Venice FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Venice, Florida.
1. Venice Beach
CLASSIC GULF COAST ESCAPE
Venice Beach features pristine white sands and calm blue waters, making it a favorite spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The iconic sail-style pavilion and boardwalk add distinctive local character, while lifeguards, picnic areas, and free parking ensure comfort and safety. Its reputation for fossilized shark tooth hunting and regular dolphin sightings offer visitors a unique and memorable seaside experience.
2. Venice Fishing Pier
SUNSET VIEWS & ANGLING
Venice Fishing Pier extends 700 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and provides breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The pier is ideal for fishing without a license, and visitors can rent gear or enjoy fresh seafood at Sharky's on the Pier, the only beachfront restaurant in town. With amenities like picnic shelters, sand volleyball courts, and public restrooms, it's a lively and picturesque waterfront destination.
3. Caspersen Beach
NATURAL BEACH ADVENTURE
Caspersen Beach offers a wilder, more natural setting with less development and preserved dunes, perfect for those seeking a tranquil beach day. The beach is renowned for its excellent fossilized shark tooth hunting and features walking trails, boardwalks, and picnic areas. Its rustic charm and unspoiled shoreline appeal to nature lovers and beachcombers alike.
4. Brohard Paw Park
DOG-FRIENDLY WATERFRONT FUN
Brohard Paw Park is the only beach in the area where dogs are welcome to roam off-leash alongside their owners. The park features dog-friendly amenities, including a fenced play area, dog showers, and drinking fountains, making it a paradise for pet lovers. With direct access to the Gulf, both people and pups can enjoy swimming and sunning together.
5. South Brohard Beach
SCENIC, RELAXED BEACHFRONT
South Brohard Beach delivers wide stretches of soft sand and a peaceful Gulf atmosphere, perfect for relaxed sunbathing or beach strolling. This less crowded spot is popular for swimming, shell hunting, and wildlife viewing, especially shorebirds and dolphins. The nearby boardwalk and clean facilities further enhance the visitor experience.
6. Nokomis Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GULF SHORES
Nokomis Beach, just north of Venice, is Sarasota County's oldest public beach and features wide sandy expanses, gentle surf, and excellent shelling. The beach offers shaded picnic areas, a playground, and a boardwalk, making it ideal for families. Its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful sunsets make it a timeless local favorite.
7. North Jetty Beach
JETTY VIEWS & FISHING
North Jetty Beach is located where the Gulf meets the Intracoastal Waterway, offering unique views of boating activity and passing dolphins. The jetty is popular for fishing, and the beach provides picnic shelters, playgrounds, and concessions. It's a lively waterfront spot known for its panoramic sunsets and constant sea breezes.
8. Manasota Beach
SERENE SHORES & SHELLS
Manasota Beach boasts quiet, uncrowded sands bordered by dramatic dunes and lush native vegetation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and searching for shells and shark teeth in the clear Gulf waters. The tranquil ambiance, picnic areas, and kayak launch make it a peaceful waterfront retreat.
9. Blind Pass Beach
NATURE TRAILS & LAGOON
Blind Pass Beach, located on Manasota Key, offers a rustic, natural environment with both Gulf-side and bay-side recreation options. The site features walking trails through coastal hammocks, a tidal lagoon for kayaking, and ample opportunities for swimming and shelling. It's an ideal escape for those seeking both adventure and peaceful scenery.
10. Oscar Scherer State Park
FRESHWATER SWIMMING HOLE
Oscar Scherer State Park, a short drive from Venice, features a large freshwater lake with a sandy beach area for swimming and sunbathing. The park is also known for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and scenic hiking trails through beautiful pine flatwoods and scrubby habitats. Its untouched natural surroundings offer visitors a classic Old Florida escape.