Things to Do in Venice, Florida

For the epitome of Floridian dining, Fins at Sharky’s gives all other waterfront restaurants a run for their money. Located directly on the beach with a stunning view of the Gulf and insanely long pier, it’s a rare location where you can eat, chat, drink, watch fishermen, and take a mid-dining swim during the same meal. Order some fish (cobia and red snapper, please!) and one of their artisan cocktails, listen to the sounds of waves crashing, and feel the salty breeze on your skin.

Watch for Florida critters while traversing the Legacy Trail, the 23.2-mile long bike trail that begins at the Historic Venice Train Depot. Lizards, bobcats, rabbits, racoons, snakes, perhaps a panther – the Trail is home to all in Florida, regardless of species.

Your best bet to find the big, big shark teeth – we’re talking Megalodon here – is to grab a mask and snorkel and search from within the waters. Caspersen Beach gives you ample opportunities to pursue your treasure. No need to venture far; just wade in, pop on that mask, and start searching. Many stores along the main shopping drags in historic downtown Venice sell shark tooth sifter to give you that extra edge.  

Learn a little more about this unassuming, yet historic, town at the Venice Museum & Archives. Free admission gives visitors a glimpse of what made it what it is today. Fossils, artifacts, and pictures tell the tale of Venice. Frankly, I could look at old fishing pictures all day; why was everyone always dressed so elegantly and the fish so massive?

Whether you’re looking for traditional Florida or modern décor, staying at the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel Venezia and Hampton Inn Suites & Bayside Venice will leave you rested and in the midst of Florida leisure.

Local, fresh seafood is the standard at Dockside Waterfront Grill on the Venice Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Grab a boat drink and watch the boats along the marina while noshing on grouper, shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, and bisque.

Catch a ghost on the Venice Florida Haunted History Tour. Learn about the history of Venice from the 1920s to today and the paranormal presence that lingers. History tours – by foot, bike, trolley, or golf cart – tell of the settlers, architecture, and all the drama from the past 100 years.

One weekend each month, the Venice Mercato opens its doors. Inside are treasures you didn’t know you needed until that magical moment when you are united. This European-style vintage market spends each month searching out and cleaning up goodies form rugs to tables, dresses to that weird breadbox like your aunt had. The hunt is half the fun, and the story that goes along with your new finds is the other half.

There is a little hidden gem of a beach in Venice that no cars, bikes, hoverboards, or even feet can reach. To visit the South Venice Beach, you need to venture via water, and the Venice Ferry is the ideal way to get there. A mini tour of the Intracoastal is just an added bonus to the trip. If you happen to have your own means of water travel, squeeze in a jaunt up nearby Alligator Creek to search for snook, herons, mullets, and crabs.

It’s Venice. You must. I’m pretty sure the beach would be sad if you didn’t. Take your pick of the four beaches and stroll along the tidal edge. Look up to watch for diving birds, look straight to observe dolphins jumping, or look down to and search for seashells and shark’s teeth for the ideal summation of a Venice visit.

February and March mean Major League Baseball Spring Training in Florida. The Atlanta Braves call Cool Today Parkin Venice their off-season home, where baseball fans can grab their peanuts and Cracker Jack …but since it’s Florida, there’s also a tiki bar & grill.

Hop aboard with Captain Dove of Sail Venice for a two-hour sail around the Gulf of Mexico. Watch for dolphin, nibble on snacks, and let the Gulf winds blow your cares away. Ambitious riders can take a hand at the wheel, while relaxation enthusiasts can simply enjoy the ride.

Explore art of all mediums at Venice Theatre and Venice Art Center. Both originated in the 1950s, both feature local art and both showcase the craft in various forms, be it on stage or on exhibit. Best to check out both to see which you prefer – it’s up to interpretation, like all good art.