Often known as the shark tooth capital of the world, Venice, Florida, might not be the first option that comes to your mind for beach vacations. However, there is a definite charm in visiting a lesser-known city on a vacation as well.
Away from the crowds and the commercialisation, you can find yourself surrounded by peace and serenity everywhere you look. In addition, the locals in a small town like this are usually far more friendly and welcoming than their tourist-city counterparts and are bound to make you feel right at home from the moment you step into this city.
You can also luxe up your visit by staying at one of the best Vrbo and beachfront rentals. So if you are looking for some unique and interesting things to do in Venice, Florida, read on as we bring you the best ideas to fill up your itinerary!
1. Go shark teeth hunting at the Caspersen Beach
Fossil hunting has been a very popular activity in Venice for a long time. Scattered along the shores of Caspersen Beach are thousands of shark teeth, that can be collected and stored as a part of a collection. There are also jewellery shops right outside the beach area that sell shark teeth jewellery that you can wear as a novelty piece. Because Florida was once a part of the ocean, it has a ton of fossils that have washed up on its shores and buried under the sands. Shark teeth are replaced each time they fall out, and most sharks will shed teeth like we do hair! So head down to the beach at low tide, and enjoy this unique activity with your friends.
Caspersen Beach
Address: 4100 Harbor Dr, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
2. Spend some fun time at Snook Haven Park
One of the classic icons of Florida is Snook Haven Park, that has been around for a very long time. This is a gorgeous riverfront restaurant and park, that allows you the benefits of both. So if you have little ones, take them to this place and show them the different animals flitting through the parks, then head over to the restaurant area for a nice quiet dinner with your family. Just relax on the pier with your family, or go bottoms up with your pals.
Snook Haven Park
Address: 5000 E Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34292, USA
Website: Snook Haven Park
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11:30am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
3. Marvel at the vintage car collection at Ideal Classic Cars Museum & Showroom
If you are interested in cars, especially vintage and expensive models, this is the ultimate place to be when in Venice, Florida. Head on over to this car museum and showroom, and you can easily spend upwards of a few hours here, just looking at different car models, and learning about vintage car technology. The showroom here is over 27,000 square feet (2508 square metres), and you will indeed get lost in the variety of cars on display here. In addition to vintage cars from the 1920s onwards, there are also fictional vehicles on display here such as the Batmobile, Scooby-Doo van Knight Rider and more!
Ideal Classic Cars Museum & Showroom
Address: 2224 S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293, USA
Website: Ideal Classic Cars Museum & Showroom
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 6pm; Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
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4. Go bird watching at the Venice Area Audubon Rookery
For bird-watching enthusiasts, this is a great way to spend a quiet morning in the company of our aviary friends. You can photograph and watch a wide variety of different bird species here, and you can even set up a picnic. However, it is important to note that fires are not allowed here, as it may scare the birds away.
Venice Area Audubon Rookery
Address: 4002 S Tamiami Trail via, Annex Rd, Venice, FL 34293, United States
Website: Venice Area Audubon Rookery
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Visit the picturesque Venice Fishing Pier
One of the most picturesque locations in all of Venice is its beautiful fishing pier, that comprises of over 700 feet (213 metres) of pier, where you can take a short walk or go fishing. There are a variety of little shops and restaurants along the way where you can stop for a quick snack or a cup of coffee, and even buy little souvenirs to take home with you. The best time to come here s naturally during the sunset hours, so you don’t miss the glorious sunset views from the pier. This is also the best time to take truly magical pictures, as the sun’s rays fall sideways and create beautiful lighting conditions.
Venice Fishing Pier
Address: 1600 Harbor Dr. S. Venice, FL 34285
Website: Venice Fishing Pier
Opening hours: 6:30am - 9pm (daily)
6. Catch a live show at the Venice Theatre
If you like well-crafted live play while food and cocktails keep you company, this theatre is a great find. An extremely popular community theatre in the area, this place hosts tons of live shows throughout the year. You may have to check the schedule before you come here so you don’t miss the best shows, but it is completely worth the trouble. This theatre has truly amazing acoustics, and it is a pleasure to enjoy a show here.
Venice Theatre
Address: 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Venice Theatre
7. Treat your taste buds at Sharky’s On The Pier
Located right on the beachfront of the Gulf of Mexico, this tiki bar-themed restaurant has some incredible seafood. The menu is confusing and huge, but you can blindly opt for the daily specials they offer here, as those are always popular. Try the coconut shrimp and the stuffed flounder, as well as the onion rings for appetizers. You might have to go a bit early to beat the crowd.
Sharky’s On The Pier
Address: 1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Sharky’s On The Pier
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 12am
8. Spend quality time with your fido at Brohard Paw Park
Whether you have your furry friend along with you or you just want to go say hi to some good boys, a visit to this dog park is bound to be a great time for everyone involved. This park is located on a beach, so your dog can frolic in the sand to his or her heart’s content, and play with other dogs as well. The beach is very well-maintained and clean, and the layout even includes a place where you can wash your dog. Additionally, if you don’t know where to stay with your fur baby just yet, Venice has an array of pet-friendly rentals for you!
Brohard Paw Park
Address: 1600 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
9. Shop farm fresh at Detwiler's Farm Market
In this era of homestays and self-catering accommodations, buying your own groceries has become the norm when you are on a vacation. However, a lot of times, grocery markets simply aren’t reliable enough if you want to shop for fresh ingredients. Thankfully, this farm market brings the freshest ingredients daily so you can be assured of the hygienic and good-quality food you are eating. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, they also sell seafood, bakery items and ice cream!
Detwiler's Farm Market
Address: Detwiler’s Farm Market, Sarasota, FL, USA
Website: Detwiler’s Farm Market
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
10. Sunbathe at Venice Beach
What use is a beach trip without a day at the beach? Get out of your vacation rental and head over to Venice Beach, and experience all your favourite beach-side activities, such as sports, sunbathing, building sandcastles and looking for seashells. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen to keep yourself from getting sunburnt!
Venice Beach
Address: Venice Beach, Venice, FL, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Explore the past at the Venice Museum & Archives
Filled with a wide range of both temporary and permanent artefacts anon display, the Venice Museum & Archives record local history of the town and of surrounding towns in Florida. There are over 20,000 pictures and exhibits from all over the state, and you can easily spend ages looking through the beautiful displays here. In addition, there is also a gift shop if you want to buy some souvenirs.
Venice Museum & Archives
Address: 351 Nassau St S, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Venice Museum & Archives
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 4pm (closed from Thu - Sun)
12. Enjoy a picnic at Maxine Barritt Park
This cosy and lovely park features a ton of different amenities including picnic tables and barbecue grills for public use, as well as thoughtful little details such as a gorgeous gazebo for special events, a stone path meant for joggers and walkers, and a small playground area for little kids. In addition, it also has an access point to the beach. This is the perfect place for a picnic with your family.
Maxine Barritt Park
Address: 1800 Harbor Dr S, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
13. Browse through Clyde's works at Clyde Butcher Venice Gallery & Studio
Clyde Butcher is an iconic photographer that is very well known throughout the world for his unique black and white photography. If you are interested in photography, why not learn from the master himself by making a trip to his own gallery and studio? Put on display for you is his hand-signed work of many years, and each photograph is a testament to the level of craftsmanship he has.
Clyde Butcher Venice Gallery & Studio
Address: 237 Warfield Ave, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Clyde Butcher Venice Gallery & Studio
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 4:30pm (closed from Sat - Mon)
14. Experience mountain biking at T. Mabry Carlton Reserve
Mountain biking is not just a sport for the experts. Even if you have very basic experience with it, you might be able to complete this huge 13 mile (20 kilometres) stretch. So if you have always wanted to try out some gravel biking, adventure biking or even just hiking, this is your time. You can even try out some horseback riding here.
T. Mabry Carlton Reserve
Address: 1800 Mabry Carlton Pkwy, Venice, FL 34292, USA
Website: T. Mabry Carlton Reserve
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
15. Soothe your soul at the serene Epiphany Cathedral
Churches are always an extremely peaceful place to spend some time in. If you are looking for some peace and serenity in your own life, head to this beautiful cathedral and just sit on the pews for a while. The architecture of this place is truly magnificent, with stained glass windows adorning the walls and wooden pews making the whole place look inviting and homely.
Epiphany Cathedral
Address: 310 Sarasota St, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Epiphany Cathedral
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
16. Unleash your adventurous spirit while hiking the Jelks Preserve
Overlooking the beautiful Myakka River lies this preserve that is perfect for hiking or trekking. The views are truly magnificent and breathtaking, but the hike itself is good for beginners as it is short and easy. You can opt for rougher terrain by taking the longer route, but that comes with some rough river-crossing that could get dicey. So head on over to this wonderful preserve, and spend some time in the great outdoors!
Jelks Preserve
Address: 2300 N River Rd, Venice, FL 34292, USA
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
17. Catch a free movie at Gazebo of the Centennial Park
Centennial Park is a popular local attraction, frequented by all the residents in Venice. With a wide variety of activities available for people of all age groups, this park is truly one of the best maintained and entertaining places that are also free. In addition to the playground area and gazebo built for the general public, there is a special Friday night event where the park plays a movie for the public. All you need to do is show up with some chairs or a blanket, and some popcorn for your loved ones, and you are all set!
Centennial Park
Address: 200 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Opening hours: 9:30am - 9:30pm (daily)
18. Shop for souvenirs at the quaint Venice MainStreet
This is the most popular spot to hit when you are in Venice. With a charming old-timey atmosphere and friendly shopkeepers, you are sure to have a grand time shopping here for clothes and souvenirs, and little trinkets to take back home. All the little shops and stores sell very cute and unique items and are worth a visit. From postcards to shirts and dresses, you are sure to find something of your liking here. So head down to this picturesque and pretty street, and explore the best that Venice has to offer!
Venice MainStreet
Address: 101 W Venice Ave #23, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Venice MainStreet
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
19. Visit Our Lady of Lourdes Church with your family
This church is one of the most beautiful ones in Venice. With beautiful Italian architecture both on the outside and inside, and a very peaceful ambience, this is a lovely place to just spend some quiet time in. The surrounding area is also very beautiful and definitely worth a visit, and the people serving here will welcome you with open arms no matter if you are a visitor or a longtime member of the church.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Address: 1301 Center Rd, Venice, FL 34292, USA
Website: Our Lady of Lourdes Church
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
20. Pick the best at the Venice Centre Mall
The Venice Centre Mall may not be as popular as the MainStreet area, but it is a great option if the weather seems iffy. Whether you are looking for clothing or souvenirs, this can be a great alternative to outdoor shopping. In addition, there is also a food court on the top floor, as is the norm with malls, where you can grab a quick bite to eat from a variety of food stalls. Unfortunately, some of the boutiques here have started closing down, so it can be a gamble to find the kind of shop you want
Venice Centre Mall
Address: 240 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Venice Centre Mall
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
21. Unwind yourself at Patriots Park
Built and founded in honour of the victims and responders of the tragic September 11 attacks that shook the entire nation and the world to the core, this park has little memorabilia on display from the attacks, such as a part of the World Trade Centre that collapsed. There are also monuments on display and a placard. In addition, there is the ‘Freedom Walk’ which is a paved walkway going around a small pond. Overall, it is a good place to spend some time in and honour the fallen heroes during what is often termed as the greatest tragedy in American history.
Patriots Park
Address: 800 Venetia Bay Blvd, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
22. Spend an eventful Sunday at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice
On a Sunday morning, when you might find most establishments closed anyway, why not head on to this congregation and support them with your presence? The minister here is very popular and a lot of locals have mentioned that his sermons are very engaging and inspiring. Outside of the sermons too, this congregation hosts a ton of charitable events that you can participate in order to give back to the community. Most of them tend to be free, and you can participate on the spot if you wish to. Indeed, there couldn’t be a better way to spend a Sunday.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice
Address: 1971 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34292, USA
Website: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
23. Enjoy a game of baseball at Wellfield Stadium
Named after the first drinking water wells that were constructed here, the Wellfield Stadium has a verity of different grounds for all types of sports. Including three baseball fields, cricket cages, football fields and softball arenas, this park is a huge place to practise any sport you’d like to. So why not try your hand at baseball, especially if you have kids that you’d like to play with? They are bound to have an unforgettable and fun experience here!
Wellfield Stadium
Address: 1354 Lucaya Ave, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Wellfield Stadium
24. Admire the culture at the Venice Performing Arts Center
Another unique activity to indulge in during your vacation to Venice is to enjoy a live show at this beautiful theatre. From moving musical symphonies to acrobatic performances, this theatre offers a world of culture at your fingertips. In addition, this place has some truly amazing acoustics, so there is no such thing as a bad seat here. So don’t miss out on immersing yourself in a beautiful show, and check out the performances available at this amazing place today!
Venice Performing Arts Center
Address: 1 Indian Ave building 5, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Venice Performing Arts Center
25. Experience the Venice nightlife at Old Venice Pub
Before you go back to your beachfront hotel, have a nightcap first. For a classic American bar experience, you really can’t do better than Old Venice pub when you are in Venice. With a great atmosphere that is perfectly relaxed where you can enjoy a beer in leisure while watching some sports and some awesome food to go with your drinks, you are guaranteed a great time. The regulars here are always up to make friends with anyone new, so be prepared to go home only after having made a bunch of new friends and having had a few drinks with them! The owner, Richie, has been around for a very long time and is a huge hit with the locals. So spend an evening at this lovely old-school bar, and you will definitely have a grand ole’ time!
Old Venice Pub
Address: 100 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285, USA
Website: Old Venice Pub
Opening hours: 12pm - 2am (daily)
Have fun in Venice
Known for its beautiful Italian architecture, small boutique-style Mediterranean shops selling lovely handicrafts, and friendly locals, Venice, Florida, is bound to create some unforgettable memories that you will reminisce for years to come. We are sure that this list of awesome things to do will definitely provide you with a gamut of activities for your next vacation to Venice, and you are sure to find your itinerary filled to the brim!