Best Things to Do in Venice, Florida

There is always something fun to do in Venice, Florida. This friendly Gulf Coast community blends beautiful beaches, outdoor festivals, farmers markets, live music, waterfront dining, boutique shopping, golf, tennis, pickleball and miles of scenic trails.

Whether you are visiting for a weekend, spending the winter here or considering buying a home, the variety of Venice, Florida activities is a big part of what makes the area such a desirable place to live.

Festivals and Annual Events in Venice, Florida

Venice hosts a full calendar of community events throughout the year, many centered around Historic Downtown Venice, Centennial Park, West Blalock Park and the Venice Municipal Festival Grounds.

Popular Venice, Florida festivals and annual events include:

• Shark’s Tooth Festival celebrating Venice’s reputation as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World
• Venice Art Festival featuring paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry and handcrafted artwork
• Venice Craft Festivals held at different times throughout the year
• Sun Fiesta with entertainment, vendors, food and community activities
• Venice Italian Feast and Carnival
• Venice Seafood and Music Festival
• Blues and BBQ Festival
• Venice Holiday Parade
• Christmas Walk and Holiday Events in Downtown Venice
• Friday Night Concerts at the Centennial Park gazebo
• Classic car shows, sidewalk sales and seasonal celebrations

Venice Farmers Markets, Fairs and Outdoor Markets

The Venice Farmers Market is one of the city’s favorite weekly traditions. Held Saturday mornings throughout the year, the market typically includes local produce, baked goods, seafood, meats, cheeses, plants, coffee, prepared foods, handmade products and live entertainment.

It is more than a place to buy groceries. The market has become a weekly gathering place where residents meet friends, talk with local vendors and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Venice Island.

Additional seasonal markets may include:

• Downtown Venice craft fairs
• Art and handmade-goods markets
• Wellen Park farmers markets
• Wellen Park night markets
• Holiday markets and sidewalk sales
• Community rummage sales and church fairs

Learn more about the year-round Saturday market at the Venice Florida Farmers Market website.

Beaches and Waterfront Activities

Some of the best activities in Venice are found along the Gulf. Each local beach has its own personality, scenery and reasons to visit.

Venice Beach

Located close to Historic Downtown Venice, Venice Beach is a convenient place for swimming, sunbathing, watching sunsets and searching for fossilized shark teeth. The beach is also near the Venice Public Fishing Pier and Sharky’s on the Pier.

Caspersen Beach

Caspersen Beach is famous for shark-tooth hunting and its more natural, undeveloped shoreline. Visitors also enjoy walking trails, fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing.

Brohard Paw Park

Brohard Paw Park is one of the area’s most unusual attractions—a designated dog-friendly beach where dogs can play in the Gulf. It is a favorite destination for Venice residents and their four-legged family members.

South Jetty and North Jetty

The Venice and Nokomis jetties are excellent places to watch boats, fish, photograph sunsets and look for dolphins. Jetty conditions and access can change following storms or maintenance, so verify the current status before visiting.

Nokomis Beach

Just north of Venice, Nokomis Beach is known for its casual Old Florida atmosphere, beautiful sunsets and community drum circles. It is popular with swimmers, paddlers, anglers and families.

Pickleball in Venice, Florida

Pickleball in Venice, Florida is especially popular among active residents. Public parks, private clubs, fitness centers and many Venice-area HOA communities offer pickleball courts, leagues, clinics and social play.

Hecksher Park on West Venice Avenue provides lighted pickleball and tennis courts along with basketball, shuffleboard, racquetball, picnic facilities and a playground. Courts are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to posted rules.

Many Venice neighborhoods also have private pickleball facilities, including communities in Wellen Park and other master-planned developments throughout Venice, North Venice and Nokomis.

Tennis in Venice, Florida

Venice offers year-round opportunities for recreational and competitive tennis. Public courts, country clubs and residential communities provide options for beginners, experienced players and organized leagues.

Popular tennis activities include:

• Open public-court play
• Private and group lessons
• Men’s and women’s leagues
• Mixed doubles
• Round-robin social events
• Community tournaments

If tennis or pickleball is important to your lifestyle, consider looking for a Venice, Florida home in an amenity-rich community with private courts and organized resident activities.

Golf and Other Sports

Venice is surrounded by public, semi-private and private golf courses. Golfers can choose from championship country-club courses, neighborhood golf communities and affordable daily-fee options.

Other popular sports and fitness activities in Venice include golf, cycling, walking and running clubs, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, sailing, fishing, basketball, racquetball, shuffleboard, yoga, outdoor fitness classes and baseball at CoolToday Park.

Atlanta Braves Spring Training

Baseball fans can watch the Atlanta Braves during spring training at CoolToday Park in the Wellen Park area. The stadium also hosts concerts, community gatherings and special events throughout the year.

Biking, Walking and Nature Activities

Venice is one of Southwest Florida’s most enjoyable communities for outdoor recreation.

Venetian Waterway Park

The Venetian Waterway Park follows both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway for approximately five miles. It is popular for bicycling, walking, running, wildlife watching and enjoying views of passing boats.

Legacy Trail

The Legacy Trail connects the Venice area with communities to the north, creating a long paved route for cycling, walking and running. It is one of the region’s most valuable recreational amenities.

Myakka River and Nearby Nature Preserves

Nature lovers can explore nearby parks, preserves and waterways by foot, bicycle or kayak. Depending on the location, visitors may see alligators, manatees, dolphins, ospreys, eagles, herons and other Florida wildlife.

The City of Venice maintains more than 30 parks, ranging from small neighborhood spaces to beaches and waterfront recreation areas. Explore them through the official Venice parks directory.

Dining in Venice, Florida

Venice, Florida dining ranges from casual tiki bars and waterfront restaurants to Italian cuisine, seafood restaurants, steakhouses, bakeries, coffee shops and upscale dining.

Popular dining areas include:

• Historic Downtown Venice for sidewalk cafés, Italian restaurants, wine bars, bakeries and ice cream
• Venice Beach and the fishing pier for Gulf views and sunset dining
• Nokomis waterfront for seafood, live music and Old Florida atmosphere
• Downtown Wellen Park for restaurants surrounding the lake and outdoor gathering areas
• South Venice and Englewood for locally owned neighborhood restaurants

Outdoor dining is especially popular during Venice’s mild winter and spring seasons. Many restaurants feature live music, happy-hour specials and pet-friendly patios.

Shopping in Venice, Florida

Historic Downtown Venice is the heart of local shopping. Its palm-lined streets feature independent boutiques, art galleries, clothing stores, jewelry shops, gift stores, home décor businesses and specialty food shops.

Other shopping destinations include:

• Venice Avenue and Miami Avenue boutiques
• Jacaranda Plaza
• Village Shops of Venice
• Venice Village Shoppes
• Downtown Wellen Park businesses
• Local antique and consignment stores
• Farmers markets and seasonal craft fairs
• Major retailers along US 41 and Jacaranda Boulevard

One advantage of living in Venice is the ability to enjoy small-town shopping while still having convenient access to larger retail centers in Sarasota, North Port and Port Charlotte.

Arts, Theater and Live Entertainment

Venice has an active cultural community with live theater, music, galleries and educational programs.

• Venice Theatre
• Venice Art Center
• Venice Symphony performances
• Historic Venice Train Depot
• Centennial Park concerts
• Local galleries and art festivals
• Community classes, lectures and workshops

Residents also enjoy easy access to Sarasota’s theaters, museums, performing-arts venues and cultural attractions.

Fun Free Things to Do in Venice, Florida

You do not have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the Venice lifestyle. Many of the area’s best experiences are completely free.

• Watch the sunset at Venice Beach
• Search for fossilized shark teeth at Caspersen Beach
• Walk or bike the Venetian Waterway Park
• Explore the Legacy Trail
• Attend a free concert in Centennial Park
• Browse the Saturday Venice Farmers Market
• Window-shop in Historic Downtown Venice
• Visit the Centennial Park splash pad with the grandchildren
• Walk through West Blalock Park
• Watch boats and dolphins near the jetties
• Attend a free community festival or craft fair
• Enjoy the Nokomis Beach drum circle
• Walk your dog at Brohard Paw Park
• Explore local nature preserves
• Listen to live music at Downtown Wellen Park
• Pack a picnic and visit one of Venice’s many parks

Family-Friendly Activities in Venice

Venice is not just a retirement destination. Families and visiting grandchildren can enjoy beaches, playgrounds, parks, fishing, boating, splash pads, sporting events and community festivals.

Family favorites include Centennial Park’s interactive fountain, shark-tooth hunting, Venice Fishing Pier, CoolToday Park baseball games, Oscar Scherer State Park, playgrounds and picnic areas, kayaking, paddleboarding, ice cream and shopping in Downtown Venice, and community movie nights and concerts.

Activities at Downtown Wellen Park

Downtown Wellen Park has become another major entertainment destination in the Venice area. The lakefront district features restaurants, walking paths, green spaces, a playground and an active calendar of public events.

Depending on the season, visitors may find live outdoor music, farmers and night markets, fitness classes, walking and cycling groups, food and holiday festivals, family activities and community celebrations.

Why Active Residents Love Venice

Venice is especially appealing to active adults because recreation is built into everyday life. Residents can play pickleball in the morning, have lunch downtown, walk along the beach in the afternoon and attend an outdoor concert after sunset.

Many Venice, Florida lifestyle communities offer resort-style amenities such as clubhouses, fitness centers, swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts, golf, walking and biking trails, dog parks, social clubs, community events and activities directors.

This combination of beaches, outdoor recreation, social activities and cultural attractions helps make Venice one of Florida’s most popular destinations for an active retirement.

Finding a Venice Home That Fits Your Lifestyle

When comparing homes for sale in Venice, Florida, do not look only at the house. Consider how you want to spend your time.

Do you want to walk to restaurants and festivals? Would you prefer a golf community? Are private tennis and pickleball courts important? Do you want to live near the beach, Legacy Trail, Downtown Venice or Wellen Park?

The right neighborhood can make it much easier to enjoy the lifestyle you moved to Florida to experience.

Event dates, locations, admission charges and operating schedules may change. Confirm current information with the event organizer or venue before making plans.