Venice is a popular seaside resort on Florida’s Gulf coast, just south of Sarasota and north of Charlotte Harbor. Venice offers plenty of activities and things to do whether you are visiting for a day or staying for a couple of weeks. The Chamber of Commerce office on Golf Drive is packed with leaflets and the enthusiastic staff are exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable.
Here’s 10 of the best things to do in Venice – but there’s plenty more besides!
1. Take a walking tour of Venice’s historic homes, all conveniently tucked together around W Venice Ave in the Heritage Park. Many of these buildings date back to 1926 and 1927 and have retained their Venetian architectural style. Get a self-guided walking trail from the Chamber of Commerce in Venice and read about the history of each lovely building.
2. Pay a visit to the Venice Train Depot at 303 E Venice Ave. This well-preserved site is on beautiful parkland with views of the boats sailing up and down the Intracoastal Waterway. There is a historic caboose, a restored Freight Room, now available for meetings, and a small museum with displays of local history and the locomotive industry in Venice. Take a picnic and then join the Legacy Trail which starts from the park.
3. The Legacy Trail runs for 10 miles from the historic Venice Train Depot to the Palmer Ranch Parkway in Sarasota. There are 7 trailheads with parking and restrooms along the way so you can walk or cycle as far as you wish.
4. Downtown Venice is a colorful area with over 100 clothing boutiques, art galleries and gift shops. Tasteful yet not over-pricey, this area is a pleasure to wander around and window-shop or stop for refreshments at one of the pavement cafés.
5. If you have a dog, Paws Park is the place for you to go for a run and make new doggy friends.
6. Take a sand-sifter and walk along the water’s edge at Caspersen Beach. This narrow beach is famous for its many fossilized sharks’ teeth that can be found here. The teeth can be 1-2 ½ inches long and are curved and needle-sharp!
7. Take chairs and a sun umbrella to Venice Beach, one of the most unspoiled beaches in Florida. You can head to Sharky’s On the Pier for lunch and then doze in the sunshine.
8. On a hot day the children will love to play in the Interactive Water Fountain in Centennial Park. It is a great way to stay cool and kids will play there happily for hours.
9. Bird watchers will see a variety of birdlife at the Venice Rookery, run by the
Audubon Society. During nesting season the small island can be quite crowded with Great Egrets, Anhingas and a variety of herons.
10. Finally, take in a play at the Venice Theater, attend a free concert at the Gazebo or browse the ever-changing art exhibits at the Venice Art Center for a little culture.
This informative book offers details of 20 best beaches and coastal cities in Florida
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20 Best Florida Beaches and Coastal Cities
