Venice

 

The charming historic downtown area features manicured landscaped streets and paths, gorgeous northern Italian architecture, an interactive and bubbling fountain, Mediterranean Revival buildings, and an endless array of upscale restaurants serving classic Italian fare.

The charming beach town also exudes Old Florida charm, with swaying palm trees, moss-covered oaks, and 14 miles of sugary sand beaches nestled inside its locale. Established in the 1920s, Venice continues to pay homage to its vibrant history while offering modern upscale amenities for all to enjoy. The waterfront city is surrounded by natural beauty and less than 20 minutes from Sarasota, providing unlimited access to a first-rate cultural and arts scene.

Unlike neighboring communities, Venice does not have a barrier island, giving residents with waterfront properties awe-inspiring Gulf views. The Intercoastal Waterway runs through the town, creating jaw-dropping canals perfect for boating and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico’s waters. This body of water offers opportunities for sailboating, fishing charters, kayaking, and more.

Venice is less commercialized than other towns in Southwest Florida, giving the area a small-town feel. Its unique location offers plenty of parks, world-class beaches, green spaces, and a world-renowned fishing pier. The Venetian Waterway Park runs along the Intracoastal Waterway and features a paved, multi-use trail frequented by bikers and joggers.

According to Coastal Living, Venice ranks among the "Top 10 Happiest Seaside Towns." People that live, work, and play in Venice are enamored by its natural beauty and authentic laid-back vibe. Residents can enjoy the outdoors any time of year, with a desirable subtropical climate and more sunny days than most other places in the country.

 

The vibrant town square features unique and eclectic boutiques, restaurants, cafes, wine bars, bakeries, and the weekly Venice Farmer’s Market teeming with locally sourced and organic produce. Shops like Posh line the square and offer everything from designer brands to specialty gifts and jewelry.

Fins at Sharky's overlooks the Venice Fishing Pier and offers upscale beachfront dining in a casual atmosphere. The premier steakhouse features an ever-changing menu inspired by seasonal ingredients and global cuisine.

A delectable Italian meal is readily available almost anywhere in Venice. Locals flock to Luna Restaurant for enormous portions of classic homemade dishes such as baked lasagna served with an authentic house sauce. The highly-rated eatery is across the street from Venice Theatre, a large community playhouse showcasing musicals, cabarets, plays, and comedians.

 

The 700-foot-long Venice Fishing Pier is ideal for anglers of all skill levels. No fishing license is required, and rod and reel rentals are available for a spur-of-the-moment fishing experience. The pier also boasts some of Venice’s best sunsets.

Beach lovers can enjoy an endless stretch of white sand at Venice Beach, which features public parking, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a popular concession stand serving all of your beachside classics. The beach offers early morning beach yoga at no price. At Caspersen Beach, visitors enjoy searching for shark teeth and celebrating the area's archaeological history at the annual Shark Tooth Festival.

Founded in 1951, the world-famous Venice Yacht Club is a gem in Florida’s boating community. Club members can expect top-rated amenities here, from dazzling social events to upscale dining and thrilling water sports.

Golfers tee off at Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club’s 27-hold master-planned premier golf course. Three nines wind through breathtaking lakes and natural preserves to create the ultimate golfing experience. Swimming, pickleball, tennis, and fitness facilities are also available at this award-winning location.

The highlight of the holiday season is the annual Venice Boat Parade, where boaters adorn their watercraft with lights and festive decorations for the thousands of spectators lining the Intracoastal Waterway. This local tradition is a must-visit.