If you’re after a chill kind of vacation but still want everything the Gulf Coast of Florida has to offer, then there’s no better place to be than in Nokomis. It is an unincorporated town that features beautiful beaches, great shopping options, developed residential areas, vibrant art scene, and small-town vibe. There are plenty of amazing Airbnbs as well. You’ll also find here the famous Nokomis Beach which is located at the south end of the exclusive Casey Key. In case you still don’t have anything lined up during your trip, then read on, and discover our list of the best things to do in Nokomis, Florida, and have the best holiday ahead.
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1. Enjoy drumming and dancing shows on vibrant Nokomis Beach
Nokomis Beach is no ordinary beach, apart from its fine sands and blue waters, this beach offers numerous activities to its guests. You could go swimming, parasailing, snorkeling, and more. But, what separates it from the rest is the drumming and dancing that happen every Wednesdays and Saturdays during sunset. It is a bongo-like beach party where everyone is invited to dance the night away or listen to the rhythms of the drums.
Nokomis Beach
Address: 115 S Casey Key Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Nokomis Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Reel in the day's catch at North Jetty Beach Park
Another great spot near Nokomis that you and you’re family will surely enjoy is the North Jetty Beach Park. Here, you’ll see boats passing from Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico. Also, this place is a great fishing spot, with a lifeguard on watch throughout the year. In case you don’t catch any fish during your fishing trip, there are lots of concessionaires around that offer the fresh catch of the day.
North Jetty Beach Park
Address: 1000 S Casey Key Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: North Jetty Beach Park
3. Have fun shopping at the quaint boutiques of Historic Downtown Venice
If you’re the type of person for whom hearing the word “shopping” instantly lifts your mood, then you don’t have to miss visiting the Historic Downtown Venice with its avenues lined with individually owned quaint shops. Here, you’ll find gift shops, boutiques, souvenir stores, specialty art shops, and more. After shopping, when you get tired, you can always go under the shade by the fountain or grab something to eat at one of the five-star restaurants nearby.
Historic Downtown Venice
Address: 101 W Venice Ave #23, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Historic Downtown Venice
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
4. Marvel at the diverse bird life at Oscar Scherer State Park
If you want to experience old Florida, you better visit Oscar Scherer State Park with its scenic surroundings, beautiful camping space, hiking trails, and river sceneries. It is also a place where you’ll see amazing birdlife. It is home to one of the friendliest native birds of Florida which is the scrub jays, which population depleted to 20 from 160.
Oscar Scherer State Park
Address: 1843 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229
Website: Oscar Scherer State Park
Opening Hours: 8am - sundown (daily)
Price: From 2 USD
5. Dine on classic seafood dishes at Pop's Sunset Grill
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A waterfront restaurant located across Nokomis Beach and with an expansive view of the waters, Pop’s Sunset Grill is one of the original establishments in the area, serving the locals for over 30 years now. The restaurant has a laid-back ambiance with both indoor and outdoor seating and has a newly opened tiki bar with a gift shop. The menu here includes American comfort food like burgers and sandwiches, as well as fresh seafood dishes.
Pop's Sunset Grill
Address: 112 Circuit Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Pop’s Sunset Grill
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm (daily)
6. Get a sand volleyball game going at Nokomis Community Park
Poised on 17 acres (6.88 hectares) of space, Nokomis Community Park has many amenities which you can enjoy and use for gatherings like their three multi-purpose halls for weddings, parties, and more. It also comes with meeting rooms, arts and crafts rooms, a small kitchen, and more. Moreover, you can have a game of different sports here for it has numerous courts like a covered basketball court, two sand volleyball courts, two tennis courts, covered stage, cricket field, and many more.
Nokomis Community Park
Address: 234 Nippino Trail E, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Nokomis Community Park
Opening hours: 6am – 12am (daily)
7. Bike along the wildlife-rich Legacy Trail
This trail has a lot to offer for its expansive space. Also, what is good about this place is you can park anywhere and just start exploring. It is a great place for cycling and strolling with lots of wildlife to discover along the way. The animals you might encounter here include bald eagles, ospreys, bobcats, songbirds, butterflies, otters, and more.
Legacy Trail
Address: 234 Nippino Trl E, Nokomis, FL 34275-3143
8. Jet-ski around Florida's gorgeous Gulf Coast
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Cool Breeze Boats & Jet Ski Rentals on Sunday, July 18, 2021
One of the best ways to explore the area is through the waters. If you think the same, why not rent a jet ski at Cool Breeze Boat & Jet Ski Rentals and see Nokomis Beach, Casey Key, and more areas as you navigate the waters. Along the way, you may also encounter dolphins, many species of birds, and see beautiful homes and large estates, while feeling the cool water breeze whip your hair and the heat of the sun touch your skin.
Cool Breeze Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
Address: 100 Circuit Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Cool Breeze Boat & Jet Ski Rentals
Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm (daily)
9. Enjoy fresh citrus ice cream from Nokomis Groves
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re looking for a cold refreshment or a sweet treat during your travel in Nokomis, then you’ll be in for a surprise when you visit Nokomis Groves. It is a farmer’s market that sells freshly picked oranges and other citrus fruits. Apart from selling fruits, they also have a year-round- ice cream parlor that serves soft-serve ice cream with classic flavors as well as unique ones. You can also ask for two flavors to be swirled in one cup or cone.
Nokomis Groves
Address: 111 Albee Farm Rd N, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Nokomis Groves
Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 11am – 6pm; Fri - Sat: 11am – 7pm
10. Golf at the friendly Mission Valley Golf & Country Club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Just another great day for golf Mission Valley Country Club!
Posted by Mission Valley Country Club on Tuesday, June 8, 2021
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in playing golf, Mission Valley Golf & Country Club in Nokomis will give you a wonderful time playing here. It is a private golf course with six sets of tees that caters to different skill levels. This golf course is established was the year 1967 and has a size of 6,734 yards (6,157.57 meters).
Mission Valley Golf & Country Club
Address: 1851 Mission Valley Blvd, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Mission Valley Golf & Country Club
Opening hours: 7:30am - 8:30pm (daily)
11. Picnic beneath shady oaks at Venice Myakka River Park
If you’re looking for an adventure for the whole family that involves nature, outdoor activities, and relaxation, then you should visit Venice Myakka River Park. It is a great place to bond with the family without spending too much. This space is a 10-acre (4.05-hectare) waterfront area that offers kayaking and walking trails and has picnic areas and playground for the kids.
Venice Myakka River Park
Address: D7501 Laurel Rd E, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Venice Myakka River Park
12. Spot gators and wild boars at Pinelands Reserve
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
According to many locals, a lot of tourists visit the Pinelands Reserve out of curiosity of what lies ahead. To give you an overview of the place, it is a reserve with picnic facilities, walking trails, and many species of wildlife. You may come across lots of species of birds here like bald eagles as well as other animals like deer, wild boars, gators, and more.
Pinelands Reserve
Address: 4000 Knights Trail Rd, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
13. Have a cocktail and some grub at the tropical tiki bar of Casey Key Fish House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located in Sarosa County, right on the waters, Casey Key Fish House is one local restaurants that you shouldn’t miss when you are in the area. It has one of the most spectacular views where you can see boats on docks or passing by the Intracoastal Waterway, wildlife, fishes, and more. It has both a main open-air dining room as well as patio seating. Another feature is its laid-back and tropical tiki bar, which serves varieties of cocktails and grubs.
Casey Key Fish House
Address: 801 Blackburn Point Rd, Osprey, FL 34229, USA
Website: Casey Key Fish House
Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 11:30am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 8:30pm
14. Parasail in the clear skies above Nokomis Beach
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Venice Parasailing on Sunday, December 17, 2017
Nokomis Beach is already spectacular when your feet are both in the sand, but what more when you’re up in the sky gliding? To know what it feels like to view everything from the top, you should rent parasailing equipment and facilities from the Venice Parasailing and Water Sports. They offer many parasailing services that will make your experience more thrilling and wonderful. Your journey will start at the clear waters of Venice Beach and culminate up in the blue skies.
Venice Parasailing and Water Sports
Address: 690 S Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Venice Parasailing and Water Sports
Opening hours: 9am – 9pm (daily)
15. Pick up adorable beach souvenirs at Casey Key Beach Shop
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Casey Key Beach Shop on Monday, November 25, 2019
If you are already saturated with everything Nokomis has to offer and are now ready to go back to your homeland, you still can’t head home without visiting the Casey Key Beach Shop. It has everything you need from beach apparels to souvenirs, up to sand toys, shark teeth, Christmas ornaments, hats, as well as rentals of paddle boards, kayaks, and umbrella table.
Casey Key Beach Shop
Address: 820 Albee Rd W #2, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Casey Key Beach Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 6pm; Sat: 6:30am – 6:30pm; Sun: 6:30am – 5pm
16. Check out local art and crafts at the Cottage Art Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Cottage in Nokomis on Friday, November 20, 2015
A hidden art gem in Nokomis, Cottage Art Gallery is a sweet little place for people for some unique items to take home. The artworks and crafts here are made by talented local artists. If you need help or more information about the item, don’t hesitate to ask one of the artists on duty. They have cool portraits of dogs here which any dog-lover will drool over.
Cottage Art Gallery
Address: 106 Pocono Trail E, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Cottage Art Gallery
Opening hours: Thur - Sat: 10am – 5pm; Sun: 12pm – 3pm (closed on Mon - Wed)
17. Chill at the pool tables of Nokomis Pool Hall Pub
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
If you’re looking for something to do at night, and don’t want to go to any beach party anymore, then you have to visit this new pool hall in the area. Nokomis Pool Hall Pub offers numerous pool tables for you and your friends, plus a jukebox. They also have here a wide selection of beer and wines and bar grubs to keep you full and hydrated all night.
Nokomis Pool Hall Pub
Address: 625 N Tamiami Trail, Nokomis, FL 34275, USA
Website: Nokomis Pool Hall Pub
Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 3pm – 11pm; Fri - Sun: 3pm – 12am
Chill Nokomis
Looking for a place to chill, one that is away from the stress of the big cities? Then Nokomis in Florida is a no-brainer choice. Have an amazing time swimming at their beautiful beaches, hiking at their many reserves, and having a picnic at their wildlife-rich parks. You can also stay in amazing Airbnb vacation rentals. Check out our list of the best things to do in Nokomis, Florida for your guide.
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