Guidebook for Venice
Food Scene
Right on the beach with outdoor dining and live music most nights. Food is down to earth and tasty!
252 locals recommend
Sharky’s On The Pier
1600 Harbor Dr SRight on the beach with outdoor dining and live music most nights. Food is down to earth and tasty!
Right on the Myakka River - with boat rentals and live music in the outdoor band shell for the outdoor diners or indoors in the screened patio. Excellent atmosphere and great casual food.
60 locals recommend
Snook Haven
5000 E Venice AveRight on the Myakka River - with boat rentals and live music in the outdoor band shell for the outdoor diners or indoors in the screened patio. Excellent atmosphere and great casual food.
Perched right on the Myakka River - great casual food in a very nice location right on the river
15 locals recommend
Myakka River Oyster Bar
121 Playmore DrPerched right on the Myakka River - great casual food in a very nice location right on the river
Fin's at Sharky's is the place to go for fancy or eclectic food such as sushi while also enjoying a beautiful air conditioned view of the Venice Pier and sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
76 locals recommend
Fins At Sharky's
1600 Harbor Dr SFin's at Sharky's is the place to go for fancy or eclectic food such as sushi while also enjoying a beautiful air conditioned view of the Venice Pier and sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
Pop's Sunset Grill has something for everyone with outdoor dining right near Nokomis Beach and an excellent selection of food to choose from.
102 locals recommend
Pop's Sunset Grill
112 Circuit RdPop's Sunset Grill has something for everyone with outdoor dining right near Nokomis Beach and an excellent selection of food to choose from.
Great place for gourmet dining - serving breakfast and lunch every day except for Monday till 2:30
28 locals recommend
Blu' Island Bistro
625 S Tamiami TrailGreat place for gourmet dining - serving breakfast and lunch every day except for Monday till 2:30
The Crow's Nest is located right on the bay in Venice - you even visit here by boat if you like! It's a popular place for locals and visitors alike.
67 locals recommend
Crow's Nest Restaurant & Marina
1968 Tarpon Center DrThe Crow's Nest is located right on the bay in Venice - you even visit here by boat if you like! It's a popular place for locals and visitors alike.
Norma Jean's
1635 U.S. 41 Bypass SNorma Jean's is a favorite local sports bar with great food
BrewBurgers Pub & Grill
545 S Tamiami TrailGreat burgers and atmosphere and a local favorite
Left Coast Seafood Co
385 US-41 BYPExcellent fresh fish and great atmosphere
Probably THE BEST authentic Italian food in Venice - family owned and run - get here early if you want a seat! Has seats for dining, an Italian food market where you can buy real imported Italian ingredients, catering and a deli all in one!
11 locals recommend
Angelo's
850 Pinebrook RdProbably THE BEST authentic Italian food in Venice - family owned and run - get here early if you want a seat! Has seats for dining, an Italian food market where you can buy real imported Italian ingredients, catering and a deli all in one!
If you want the real deal Italian pizza and a homey and welcoming atmosphere this is the place for you! Benny is there many nights and once you meet him you'll love him. Very popular with locals and visitors alike - not a lot of seats and almost always packed.
Benny Bada Bings Pizza
1815 S Tamiami TrailIf you want the real deal Italian pizza and a homey and welcoming atmosphere this is the place for you! Benny is there many nights and once you meet him you'll love him. Very popular with locals and visitors alike - not a lot of seats and almost always packed.
Drinks & Nightlife
Ice cold tap beers and some juicy Tony's Chicago Beef sandwiches at an outdoor bar right on Tamiami Trail. Used to be the Frosted Mug and was built in 1957 - way before all the other buildings around it now. Closes before 9pm
10 locals recommend
Tony's Chicago Beef Co. Southside (aka Frosted Mug)
1856 S Tamiami TrailIce cold tap beers and some juicy Tony's Chicago Beef sandwiches at an outdoor bar right on Tamiami Trail. Used to be the Frosted Mug and was built in 1957 - way before all the other buildings around it now. Closes before 9pm
Open bar and restaurant right on West Venice Avenue that has great frozen drinks and live music many nights
38 locals recommend
Daiquiri Deck Island of Venice
300 W Venice AveOpen bar and restaurant right on West Venice Avenue that has great frozen drinks and live music many nights
With 15 draught beers and specials in addition to our everyday menu, everyone is sure to find what they’ve been craving! The British Open Pub is the place to come for comfortable food, friends, and atmosphere!
7 locals recommend
British Open Pub
367 Jacaranda BlvdWith 15 draught beers and specials in addition to our everyday menu, everyone is sure to find what they’ve been craving! The British Open Pub is the place to come for comfortable food, friends, and atmosphere!
Parks & Nature
Daily rates to visit the Warm Mineral Springs - frequented by many from Europe and touted as a healing spring - a must see while you are here. Bring your beach chairs and pool noodles and float around the spring and get healed!
60 locals recommend
Warm Mineral Springs
Daily rates to visit the Warm Mineral Springs - frequented by many from Europe and touted as a healing spring - a must see while you are here. Bring your beach chairs and pool noodles and float around the spring and get healed!
Sparkling white sugar sand that never gets hot and an huge beach with awesome amenities - voted number one beach in the US by Coastal Living for several years
798 locals recommend
Siesta Beach
Sparkling white sugar sand that never gets hot and an huge beach with awesome amenities - voted number one beach in the US by Coastal Living for several years
Small bird sanctuary around a small waterway - watch birds return just before dark to roost for the night. Lots of water birds hang out here!
22 locals recommend
Venice Area Audubon Society
Annex RoadSmall bird sanctuary around a small waterway - watch birds return just before dark to roost for the night. Lots of water birds hang out here!
Take the Canopy Walkway above the trees or ride the Pontoon boat to spot alligators. Or if you prefer you can walk, hike, kayak or canoe around the park too.
382 locals recommend
Myakka River State Park
13208 State Rd 72Take the Canopy Walkway above the trees or ride the Pontoon boat to spot alligators. Or if you prefer you can walk, hike, kayak or canoe around the park too.
The Legacy Trail is a trail system connecting communities across Sarasota County and stretching into neighboring Charlotte County. The Legacy Trail offers rest stops, trailheads and free parking, users will find rest station areas approximately every mile.
61 locals recommend
Legacy Trail
Central Sarasota ParkwayThe Legacy Trail is a trail system connecting communities across Sarasota County and stretching into neighboring Charlotte County. The Legacy Trail offers rest stops, trailheads and free parking, users will find rest station areas approximately every mile.
Brohard Paw Park
1850 Harbor Dr SBest dog beach around!
Free access and free parking at the end of West Venice Avenue. There are bathroom facilities and vending machines and lifeguards.
232 locals recommend
Venice Beach
101 The Esplanade SFree access and free parking at the end of West Venice Avenue. There are bathroom facilities and vending machines and lifeguards.
Animal sanctuary home to big cats & other wild species offering animal encounters & seasonal hours.
158 locals recommend
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
7101 Palmer BlvdAnimal sanctuary home to big cats & other wild species offering animal encounters & seasonal hours.
This flatwood area boasts riverside camping, hiking & equestrian trails, fishing & native wildlife.
24 locals recommend
Myakka State Forest
2000 S River RdThis flatwood area boasts riverside camping, hiking & equestrian trails, fishing & native wildlife.
Walking trails, a playground & sport courts, plus an environmental center, in a waterfront habitat.
46 locals recommend
Shamrock Park & Nature Center
3900 Shamrock DrWalking trails, a playground & sport courts, plus an environmental center, in a waterfront habitat.
Historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting.
296 locals recommend
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdHistoric attraction featuring more than 150 animals & shows in a tropical setting.
Centennial Park is located in the heart of downtown, between West Venice Avenue and West Tampa Avenue. It features Venice's signature ADA-accessible gazebo, 3-hour parking, vehicle charging stations, picnic tables, benches, restrooms, a memorial to veterans, Venice MainStreet information kiosk and Children's Interactive Fountain in an area often used for special events and concerts. The fountain is open from 9:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. and is kept to swimming pool standards
21 locals recommend
Centennial Park
200 W Venice AveCentennial Park is located in the heart of downtown, between West Venice Avenue and West Tampa Avenue. It features Venice's signature ADA-accessible gazebo, 3-hour parking, vehicle charging stations, picnic tables, benches, restrooms, a memorial to veterans, Venice MainStreet information kiosk and Children's Interactive Fountain in an area often used for special events and concerts. The fountain is open from 9:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. and is kept to swimming pool standards
Oscar Scherer is a hidden gem surrounded by housing developments and major highways, and the park plays an invaluable role in the preservation of Florida scrub-jay habitat. Bald eagles nest here in the winter and in the summer Lake Osprey attracts anglers, swimmers and kayakers.
Fifteen miles of trails provide solitude, beauty, challenge and a healthy adventure for everyone. The park is a popular stopover for bicyclists and walkers on the Legacy Trail, making Oscar Scherer an important place for the surrounding community and a worthwhile stop for travelers.
91 locals recommend
Oscar Scherer State Park
Oscar Scherer State ParkOscar Scherer is a hidden gem surrounded by housing developments and major highways, and the park plays an invaluable role in the preservation of Florida scrub-jay habitat. Bald eagles nest here in the winter and in the summer Lake Osprey attracts anglers, swimmers and kayakers.
Fifteen miles of trails provide solitude, beauty, challenge and a healthy adventure for everyone. The park is a popular stopover for bicyclists and walkers on the Legacy Trail, making Oscar Scherer an important place for the surrounding community and a worthwhile stop for travelers.
Arts & Culture
Ringling Brothers Circus made their home in Sarasota so lots to see at this museum
540 locals recommend
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
5401 Bay Shore RdRingling Brothers Circus made their home in Sarasota so lots to see at this museum
Live performances by local actors and actresses of popular plays - fun times!
65 locals recommend
Venice Theatre
140 Tampa Ave WLive performances by local actors and actresses of popular plays - fun times!
Nokomis Beach Drum Circle is located in Sarasota County at the main beach area on Casey Key. Every Wednesday and Saturday evening, approximately 2 hours before sunset they join together as Drummers, Musicians, Dancers, Hoopers and Spinners.
All come together to Celebrate Life, Relax and Rejoice in the Paradise that we are grateful and privileged to live in.
21 locals recommend
Nokomis Drum circle
207 Casey Key RdNokomis Beach Drum Circle is located in Sarasota County at the main beach area on Casey Key. Every Wednesday and Saturday evening, approximately 2 hours before sunset they join together as Drummers, Musicians, Dancers, Hoopers and Spinners.
All come together to Celebrate Life, Relax and Rejoice in the Paradise that we are grateful and privileged to live in.
Shopping
Publix has several stores around Venice
13 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Venice Village Shoppes
4173 S Tamiami TrailPublix has several stores around Venice
Bealls Florida
4251 S Tamiami TrailUniquely Florida clothing and goods can be found here
Get your fresh cuts of meat here - excellent quality and personal service. They also sell home made pies and baked goods, have a deli counter and sell local eggs and vegetables
9 locals recommend
Herman's Meats and Deli
701 Shamrock BlvdGet your fresh cuts of meat here - excellent quality and personal service. They also sell home made pies and baked goods, have a deli counter and sell local eggs and vegetables
Loads of unique boutique shops all within a few blocks on West Venice Avenue
71 locals recommend
Historic Downtown Venice, FL
101 W Venice AveLoads of unique boutique shops all within a few blocks on West Venice Avenue
Enjoy fresh local and organic produce, fresh baked goods, seafood, cheese, artisan food vendors, cooking demos, handmade art, live music and much much more at the Venice Farmers Market every Saturday at 401 W. Venice Avenue at City Hall. Operating hours are from 8 AM to Noon April - September and 8 AM to 1 PM October through March.
22 locals recommend
The Venice Farmer's Market
401 W Venice AveEnjoy fresh local and organic produce, fresh baked goods, seafood, cheese, artisan food vendors, cooking demos, handmade art, live music and much much more at the Venice Farmers Market every Saturday at 401 W. Venice Avenue at City Hall. Operating hours are from 8 AM to Noon April - September and 8 AM to 1 PM October through March.
Detwiler's Farm Market is a family owned and operated farm market with 4 locations on the Suncoast. We're so much more than a farm market! You can find fresh produce, a seafood market, old fashioned butcher shop (Uni & Palmetto), Amish style deli meats and cheeses, a farmhouse bakery with fresh baked goods (Uni, Venice, Palmetto) & an old fashioned ice cream shop!
53 locals recommend
Detwiler's Farm Market
1250 US-41 BYPDetwiler's Farm Market is a family owned and operated farm market with 4 locations on the Suncoast. We're so much more than a farm market! You can find fresh produce, a seafood market, old fashioned butcher shop (Uni & Palmetto), Amish style deli meats and cheeses, a farmhouse bakery with fresh baked goods (Uni, Venice, Palmetto) & an old fashioned ice cream shop!
Essentials
Walmart Super Center has everything - not just groceries and is open 24 hours
14 locals recommend
Walmart Supercenter
13140 S Tamiami TrailWalmart Super Center has everything - not just groceries and is open 24 hours
Entertainment & Activities
Only 20 minutes north up Rt 41 (Tamiami Trail) - a must for families
532 locals recommend
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
1600 Ken Thompson PkwyOnly 20 minutes north up Rt 41 (Tamiami Trail) - a must for families
Modern, multiscreen theater featuring mainstream & 3-D films, seasoned popcorn & an arcade.
20 locals recommend
B&B Theatres Venice Galleria Stadium 11
2111 S Tamiami TrailModern, multiscreen theater featuring mainstream & 3-D films, seasoned popcorn & an arcade.
Only about 15 minutes north of Venice - a modern 12 screen movie theater
25 locals recommend
AMC Sarasota 12
8201 S Tamiami TrailOnly about 15 minutes north of Venice - a modern 12 screen movie theater
The pier is the premier fishing spot in Venice. The 700-foot long pier boasts great sunsets, dolphin watching, and a bait shop. Fishing from the pier does not require a fishing license. Nearby are six picnic shelters, two sand volleyball courts, public restrooms, pavilions, two restaurants and a beautiful golf course. Plenty of parking, public restrooms and showers.
68 locals recommend
Venice Fishing Pier
1600 Harbor Dr SThe pier is the premier fishing spot in Venice. The 700-foot long pier boasts great sunsets, dolphin watching, and a bait shop. Fishing from the pier does not require a fishing license. Nearby are six picnic shelters, two sand volleyball courts, public restrooms, pavilions, two restaurants and a beautiful golf course. Plenty of parking, public restrooms and showers.
Elin, a certified yoga instructor, brings her unique style to Free Yoga with Elin – Venice Beach Florida, to share with all. Her goal is to provide an environment where people feel comfortable and safe to practice this incredible discipline.
Free Beach Yoga Classes
Pricing: Yoga on the Venice Beach is FREE to all that come!
NOW 7 DAYS A WEEK – No Reservations Needed
What to bring: Water & B.Y.O.M & S. Bring Your Mat and a SMILE.
Instruction for Free Yoga with Elin at The Venice Beach Pavilion on the beach it doesn’t get any better.
Free Yoga with Elin
Elin, a certified yoga instructor, brings her unique style to Free Yoga with Elin – Venice Beach Florida, to share with all. Her goal is to provide an environment where people feel comfortable and safe to practice this incredible discipline.
Free Beach Yoga Classes
Pricing: Yoga on the Venice Beach is FREE to all that come!
NOW 7 DAYS A WEEK – No Reservations Needed
What to bring: Water & B.Y.O.M & S. Bring Your Mat and a SMILE.
Instruction for Free Yoga with Elin at The Venice Beach Pavilion on the beach it doesn’t get any better.
The Ferry Captain will meet you at the landing located at 4800 Lemon Bay Drive. The Ferry leaves every half hour beginning at 9:30am, everyday but Wednesday, when the Captain takes a day of rest and volunteers make boat repairs and upkeep.
Take the 4 minute ferry ride to pristine and private South Venice Beach. Parking at the ferry is free and there is plenty of space. Located at the tip of Manasota Key you'll want to make sure you bring your shark tooth sifter to find unique shells and shark's teeth in the surf.
Hours of operation are as follows:
The ferry runs from 9:30 am to sunset, every half hour. The ferry does not run on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving or Christmas.
All ferry passes are good for up to six (6) people.
Make sure you bring your provided Ferry Pass each time you board the Ferry.
Many of our guests have commented that this is their favorite part of their stay!
24 locals recommend
South Venice Beach Ferry
4800 Lemon Bay DrThe Ferry Captain will meet you at the landing located at 4800 Lemon Bay Drive. The Ferry leaves every half hour beginning at 9:30am, everyday but Wednesday, when the Captain takes a day of rest and volunteers make boat repairs and upkeep.
Take the 4 minute ferry ride to pristine and private South Venice Beach. Parking at the ferry is free and there is plenty of space. Located at the tip of Manasota Key you'll want to make sure you bring your shark tooth sifter to find unique shells and shark's teeth in the surf.
Hours of operation are as follows:
The ferry runs from 9:30 am to sunset, every half hour. The ferry does not run on Wednesdays, Thanksgiving or Christmas.
All ferry passes are good for up to six (6) people.
Make sure you bring your provided Ferry Pass each time you board the Ferry.
Many of our guests have commented that this is their favorite part of their stay!
Great daily, weekly or monthly rates to use the entire facility including the Olympic size heated outdoor pool. Lots of great classes happening all year round.
Venice YMCA
701 Center RdGreat daily, weekly or monthly rates to use the entire facility including the Olympic size heated outdoor pool. Lots of great classes happening all year round.