Venice, Florida

Pictures from Venice.

 Venice is on the southwest coast of Florida, between Sarasota and Fort Myers and south of Tampa by 70 miles. It is one of the few cities on the lower west coast that does not have barrier islands offshore protecting it's coastline. However, the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway effectively produced an island on which the beach areas and the historic downtown area are now located.

The city of Venice has a permanent population of around 20,000 people and a metro area of around 80,000. As a rather small city and, as Florida coastal cities go, one wonders how Venice managed to escape the heavy development prevalent to Florida shorelines. It's a blessing to visitors and residents alike however, as much of the coastline is available to the public through parks and preserves.

In addition to the wonderful beaches, Venice has an old, fossilized reef about ¼ mile offshore which is frequented by divers and a rock jetty, both unusual as Southwest Florida attractions. It also has a 700 foot pier for fishing,  strolling or relaxing. There are great views of the beaches and the Venice skyline from both the pier and the jetty. Often it's easy to spot sailboats, motor yachts, porpoises and other marine life as well as a wide variety of birds from these locations.

Visitors to Venice will enjoy the historic downtown area with its small shops and easy going pace. Strolling along Venice Avenue, whether looking for gifts or beachwear, is reminiscent of a holiday atmosphere. It's a nice ride around town, too, viewing fine houses and tropically landscaped yards. 

Visitors to Venice, Florida can tour many South Florida cities by car.  Seventy-five to ninety minutes south will find one at the gateway to Sanibel and Captiva, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and Pine island including Matlacha, Bokeelia and St. James City. This area can be accessed best from the Sarasota International Airport (45 minutes) or The Southwest Florida International Airport just southwest of Fort Myers (60 minutes).

Historic Downtown Venice

Photo of the Venice Little Theatre (upper left) and Venice Mall (upper). Corner of Nokomis Avenue and Venice Avenue (left). Photos (below) show Centennial Park in downtown Venice.

Venice Jetty

This is just a beautiful area. Stunning blue and green waters, birds, rocks, sand, breezes, sailboats, porpoises, big fish, little fish, net fishermen, whew! Casey's Pass (above, left) is the inlet from the Gulf of Mexico to the Intracoastal Waterway at the jetty.

Crow's Nest Restaurant near the jetty - a local favorite.

Pelican on perch.

Anita's Sandcastle eatery at the jetty. Try the world-famous hotdogs.

Venice Pier

At the foot of the Venice pier is Sharky's Restaurant (photo upper left), a great place to grab some lunch and a beer. Views from Sharky's and the pier are terrific including the beach, the water and the Venice, Florida skyline (bottom, right).

Venice Beach

Photos (right) show Venice Beach. Nice white, fine sand and shallow swimming areas.

Caspersen Beach to South Brohard Park 

Caspersen Beach north view towards South Brohard Park.

Boardwalk at Caspersen Beach - lots of boardwalk here.

Fish, shell, swim, stroll or just relax at the beach.

 South of Venice, the South Brohard Park to Caspersen Beach area is miles of native beach open to shelling, snorkeling, or shark's teeth hunting. Water shows beautiful greens and blues.  Not a rocky coastline although some rocks present.

Venice Condos

Venice Waterfront, Gulf Front and Bay View Houses

Miscellany

Pelican poses (above and below) - quite a storage area.

Photo above is drawbridge on Venice Avenue.

Historic old railway station is undergoing renovation.

Blue Heron at Caspersen Beach

Poinsettias in yard.

Black pointy thing is shark's tooth among shell bits.

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