Government & Public Services
Verified community resource
Local
City of Venice
Official website of the City of Venice government, with city services, utilities, permits and public meeting information.
Venice Community Hub
Venice
The Shark Tooth Capital of the World, with small-town Gulf Coast character
Venice is a small, walkable Gulf Coast city known around the world for fossilized shark teeth on its beaches and an unhurried, old-Florida pace of life. Consider this page your hub: a quick orientation to the city, with each interest linking to a full Gulf Coast guide where the deeper detail lives. Nothing here is an encyclopedia entry, just the fast route to what matters.
Explore Venice
The fast route around town: jump straight to the guide you need, organized by what you came to do. Every card below links to a full Gulf Coast guide, so there is always more depth behind the door.
Things to Do & Events
Today • This Weekend • Upcoming
Beaches
Venice Beach, Caspersen & Brohard
Dining
Waterfront, downtown & local classics
Live Music
Bars, restaurants, waterfront venues & local bands
Boating
Ramps, marinas & the Intracoastal
Fishing
Pier, surf & offshore reefs
Family Activities
Parks, playgrounds & shark-tooth hunts
Arts & Culture
Theatre, concerts & galleries
Keep Exploring
More Venice Guides
Family Activities
Family Activities in Venice
Family Activities Guide
Parks, playgrounds & kid-friendly outings
Venice is built for family days out: the eternal shark-tooth hunt along the Gulf shoreline, playgrounds at city and county parks, a family-friendly municipal beach and youth art programs. The family-activities guide points to the real places Venice families actually go.
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Shark-Tooth Hunting
The signature Venice activity: sift the gravel along the Gulf shoreline; Caspersen is the classic spot, currently walk-in access while its parking is repaired.
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Shamrock Park and Nature Center
Two playgrounds, boardwalk nature trails and the nature center.
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Venezia Park
Shaded playground and green space.
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Woodmere Park
Playgrounds, ballfields and open space.
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Venice Municipal Beach
Family-friendly Gulf beach with free parking and facilities.
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Venice Art Center
Youth and family art programs at 390 S Nokomis Ave.
Arts & Culture
Arts & Culture in Venice
Performing Arts Guide
Theater, opera, orchestra & dance
Venice's cultural life centers on its walkable historic downtown: a community art center with rotating public exhibitions, a local history museum, a restored 1927 train depot turned railroad history site, plus public art and galleries along Venice Avenue. Performing arts, including the 1,090-seat Venice Performing Arts Center and Venice Theatre, are covered in the Performing Arts guide.
Local
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Venice Art Center
Local Art center390 Nokomis Ave S, Venice FL 34285Community art center with about a dozen free public visual art exhibitions each year, hundreds of classes for adults and children, an artisan gift shop, art library and on-site cafe.
Open Monday to Friday 9 AM to 4 PM per current published hours, subject to change.
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Historic Venice Train Depot and Rollins W. Coakley Railroad Park
Local Historic site and museum303 E Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285Restored 1927 Spanish-style depot near the Legacy Trail, home of the South Florida Railway Museum's exhibits and the restored caboose, with the railroad park grounds beyond.
Free depot and Circus Car tours Saturdays 10 AM to 1 PM per current published info; confirm current hours via the official visitor sources.
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Venice Museum and Archives
Local Local history museum351 Nassau St S, Venice FL 34285City of Venice history museum housed in the Historic Triangle Inn, with rotating exhibits on the city's story.
Open Wednesday to Friday 10 AM to 4 PM, plus first and third Saturdays 11 AM to 3 PM (October through April) per current published City of Venice hours, subject to change.
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Downtown Venice public art and galleries
Local Public artWest Venice Ave, downtown VenicePublic art and independent galleries along Venice Avenue's walkable downtown; exhibitions and hours vary by venue.
Nearby
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Historic Spanish Point
Nearby Museum and historic site401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey FL 34229Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' 30-plus-acre outdoor living history museum and botanical garden on Little Sarasota Bay, on the National Register of Historic Places, with the Window to the Past shell midden exhibit, pioneer-era homes, Mary's Chapel, the Packing House and trails and gardens, about 10 minutes north of Venice.
Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, closed Christmas Day per current published hours; confirm current hours and admission at selby.org/hsp.
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Nokomis Beach drum circle
Nearby Community cultural traditionNokomis Beach, 100 Casey Key Rd, NokomisA long-running community drum circle tradition on Wednesday and Saturday evenings at Nokomis Beach; gathering times vary with the season, so check local sources before you go.
Biking & Walking
Biking & Walking in Venice
Biking & Walking Trails Guide
Trails, trailheads & waterfront walks
Venice may be at its best on two feet or two wheels: the Venetian Waterway Park's paved trails run along both sides of the Intracoastal between Caspersen Beach and Shamrock Park, and the Legacy Trail starts right at the Historic Venice Train Depot. Both are dog-friendly, paved and open to everyone.
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Venetian Waterway Park
About 5 miles of paved trail on each side of the Intracoastal, roughly 10 miles total, connecting Caspersen Beach and Shamrock Park.
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Legacy Trail
About 12.5 miles from the Historic Venice Train Depot north through Oscar Scherer State Park toward Sarasota, dog-friendly and open daylight hours.
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Historic Venice Train Depot
The southern trailhead and transit hub at 303 E Venice Ave, the perfect starting point, with parking at Legacy Park.
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Caspersen Beach access
Walk or ride in via the Venetian Waterway Park while the Caspersen lot is closed; the park is open to pedestrian and bicycle access only.
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Downtown Venice walking
A walkable historic district around Venice Avenue and Centennial Park, with boutiques, cafes and the Saturday farmers market within a short stroll.
Getting Around
Getting Around in Venice
Getting Around Guide
Breeze transit, parking & airports
Venice is easy to navigate: a walkable downtown, county Breeze transit along the coast through the Historic Venice Train Depot hub, Breeze OnDemand rides in the Venice zone and easy airport access north at SRQ and south at Punta Gorda. Parking downtown is easy too, with the Centennial Park lot's 3-hour free window.
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US 41 (Tamiami Trail)
The main coastal route through Venice; Breeze Route 17 runs between Sarasota and Venice along US 41.
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I-75
The regional interstate east of town; driving from downtown Venice to downtown Sarasota takes about 25-30 minutes via US-41 or I-75.
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Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
The primary nearest airport, about 28 miles north; PGD, Punta Gorda, about 38 miles south, is the alternative.
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Breeze OnDemand
Curb-to-curb rides in the Venice and Englewood zone, booked through the app.
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Historic Venice Train Depot
The Breeze transfer point and Legacy Trail trailhead, a transit and trail hub; no passenger rail service.
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Downtown & beach parking
The Centennial Park lot downtown offers a 3-hour free window, and Venice Beach and Brohard have free lots; Caspersen requires the walk-in approach until its lot reopens.
Relocation
Relocating to Venice
Relocation Guide
Step-by-step move planning
Moving to Venice is a little different from the bigger cities up the coast: city utilities, FEMA flood maps, Sarasota County schools and a walkable downtown all figure in. The relocation guide covers the Venice-specific steps first, from utility setup to flood zones.
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City of Venice Utilities
Water and sewer service setup, forms and billing on the city site.
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Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice Campus
Full-service acute care hospital serving Venice and south Sarasota County at 2600 Laurel Rd E, with a 24/7 emergency department.
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HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency
Freestanding 24/7 emergency department at 901 US 41 Bypass S, a department of HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, not a full-service hospital.
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Sarasota County Schools
The A-rated district serving Venice, with Venice Elementary, Venice Middle and Venice Senior High zoned for the city.
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Flood resources
The city has adopted FEMA flood maps with an interactive address lookup; NFIP participation means flood insurance is required in high-risk zones.
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Newcomer resources
County services and the city's new-resident information, plus the walkable downtown orientation, live on the city's official pages.
- Population
- 30,477 (2025 U.S. Census Bureau estimate)
- County
- Sarasota County
- Best Known For
- The Shark Tooth Capital of the World
- Nearest Airport
- Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ)
- Signature Resource
- Venice Fishing Pier, about 700 feet, open 24/7, free, no license required
First Time in Venice?
Venice is a relaxed coastal city built on six distinct waterfront stops along its Gulf shoreline, a walkable historic downtown and the informal title of Shark Tooth Capital of the World. It draws retirees, snowbirds and families who want small-town charm with Sarasota County services and real medical care close by. New here? Start with what matters first: the Venice beaches guide, a walk through historic downtown and its Saturday farmers market, shark-tooth hunting along the waterline, sunsets from the fishing pier, and the free gazebo concerts in Centennial Park. The quick orientation below fills in the rest, with each card linking to a deeper Gulf Coast guide.
Beaches & Water
Six stops along a few miles of Gulf shoreline: groomed Venice Beach under its 1964 sail pavilion, the fishing pier and dog beach at Brohard, South Brohard, quiet Service Club, wild Caspersen for shark-tooth hunting (walk-in access while its lot is closed), and Humphris Park at the inlet.
Venice BeachesDowntown & Dining
The historic downtown sits on the Gulf: boutiques, cafés, galleries, a Saturday farmers market and a relaxed dinner-and-drinks scene, with waterfront dining along the Intracoastal.
Dining GuideEntertainment & Events
Free gazebo concerts in Centennial Park, art walks, markets and seasonal festivals keep the calendar busy without big-city pretension.
Events CalendarGetting Around
US 41 (Tamiami Trail) is the main coastal route; Breeze Route 17 runs Sarasota to Venice. The Historic Venice Train Depot is the transit and Legacy Trail hub, with SRQ north and Punta Gorda Airport south.
Getting AroundSchools & Family
Sarasota County Schools, an A-rated district, serves the city; family life runs on the dog beach, the Venetian Waterway Park and the eternal shark-tooth hunt.
Schools & FamilyHousing & Real Estate
The market spans beachside condos, historic island bungalows and mainland family homes. Compare price ranges and the new-construction picture before you tour.
Market SnapshotWhere You Land
The island downtown sits on the Gulf; most neighborhoods are on the mainland, and North Venice and South Venice are separate communities along US 41. Sarasota County lines run the whole city.
Relocation GuideStorms & Season
Hurricane season runs June through November; the 2024 storms left Caspersen walk-in only and South Jetty closed. The hurricane and flood guides cover the practical picture.
Hurricane PrepNewcomer path: relocation, family activities, dining, getting around and schools & family.
Explore Around Venice
What's Nearby
A short drive in every direction opens a different Gulf Coast. These areas sit just outside the Venice area.
Restaurants & Bars
Venice Restaurants & Bars
From waterfront landmarks at the inlet to long-running downtown classics, Venice's dining scene runs small, local and walkable. Every pick below is tagged two ways, by cuisine and by experience, so you can find your fit fast. Each chip jumps to a matched list for that category.
By Cuisine
Italian Mexican Seafood Steakhouse Sushi & Japanese Pizza American Asian Breakfast & Brunch Restaurant of the Week
Gold chips open that cuisine's complete, verified Venice list, from Italian and seafood to Mexican, steakhouse, sushi, pizza, Asian and brunch picks.
By Experience
Waterfront Tiki & Island Bars Fine Dining Date Night Pet Friendly Live Music Dock Access Outdoor Dining Family Friendly Sports Bars BreweryNightlife
Tiki & Island Bars, Fine Dining, Date Night, Family Friendly and Sports Bars each open their verified Venice list; only Brewery and Nightlife have no dedicated list yet, so they stay labels.
Seafood WaterfrontDock AccessLive Music
Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina
Waterfront landmark at the Venice Inlet jetty since 1976, with a restaurant, tavern and full-service marina
Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina, 1968 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice FL · (941) 484-9551
Seafood WaterfrontLive MusicOutdoor Dining
Sharky's on the Pier
Beachfront dining at the base of the Venice Fishing Pier, with live music most evenings
Sharky's on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice FL · (941) 488-1456
Each category below is part of the master architecture, in the exact master order. Every list carries currently verified Venice picks with addresses, phone, website and directions where confirmed; nothing is listed without a confirmed operating status.
Italian
Italian dining in the historic district and along Venice Avenue, from red-sauce classics to handmade pasta.
Cassariano Italian Eatery
Handmade pastas on Venice Avenue
313 W Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 786-1000
Trattoria Da Mino
Neighborhood trattoria on Venice Avenue
335 W Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 800-4466
Mexican
Six verified local cantinas and taquerias: mariscos on the north Bypass, family-run kitchens on the south Bypass and a Wellen Park taco bar.
Plaza Mexico Mariscos
Mexican seafood (mariscos) restaurant, bar and grill on the north Bypass
405 US-41 Bypass N, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 488-0503
Chicanos Mexican Restaurant
Family-run Mexican kitchen on the south Bypass, open daily from 11 a.m.
1185 US-41 Bypass S, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 497-5249
Mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina
Long-running cantina with classic Mexican plates
530 US-41 Bypass S, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 486-0005
Irma's Tacos Craft Beer and Tequila Bar
Taco, craft beer and tequila bar in the Mercado district of Wellen Park
12221 Mercado Dr, Venice FL 34293 · (941) 681-2348
Cabo Breeze Mexican Grill & Tiki Bar
Mexican grill and tiki bar on South Tamiami Trail
648 S Tamiami Trl, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 412-9131
Taqueria La Marcelita
Birria and street tacos from a family-run food truck on the south Bypass
201 US-41 Bypass S, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 237-8872
Website not confirmed
Directions
Seafood
Fresh-off-the-boat fish houses, the inlet jetty and the pier head of the Gulf.
Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina
Waterfront landmark at the Venice Inlet jetty since 1976
Steakhouse
Prime cuts on the Bypass and a serious steak program downtown, from clubby taverns to white-tablecloth rooms.
CHAZ 51 Steakhouse
Steakhouse and craft cocktails on the 41 Bypass
549 US-41 Bypass, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 484-6200
PRIME Serious Steak
Upscale prime steak and seafood on South Tamiami Trail
133 S Tamiami Trl, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 837-8325
Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina
Waterfront steakhouse dining at the inlet jetty
Sushi & Japanese
Sushi bars on the Bypass and a downtown omakase counter, plus hibachi around the corner.
Bushido Sushi
Downtown sushi bar on West Venice Avenue
125 W Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 485-1757
ZENSHI Handcrafted Sushi
Handcrafted rolls on South Tamiami Trail
535 S Tamiami Trl, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 484-3346
Pizza
Chicago deep-dish, Sicilian slices and old-school parlor pies around the Bypass.
Joey D's Chicago Style Eatery & Pizza
Chicago-style deep dish and pub menu
750 US-41 Bypass N, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 786-1300
Sicilia Italian Pizzeria
Sicilian-style pizzeria on the Bypass
765 US-41 Bypass S, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 220-3105
Italiano's Pasta & Pizza Parlor
Family pizza and pasta parlor on South Tamiami Trail
4191 S Tamiami Trl, Venice FL 34293 · (941) 496-9090
American & Downtown Classics
Long-running downtown favorites and Old Florida classics on the island.
Cafe Venice
A downtown staple with a restaurant and bar on Venice Avenue
(941) 484-1855
Asian
Thai, hibachi and pan-Asian kitchens on the Bypass, plus the downtown sushi bars listed under Sushi & Japanese.
The Star Thai & Sushi
Thai curries and noodles alongside the sushi bar
533 US-41 Bypass N, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 485-3981
Breakfast & Brunch
Bakery counters, courtyard cafés and a bistro that turns the morning menu into an evening act.
Burgundy Square Cafe
Courtyard cafe off Miami Avenue with breakfast and lunch all day
227 Miami Ave W, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 451-8261
Upper Crust Cafe & Bakery
Bakery and cafe on West Venice Avenue
213 W Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 244-0430
Blu' Island Bistro
Bistro and bar on South Tamiami Trail known for breakfast and dinner both
625 S Tamiami Trl, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 485-8200
Tiki & Island Bars
Rum-fueled decks on Venice Avenue and South Tamiami Trail, where the island drinks come with sunset vibe.
Daiquiri Deck Island of Venice
Beach-bar daiquiris and island plates on West Venice Avenue
300 W Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 488-0649
Cabo Breeze Mexican Grill & Tiki Bar
Tiki drinks and Mexican grill on South Tamiami Trail
648 S Tamiami Trl, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 412-9131
Fine Dining
White-tablecloth rooms and a serious waterfront kitchen: the dress-up end of the Venice table.
PRIME Serious Steak
Prime steakhouse in a refined setting on South Tamiami Trail
133 S Tamiami Trl, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 837-8325
Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina
Upscale waterfront dining room at the Venice Inlet jetty
(941) 484-9551
Valenti's Ristorante
Italian ristorante and banquet house on East Venice Avenue
1200 E Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 484-1888
Family Friendly
Kid-friendly beachfront classics and casual diners where a long table is the norm.
Sharky's on the Pier
Beachfront dining the whole family can walk to from the sand
Metro Diner
Big-menu diner on South Tamiami Trail
2053 S Tamiami Trl, Venice FL 34293 · (941) 451-2832
Joey D's Chicago Style Eatery & Pizza
Casual family pizza and pub plates on the Bypass
Date Night
Sunset tables over the water and candlelit Italian corners made for lingering.
Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina
Waterfront room with inlet sunset views
(941) 484-9551
Trattoria Da Mino
Warm neighborhood trattoria on Venice Avenue
335 W Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 800-4466
Cassariano Italian Eatery
Handmade pasta on Venice Avenue
313 W Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 786-1000
Outdoor Dining
Deck chairs over the Gulf, tables on the Intracoastal and sidewalk seats under the palms.
Dockside Waterfront Grill
Open-air deck on the Intracoastal at Fisherman's Wharf Marina
Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina
Outdoor tiki bar and patio seating at the inlet
Dock Access
Arrive by boat for waterfront seats; tie up at the marina and eat.
Waterfront
Tables over the Gulf and the Intracoastal, from the inlet jetty to the pier.
Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina
Waterfront dining at the Venice Inlet jetty
Live Music
Restaurants, pubs and breweries where live music is part of the evening.
T.J. Carney's Pub & Grille
Irish pub with live music multiple nights and open jams
231 W Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 480-9244
3 Bridges Brewing
Craft brewery with Friday evening live music
1765 S Tamiami Trail, Venice FL 34293 · (941) 445-4067
The Living Room Venice
Cozy venue with live music Wednesdays and Thursdays
2357 S Tamiami Trl, Venice FL 34293 · (941) 244-2834
Dockside Waterfront Grill
Casual waterfront grill at Fisherman's Wharf Marina with live entertainment on weekends
509 N Tamiami Trail, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 218-6418
Crow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina
Waterfront landmark at the Venice Inlet with live music in the downstairs tavern on weekends
1968 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice FL 34285
Pet Friendly
Outdoor decks and patios that welcome dogs; confirm the current pet policy when you book.
Burgundy Square Cafe
Courtyard tables where dogs are welcome at the patio
227 Miami Ave W, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 451-8261
Sports Bars
Screens in every corner, wings on every table: the game-day bars of Venice.
Bogey's Sports Pub
Neighborhood sports pub on East Venice Avenue
652 E Venice Ave, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 488-9156
The Sand Trap Sports Bar & Grill
Sports bar and grill on South Tamiami Trail
4145 S Tamiami Trl, Venice FL 34293 · (941) 493-2300
Norma Jean's Sports Bar & Grill Room
Long-running sports bar and grill on the Bypass
1635 US-41 Bypass S, Venice FL 34285 · (941) 492-5524
Live Music
Venice Live Music
Free outdoor concerts in downtown Centennial Park and waterfront bars with regular bands. All of it is Venice, grouped in two lists: bars, restaurants and waterfront spots with live music first, then dedicated live music venues, concert stages and performing arts houses. For theaters, orchestras and stage shows, see the events and performing arts guides.
Bars, Restaurants & Waterfront Spots with Live Music
4 spotsSharky's on the Pier
Beachfront dining with live music over the Gulf at the base of the Venice Fishing Pier
Wednesday to Sunday evenings
1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice
T.J. Carney's Pub & Grille
Irish pub atmosphere with live music on multiple nights, music bingo and trivia, and open jam sessions on Thursdays
Monday & Thursday-Saturday, 7-10 PM
231 W Venice Ave, Venice
3 Bridges Brewing
Craft brewery with live music on Friday evenings, featuring rotating local and regional acts
Friday evenings, 6 PM
1765 S Tamiami Trail, Venice
The Living Room Venice
Cozy, intimate venue with live music every Wednesday and Thursday evening
Wednesday & Thursday, 7-10 PM
2357 S Tamiami Trl, Venice
Live Music Venues
3 venuesVenice Performing Arts Center
The area's main performance venue: a 1,090-seat theater home to The Venice Symphony and Venice Concert Band
Concert calendar; check listings
Venice MainStreet Gazebo at Centennial Park
Free Friday Night Concert Series in downtown Centennial Park, the town's signature outdoor music; bring a chair
Seasonal Fridays, 7-9 PM (free)
Venice Theatre
One of the largest community theaters in the country: musicals, cabarets and live theater on multiple stages
Season calendar; check listings
Events
Venice Events
A weekly farmers market, free gazebo concerts and a beach party keep Venice busy through the season. Each card leads to the actual event information: date, venue, website or tickets where they exist, and directions.
Full Events Calendar Venice Florida Farmers Market
Produce, seafood, baked goods, artisan crafts and live music in downtown Venice, rain or shine
Every Saturday, 8 AM-1 PM (winter hours) Venice City Hall, 401 W Venice Ave
Friday Night Concert Series at Centennial Park Gazebo
Venice MainStreet's free gazebo concerts; October 9 headliner is Ken Wanovich, bring a lawn chair
2nd & 4th Fridays, 7-9 PM, free Centennial Park, 200 W Venice Ave
Venice Night Market & Music, Halloween Edition
Free evening night market with local vendors, food and live music on the bayfront
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 5 PM Maxine Barritt Park
A Ghoulish Gathering with The Venice Symphony
The Venice Symphony's Halloween-tinged concert; tickets and program on the Performing Arts Center calendar
Friday, October 9, 2026, 7:30 PM Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave
Venice Theatre, 77th Season
One of the country's largest community theaters: plays, musicals and cabarets across the season, including A Christmas Carol in December
July 2026 through June 2027 Venice Theatre, 140 W Tampa Ave
Beaches
Venice Beaches
Venice's local waterfront is six stops along its Gulf shoreline, listed local first below, then nearby Nokomis. Every card is labeled by type so a bayfront or park access is never mistaken for a Gulf beach.
Venice Beaches GuideVenice Beach
Gulf beachThe city’s in-town beach at the west end of Venice Avenue: free parking, food concession, restrooms, two sand volleyball courts and the 1964 sail pavilion. Blue Wave certified; beach wheelchairs free from lifeguards
A 2026 renourishment project may close short shoreline and parking sections: subject to change.
Brohard Beach & the Venice Fishing Pier
Gulf beachThe 700-foot free fishing pier (no license needed, bait shop on the pier) plus Brohard Paw Park at 1850 Harbor Dr S, Sarasota County’s only off-leash dog beach, open daily 7 a.m. to dusk with separate small and large fenced sections
South Brohard Park
Gulf beach access1900 Harbor Dr S, just south of the fishing pier, with direct beach access; humans only, no dog sand here
Service Club Park
Gulf beach access1190 Harbor Dr S: quieter beach access via a 370-foot walkway, with free parking
Caspersen Beach
Gulf beach4100 Harbor Dr S: largely natural, one of the longest undeveloped stretches in the county and the top shark-tooth beach, with boardwalk, nature trail and kayak launch. Parking and restrooms closed from storm damage: pedestrian and bicycle access only
Humphris Park
Inlet parkVenice side of the Venice Inlet: park accessible, but the South Jetty walkway remains closed since 2024 storm damage with no reopening date; the park itself is not closed
Nokomis Beach
Nearby · Gulf beach100 Casey Key Rd, Nokomis: Sarasota County’s oldest public beach with year-round lifeguards, a 1954 pavilion, canoe and kayak launch and the Wednesday and Saturday drum circle. Nearby, not local to Venice; dogs not permitted
North Jetty Park
Nearby · Gulf beach1000 S Casey Key Rd, Nokomis: free parking, lifeguards, fishing, surfing and boat-watching at Venice Inlet; the North Jetty walkway is open
Water quality and beach conditions change daily: check the Florida Healthy Beaches Program (visitbeaches.org) and Mote Marine Laboratory’s beach conditions page before you go; anything time-sensitive here is subject to change.
Outdoor Activities
Venice Outdoor Activities
Shark-tooth hunting, paddling, fishing and paved trails along the water: each card below leads to its relevant resource with a website and directions where the operator has a physical address.
Outdoor Activities GuideFishing
Pier, surf & offshore
The Venice Fishing Pier, Gulf surf beaches and charters to the Venice Reefs
Shark-Tooth Hunting
Beachcombing at the waterline
The signature Venice activity: sift the gravel along the Gulf shoreline; Caspersen is the classic spot, currently walk-in access while its parking is repaired
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Tours & rentals
Happy Paddler and Ride and Paddle tours and rentals, plus the Myakka River at Snook Haven
Biking & Walking Trails
Paved trails along the water
Venetian Waterway Park and the Legacy Trail, starting at the Historic Venice Train Depot
Boating & Waterways
Ramps, marinas & the ICW
Public ramps at Marina Park and Higel Marine Park, plus full-service marinas
Offshore Charters
Reef & wreck fishing
Venice Reef Charters and Bad Habit Offshore run trips to the artificial reefs
Boating
Venice Boating
With the Intracoastal Waterway at the doorstep and the regularly dredged, marked Venice Inlet a short run away, boating is central to Venice life. Fuel up, launch, and it's a short run to the flats or offshore. Ramps, marinas, docks and fuel live here; fishing lives in its own section just below. Midnight Pass, north of Casey Key, is a wild pass with no markers or jetties, never a routine transit.
Marina Park and Boat Ramp
Verified public concrete boat ramp at 301 E Venice Ave on the east side of the Intracoastal next to the bridge, with restrooms, picnic shelters and benches, maintained by Sarasota County
Directions Higel Marine Park
Public small-boat ramp at 1330 Tarpon Center Dr on the Intracoastal, reopened after 2024 storm repairs
Directions Nokomis Beach Public Boat Ramp
Nearby county ramp on Blackburn Bay at Nokomis Beach, 100 Casey Key Rd, open 24 hours
Directions South Venice Community Boat Ramp
Restricted: community ramp at 4800 Lemon Bay Dr with access by smartphone app and smart locks, no overnight parking, membership required. Not an open public launch.
Directions Life-Jacket Loaner Station
Free life jackets to borrow and return at the city launch sites, an amenity for boaters and paddlers
DirectionsDine by Boat
Venice spots you can reach by water, with dock detail, address, website and directions. The full list lives on the Boating Guide.
Boating Guide: Dine by BoatCrow's Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina
Waterfront landmark at the Venice Inlet jetty since 1976, with dock access at the adjacent marina
1968 Tarpon Center Dr, Venice FL 34285
Dockside Waterfront Grill
Casual waterfront grill at Fisherman's Wharf Marina (Marker 4), near the Intracoastal with boat access
509 N Tamiami Trail, Venice FL 34285
Boater's Quick Reference: Passes & Inlets
Tides change daily. Each pass links to live NOAA tide data or the transit guidance that applies to it; the pass-by-pass dashboard has the full detail.
Venice Inlet
The regularly dredged, marked inlet just north of Venice. Stay inside the marked channel and keep clear of the jetties and sandbars; check current NOAA charts and NOAA station VENF1 for live conditions. The south jetty walkway and Humphris Park remain closed.
Midnight Pass
Caution: reopened by the 2024 hurricanes after being closed since 1983, but Sarasota County and county engineers describe it as a wild pass, not a navigable pass. No permanent jetties or Coast Guard markers and shifting sand. Never a routine transit.
Charters & Rentals
Book directly with each operator or charter. Venice has no researched sailing clubs, so offshore charters and kayak and paddle operators carry this section.
Venice Reef Charters
Captain Phil Bloom leads offshore fishing expeditions to the Venice Reefs and Gulf waters
Bad Habit Offshore Charters
Venice-based offshore fishing charters to the famous Venice artificial reefs
Angling with Adria Charters
Venice-based fishing charters offering inshore and offshore trips
Happy Paddler Kayak Tours
Eco-tours through mangroves and seagrass beds, with glass-bottom clear kayak options
Ride and Paddle
Kayak rentals and guided paddling tours in the Venice area, with equipment and instruction
Fishing
Venice Fishing
Venice fishes exceptionally well with no boat at all, from an always-open public pier to surf casting along the Gulf beaches. Seasons, slot and bag limits, fish ID, piers, charters and tides all live on the Fishing Guide, the authoritative source for species, regulations, areas and ramps.
About 700 feet at Brohard Park, owned by the city, open 24/7, free, no Florida license required per city guidance; a bait shop midway down the pier sells tackle and rents rods and shark-tooth sifters (shop name and hours unverified)
Shore and surf fishing along a natural Gulf beach south of Brohard Park; current access is foot and bike traffic only, no vehicles, so park nearby and walk or bike in; storm activity has moved much of the near-shore rock structure
The open, walkable side of the Venice Inlet with free parking, clearly labeled Nokomis
South Jetty & Humphris Park Closed
Closed, no public access, do not visit; conditions unsafe since the 2024 hurricanes, no reopening date established
Shopping
Venice Shopping
Historic Downtown Venice is independent, walkable and distinctly Old Florida, with boutique storefronts and galleries a few blocks from the beach.
Shopping GuideHistoric Venice Avenue
Boutiques, galleries and restaurants along the walkable downtown main street
DirectionsCentennial Park District
The civic heart: the park, market days and the gazebo concert series
DirectionsGolf
Venice Golf
From a city-owned municipal classic opened in 1959 to resort-style courses, Venice has golf for every pocket and pace. These two are inside the city; the guide covers more Venice-area courses and beyond.
Golf GuideLake Venice Golf Club
Public, city-owned municipal course at 1801 S Harbor Dr, opened 1959
More Venice-area courses
Waterford, Jacaranda West, Plantation Golf & Country Club and other Venice-area courses in the full guide.
Pet Friendly
Venice Pet Friendly
Venice is one of the Gulf Coast's most dog-friendly towns, anchored by the county's only dog beach. Fenced areas, hours and restrictions are noted on each card; Brohard Paw Park hours are set by the city, 7 a.m. to dusk.
Pet-Friendly GuideBrohard Paw Park
The only dog-friendly beach in Sarasota County: off-leash in the designated beach and fenced play yard, city hours 7 a.m. to dusk, free parking, dog showers, waste bags and restrooms adjacent; South Brohard beside it is humans only
Venetian Waterway Park
Paved trail along the Intracoastal with dog waste stations and a dog water station
Legacy Trail
Dog-friendly paved trail from the Venice Train Depot north; leash rules as posted, open daylight hours
Venice Fishing Pier Beach
Leashed dogs welcome before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m.; great for sunrise walks
Local Services & Vendors
Local Services & Vendors in Venice
A compact, honest starting set for Venice: the bait shop at the fishing pier, the official downtown business directory, and a cross-link to the marinas. This directory is expanding and will carry more of the area's reputable local businesses.
Run a reputable local business on the Gulf Coast? Tell us about it and be considered for the directory.
Bait Shop at the Pier
Bait shop midway down the Venice Fishing Pier with tackle, rod rental, bait and shark-tooth sifter rentals. Shop name and hours unverified: confirm on arrival.
Market Data
Venice Real Estate at a Glance
Median sale price
$400,000
City of Venice, single-family and condo/townhome combined. Sources converge near $400K: Redfin $409K, Move With Momentum $399K, MyBrokerOne $400K (July).
Year-over-year change: -5.7%
The June split is wide: single-family median about $479K versus condos and townhomes about $320K.
Source: Redfin · Move With Momentum · August 2026.
Median days on market
Approximately 48 to 91 days
Sources differ: Redfin about 66 days, Move With Momentum about 48 days to contract, MyBrokerOne about 91 days.
Source: Redfin · Move With Momentum · August 2026.
Months supply and inventory: see the full Market Snapshot for those figures.
Figures above cover the city of Venice (single-family and condo/townhome combined). The full Market Snapshot adds county-level data, breaks out single-family versus condo/townhome, and includes weekly figures.
Community Resources
Venice Community Resources
The official public and community institutions that run Venice: city government, county services, schools, parks and recreation with the municipal waterfront and marina facilities, public safety and community organizations. Every entry is the confirmed official or legitimate public or community institution and links to its authoritative website. Verification confirms existence and legitimacy only, never an endorsement and never a commercial rating. Businesses and paid services live in the separate Local Services & Vendors directory above, not here. Entries are ordered Local first, then Nearby, then Regional, and regional services state the area they serve.
Government & Public Services
Official public and community institutions serving the Venice area.
Government & Public Services
Verified community resource
Regional
Sarasota County Government
Official county government site for permits, utilities, emergency alerts, libraries, parks and county services serving Venice and all of Sarasota County.
Venice Sarasota County, including Venice
ID: FGCL-VNC-GV-002 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Schools & Education
Official public and community institutions serving the Venice area.
Schools & Education
Verified community resource
Local
School District of Sarasota County
Sarasota County Schools, the public district serving Venice. Campus details, enrollment and school boundaries belong to the district.
Venice Sarasota County, including Venice
ID: FGCL-VNC-SC-001 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Parks & Recreation
Official public and community institutions serving the Venice area.
Parks & Recreation
Verified community resource
Local
City of Venice Parks and Recreation
City parks, recreation programs, beaches and facilities operated by the City of Venice.
Parks & Recreation
Verified community resource
Regional
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources
County parks and recreation agency managing county beaches, parks, preserves and trails across Sarasota County, including the Venice area.
Venice Sarasota County, including Venice
ID: FGCL-VNC-PK-002 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Transportation
Official public and community institutions serving the Venice area.
Transportation
Verified community resource
Nearby
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
The nearest major commercial airport, about 40 minutes north of Venice. Regional service for Sarasota and Manatee counties.
6000 Airport Cir, Sarasota FL 34243
Venice Sarasota and Manatee counties (regional airport, about 40 minutes north of Venice)
ID: FGCL-VNC-TR-002 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Transportation
Verified community resource
Regional
Breeze Transit (Sarasota County Area Transit)
Sarasota County's public bus network, formerly SCAT, with fixed routes and Breeze OnDemand serving the Venice area. Regional county service.
Utilities
Official public and community institutions serving the Venice area.
Utilities
Verified community resource
Local
City of Venice Utilities
City of Venice water, sewer and stormwater utility serving Venice customers.
Utilities
Verified community resource
Regional
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
Electric provider serving Sarasota County, including Venice. Outages: 1-800-468-8243.
Community Organizations
Official public and community institutions serving the Venice area.
Community Organizations
Verified community resource
Local
Venice Area Historical Society
Nonprofit preserving and sharing Venice area history with the Venice Museum and archives.
Community Organizations
Verified community resource
Local
Venice Theatre
Community theatre producing year-round performances and education programs in downtown Venice.
Community Organizations
Verified community resource
Regional
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
Regional aging-services agency offering the Elder Helpline and programs for older adults. Regional service for Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties.
Business & Downtown Organizations
Official public and community institutions serving the Venice area.
Business & Downtown Organizations
Verified community resource
Local
Venice MainStreet Directory
Venice MainStreet's directory and visitor information for historic downtown Venice, covering shops, dining, events and the farmers market.
Business & Downtown Organizations
Verified community resource
Local
Venice Area Chamber of Commerce
The membership chamber for Venice area business with networking, advocacy and visitor information.
597 S Tamiami Trail, Venice FL 34285
Emergency / Public Safety
Official public and community institutions serving the Venice area.
Emergency / Public Safety
Verified community resource
Local
Venice Police Department
The police department serving the City of Venice. Call 911 for emergencies.
Emergency / Public Safety
Verified community resource
Local
Venice Fire Department
The fire and emergency services department serving the City of Venice. Call 911 for emergencies.
Emergency / Public Safety
Verified community resource
Regional
Sarasota County Emergency Management
County emergency management with alerts, evacuation information and hurricane preparedness for Sarasota County, including Venice.
Venice Sarasota County, including Venice
ID: FGCL-VNC-EM-003 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Emergency / Public Safety
Verified community resource
Regional
Sarasota County Sheriff's Office (non-emergency)
County law enforcement for unincorporated Sarasota County. Non-emergency line for crimes not in progress; call 911 for emergencies.
Emergency / Public Safety
Verified community resource
Regional
911 Emergency
Call 911 from any phone for life-threatening emergencies. Tell the dispatcher your location and stay on the line.
Venice United States (universal emergency number)
ID: FGCL-VNC-EM-005 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Emergency / Public Safety
Verified community resource
Regional
Florida Poison Control
Poison help for residents of Florida: 1-800-222-1222 (U.S. Poison Help). Keep the number saved in your phone.
Other Official Resources
Official public and community institutions serving the Venice area.
Other Official Resources
Verified community resource
Local
William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Library
The Sarasota County Library System's Venice branch in historic downtown Venice.
300 Nokomis Ave S, Venice FL 34285
Venice Venice and south Sarasota County
ID: FGCL-VNC-OR-001 · Last verified: October 18, 2026
Curated for Venice. Planning a move? The Relocation Guide, Schools & Family and Getting Around guides cover the practical side of living here.
Living & Real Estate
Living in Venice
Relocation is more than buying a home, it's learning a new rhythm. Use these resources for the practical planning, then explore the market when you're ready.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Six distinct waterfront stops within a few miles of shoreline, including Sarasota County's only dog beach at Brohard Paw Park
- Walkable historic downtown: boutiques, cafés, galleries and a Saturday farmers market
- The Shark Tooth Capital of the World, with fossil teeth along the Gulf waterline
- Venice Fishing Pier: about 700 feet, open 24/7, free, no license required per city guidance
- Sarasota County Schools, an A-rated district; Venice Elementary holds a long-standing A rating
- Peace of mind with care: SMH Venice campus hospital and urgent care centers in the city
- Florida's no state income tax, plus the regularly dredged, marked Venice Inlet at the doorstep
Considerations
- Summer heat, humidity and near-daily afternoon storms
- Hurricane season runs June through November; flood and wind coverage and roof age are real underwriting factors
- The 2024 storms left Caspersen's lot closed (walk-in access) and South Jetty closed indefinitely
- Winter season brings snowbird traffic, fuller beaches and a busier downtown
- A car is still needed for most errands outside the island historic district
- Nightlife is casual and early by big-city standards
Schools & Family
Full GuideVenice is served by Sarasota County Schools, an A-rated district that has kept the state's top district grade for more than two decades. Family life here runs outdoors: free beach days, shark-tooth digs, the Legacy Trail and the fishing pier.
Zoning is address-specific; use the district's lookup to confirm. The Schools & Family guide covers district ratings and kid-friendly resources across the region.
Family Favorites
- Shark-tooth hunting along the Gulf waterline, with Caspersen the classic spot
- Venice Beach and Brohard Paw Park, the only dog-friendly beach in Sarasota County
- Venetian Waterway Park and the Legacy Trail, both paved and dog-friendly, from the Historic Venice Train Depot
- Free gazebo concerts in Centennial Park and the Saturday farmers market downtown
Notable Schools
- Venice Elementary School: city zoned PK-5, a long-standing A-rated school
- Venice Middle School and Venice Senior High School: zoned 6-8 and 9-12
- Taylor Ranch Elementary and Garden Elementary: additional PK-5 options serving parts of the area
- SCF Collegiate School Venice: public charter high school on the State College of Florida campus
Relocation Deep Dives
Venice Insurance, What Buyers Should Know
Venice's insurance picture starts with its position on the Gulf. Flood insurance is a separate policy from homeowners insurance, most commonly written through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) run by FEMA. Wind and hurricane coverage can sit inside a homeowners policy or be written separately depending on the property and the insurer, and Florida policies carry hurricane deductibles of their own. Gulf-front neighborhoods and the island downtown face different flood and wind exposure than mainland streets farther inland, and every property sits on its own mapped risk. The authoritative check is the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, which shows the official flood zone for any address; elevation matters too, because newer construction is often built higher than older homes in the same zone.
Roof age, shutters or impact glass, wind-mitigation features and prior claims all shape what insurers offer, and homes in higher-risk zones with federally backed mortgages are generally required to carry flood insurance. Citizens Property Insurance exists as the state-run insurer of last resort for buyers who cannot find private coverage, and availability and pricing shift across the Florida market. Nothing here is a quote or a guarantee: verify every detail for the exact property with a licensed insurance agent.
Flood Insurance (NFIP)
FEMA Flood Map Service Center
Flood Zone & Elevation
Wind Coverage & Hurricanes
Homeowners Insurance Basics
Citizens & the Florida Market
Coastal & Gulf Front Exposure
Insurability & Roof Age
Questions to Ask an Agent
Questions to ask your insurance agent before making an offer
- What flood zone is this property in on the current FEMA maps, and does the lender require flood insurance?
- How old is the roof, and how does the insurer treat roof age for this exact property?
- Is wind coverage included or written separately, and what is the hurricane deductible in dollars?
- Has the home had a wind mitigation inspection and a 4-point inspection, and what did they find?
- Is the property currently insured, and would a new policy be written for this address?
Buying or selling in Venice? For current listings and market information, visit Michael Hart's real estate website mikehart.exprealty.com
Venice Healthcare
Venice Healthcare at a Glance
A compact starting point for Venice medical care: hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care and emergency veterinary care, each with directions, phone and website where confirmed. This section is built to expand into a fuller Venice medical directory.
Hospitals
Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice Campus
Full-service acute care hospital serving Venice and south Sarasota County
Emergency Rooms
SMH Venice Emergency Care Center
24/7 emergency care at the Venice campus
HCA Florida Venice Doctors Emergency
Freestanding 24/7 emergency department, a department of HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, not a full-service hospital
Urgent Care
SMH Urgent Care Center at Venice
Extended hours, walk-ins welcome, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
SMH Urgent Care Center at South Venice
Sarasota Memorial urgent care south of the city, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Emergency Veterinary Care
BluePearl Pet Hospital
The nearest 24/7 emergency and specialty veterinary hospital to Venice, about 10 miles north on US-41. Emergency care 24/7; no appointment needed for emergencies.
Your Guide
Thinking About the Gulf Coast?
Curated by local real estate expert Michael Hart, this site is a resource first. Ask him anything about Venice living, the market, or a move to the Gulf Coast.
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