Things to do in Venice Florida

There is no way to cover all of the things you can do in Venice, Florida. From fishing to boating to parasailing to jetskiing, Venice offers a little of everything to everyone. Some prefer a relaxing day on the beach with their dog at Brohard Paw Park. Others want to see the outstanding theatre event and art shows. Still others want to beach comb, have a nice dinner and walk out on the pier for sunset. But you don't have to choose just one, you can do them all in Venice. Here are a few of our favorites.

Venice Beach

Right down from the shopping district of Venice is beautiful Venice Beach. As with all of the beaches in Venice it is free and meticulously taken care of. From the beautiful breezes to the incredible sunsets over the water (the west coast of Florida is the only place on the east coast where you get sunsets over the water.) this beach will relax you while you get your tan.

Venice Beach has a host of activities going on, from free yoga classes to beach volleyball tournaments.

"Free parking, restrooms, changing room, and plenty of room on the beach. An adequate snack and sundries bar as well. Pristine sand and water. In fact they have won some awards for environmentally sound and clean beaches. Well done, Town of Venice," says Art of Massachusetts.

What more can we say!

Sam Rife gives you a little look at Venice from above in his powered parachute!

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Venice Fishing Pier

Jutting straight into the water, the Venice Fishing Pier is what puts the word pier in Sharky's on the Pier. From just a gentle, romantic stroll out to watch the sunset or for die hard fishers, this pier includes a bait shop and plenty of locals willing to have a chat.

"A great place to watch the locals haul in fish. they are friendly people, and will point out whatever interesting is floating around the pier," said Crumpet of New York.

And don't worry if you are into fishing and forgot your gear. James of Virginia points out "You can rent gear and buy bait if you didn't bring your own."

Oh yes, and it's free and requires no license to fish from the pier. "It's a nice, easy walk and gives you a great view of the coastline. You can watch folks fish off the pier. And it's free! The Venice Beach area is pretty and has natural landscaping and isn't crowded," said Dena of Colorado.

"Was able to see a few dolphins!" Val of Nebraska.

Don't take Val's word for it. Here's a video from Cryptic Cricket as he takes a little stroll along the Venice Fishing Pier one day taking in all the activity.

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Caspersen Beach

Caspersen Beach is one of the reasons for Venice, Florida receiving the title of "Shark's Tooth Capital of the World". Located just south of Downtown Venice, you can walk along the shallows of the beach and scoop prehistoric sharks teeth right out of the sand. While some of these teeth are small, about the size of a fingernail, others have been found that are so large they exceed the palm of your hand. Some make jewelry like necklaces and bracelets out of the teeth and they make great pieces in art. Kids love to find the teeth among the many interesting shells that come with them.

"Such beautiful water, birds, and white shells. I can hardly wait to return for another visit." said Mrs. Bush of North Carolina.

Caspersen is a natural setting that has been undisturbed by development, other than the wood walkways that help you to navigate through the area. But it's not just all about the teeth. The beach itself is quiet and relaxing and beautiful.

"Even more fascinating for me than the shark's teeth is the rock/coral which is just loaded with all kinds of little critter fossils," Richard of Massachusetts.

"Beautiful area and reserve. bring a packed lunch and spend the day ; ) " said Michelle of New Jersey with a smile.

So what is the deal with Shark's teeth anyway? Visit Florida gives you the answer in the short video as they visit Caspersen Beach.

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Warm Mineral Springs

"This is the fountain of youth of Ponce De Leon fame!" says Furrawn of California. The Warm Mineral Springs is located a short drive just east of Venice, Florida and is renown around the world as a healing spring. The waters of the spring stay a consistent warm temperature of 87 degree and the minerals in the water are said to add to health, youth and some claim they cure disease. "What a relaxing place!!!" Nancy from South Carolina said. Lee K of Florida says he visited for the first time "loved it."

As you float around in the buoyant water - or take one of the water yoga or dance classes - beautiful, relaxing music plays in the background. But it's not just about the springs, they also offer other health services, such as spa, massage and acupuncture. 9 million gallons of water flow out of the underground springs everyday that come in from a 230 foot drop in the center.

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Brohard Paw Park Dog Beach

If you are a dog owner or simply a dog lover, the Brohard Paw Park is a unique little piece of Venice. Dogs can run along the sandy beaches or take a dip into the ocean. Bring along your shampoo and wash them up before heading home at the doggie washing stations. Don't leave your pet at home while you go to the beach, bring them with you!

"When I researched places to stay in Florida, I read about this Paw Park in Venice and that clinched the decision. From the first time we brought our two Springer Spaniels to the beach they were hooked, and so were we!" Karen R. says.

Edward from Michigan found it amazing. "The dogs were having a blast in and out of the water chasing balls and each other everyone seemed to be having a great time."

You've watched all those movies with the dog owner and their best buddy running along the beach, playing fetch, catching frisbees and enjoying life as the sun sets in the background. Well, there are few places you can do that these days and make it a reality. Brohard is one of them. The best part is that you get to do it in the great Florida sunshine along one of the most pleasant beaches.

"The perfect place for your pup to have fun! Friendly dogs and responsible owners," Kay of Connecticut said.

Rachel of Florida over at Yelp added, "this and the cute shops in Venice are probably are favorite things in Venice. The dog beach is a really great size, and the sand and water is so pretty."

Some video of Brohard Paw Park with dogs surfing and playing in the sand and ocean.

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Venice Theatre

Opened in 1950, the Venice Theatre is the third-largest community theatre in the United States and the largest per capita. It is right in downtown Venice, Florida. From Second Samuel to Our Town to Sleepy Hollow and many more, the performances at the theatre are outstanding. The theatre also offers classes for every part of theatre production from acting to sound.

"Saw a production of 'Annie," said Jay of Canada. "A decidedly elderly cast combined with some young talent made for a very enjoyable show with lots of heart." Maryanne of New York agreed, chiming in that the Venice Theatre was a "Nice venue ... costumes, staging, sets and performance were most enjoyable."

Daisy of Ohio took in one of her favorites. "Went to Hello Dolly [and] would highly recommend this when you visit the area."

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Legacy Trail

The Legacy Trail runs twelve miles all the way from Venice to Sarasota. A full 12 miles, the trail from Venice starts at the Venetian Waterway Park Trail and continues all the way up to Sarasota.

"The Trail is an immaculately maintained asphalt surface," Says Elmo of London, UK. "You will see many different examples of bird and plant life."

Along the way it passes by lovely waterways and includes rest areas with benches and restrooms.

"This trail is great," says Diane of Wisconsin. "Covered with asphalt and wide enough for at least 3 bikes across. We stared in Venice and went North and came back. Rented Bikes right off the trail. Very Convenient."

If you love to bike or take long walks and runs in the beautiful weather this is the place for you!

"I like to run this stretch," Says O from New York. "Everyone is out and about exercising and enjoying good company and beautiful weather."

"24 miles of Flat, Traffic Free Cycling," Jay of New York concurs. "If you are looking for a stress-free place for a bike ride, this is it."