Wave beach. Enjoy a cup of coffee from the snack bar for less than a dollar under the airy pavilion that overlooks the surf, then head east on the tree and flower-lined avenue toward downtown.
Wine and Dine
Get a taste of the local fare at Crow’s Nest Marina Restaurant. Indulge in the fresh seafood and see what it was rated “Venice’s Best All Around Restaurant.”
If you’re in the mood for a more intimate setting, Café Venice Restaurant and Wine Bar is the perfect place to cool down with a nice glass of wine.
A post-beach favorite is the Soda Fountain, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Its Spruce Goose is beloved—a scoop of every flavor, plus every topping. If you dare to tackle it, it can be fun for the whole family or a group of your friends.
Free Fun for the Fam
This Florida MainStreet City is filled with more than just antiques stores and clothing boutiques (although you'll find more than enough to tickle your fancy).
At the center of downtown, children can play at Centennial Park's water fountains. The nearby gazebo is a popular picnic spot, and the Historic Train Depot is trailhead for the new Legacy Trail popular with cyclists.
Support the Arts
On West Tampa Avenue, theatre buffs take in a play at the Venice Little Theatre where, at any given time, you may find a mix of contemporary and classic dramas, Broadway musicals, comedies and cabarets on its two stages. Ticket prices are also reasonable, typically ranging from $10-25.
Arts enthusiasts should plan a stop into Clyde Butcher Gallery on Warfield Avenue, just over the Intracoastal. This is the famed Florida nature photographer's only location outside of the Everglades, which he made famous in his black-and-white photography.
Whatever your desire, in Venice, it's On the Island.
