With its many picturesque beaches, nature preserves, and fun things to do, it’s easy to see why Venice was voted as one of the “happiest seaside towns in America.” Visitors to this beautiful coastal city have a wide variety of activities to choose from including taking a walk through a lively and historic downtown or snorkeling for shark teeth. No matter your interests, there is something fun for you to do here. Use the following guide to make the most of your time in Venice.
Visitors in Venice have a wide variety of unique attractions to choose from. Some of the best things to do here include snorkeling at Caspersen Beach or imagining yourself behind the wheel of classic cars at the Ideal Classic Cars Museum and Showroom.
The best activities to do near Venice include:
Venice Theater: one of the largest community theaters in the United States
Caspersen Beach: grab a snorkel and search the seafloor for shark teeth
Ideal Classic Cars Museum and Showroom: a classic car museum that also buys and sells
Oscar Scherer State Park: fishing, swimming, kayaking, camping, and miles of hiking trails
Venice Beach: beautiful stretch of white sand with picnic areas and a concession stand
The city of Venice has many landmarks and attractions that you must see during your time here. Historic Downtown Venice is the first place you should go as it is the heart of the city.
Popular activities for visitors near Venice include:
Historic Venice Train Depot: the area’s only surviving passenger train depot offers tours and exhibits
Historic Downtown Venice: a relaxing atmosphere full of history and interesting shops
The Venice Jetty: these jetties were constructed in 1937 and offer great surfing and fishing
Venice Fishing Pier: come here for great views of Venice Beach and good fishing
Venezia Park: a historic district packed with classic homes and history
Venice offers a diverse selection of fun attractions that are available any day of the week. Sharky’s is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat with beachfront views while Jelks preserve has miles of trails and acres of land to explore.
Exciting activities happening near Venice today include:
Sharky’s On The Pier: beachfront restaurant with a seafood-heavy menu and a tiki bar
Sleeping Turtles Preserve North: experience Floridian nature along the easy trails in this preserve
Nokomis Beach: picturesque beach with lifeguards and a snack bar
Jelks Preserve: 8 miles of trails and 614 acres of nature preserve on the Myakka River
Logan River Tours: take a tour of the beautiful Myakka River
Your kids are bound to enjoy their time in Venice. The city has many beaches, nature preserves, and parks offering playgrounds and other kid-friendly attractions.
Family-Friendly things to do near Venice include:
Centennial Park: offering live music, shaded picnic areas, and a splash fountain
Brohard Beach: a dog-friendly beach and fenced park with showers
Legacy Trail: a 12.5 mile trail running from Sarasota to Venice
Curry Creek Preserve: paddle boats, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing
Centennial Park: shaded picnic areas with a playground and splash fountain
Forget the sunscreen and hats, there are plenty of things to do indoors in Venice. The city is filled with popular restaurants, museums, and historic buildings to give you plenty of indoor activities to choose from.
Things to do indoors near Venice include:
Triangle Inn: tour this historic house opened in 1927
Dockside Waterfront Grill: seafood-focused menu with tiki huts and a daily happy hour
Epiphany Cathedral: a Roman Catholic cathedral with interesting architecture
Island Fitness and Yoga: a number of fun fitness classes including the best Zumba in the area
Sirena Island Day Spa: choose a package that fits you and start on your path to relaxation
You’ll want to spend most of your time in Venice outdoors. From beautiful beaches to acres of preserved lands, there are plenty of things to do outdoors here.
Outdoor activities in Venice include:
South Jetty Beach: come here for surfing, swimming, fishing, and sunset watching
Service Club Park: a boardwalk and picnic areas with swimming and volleyball courts
Hecksher Park: this areas was once the location of 19th century estates of George C. Taylor and J. Neal Plum. William Nicoll
Pacono Trail Preserve: easy hiking trails in the shade of tall trees
Humphris Park: this park has playgrounds for kids and relaxing beaches for adults
