If there’s one place you need to visit…
…it’s Venice Beach Florida
Home to 14 miles of breath-taking beaches, it’s become one of the most popular places in Florida.
But this wasn’t always the case…
It started in 1891 when tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney brought oceanfront property spamming 3 miles. By 1905, he had built a beachside resort that would go on to become the Venice Beach we know and love!
In fact, Coastal Living voted Venice Beach one of the ‘Top 10 happiest seaside towns’.
…and we couldn’t agree more.
If you’re planning a getaway to Venice, then you’re in the right place. This article contains everything you need to know.
Here’s what you will learn:
- Where is Venice Beach?
- Restaurants you need to check out
- Cool activities you can do
- The reputation of Venice Beach Florida.
- Is Venice Beach Florida crowded?
Let’s go…
Where Is Venice Beach Florida?
Embed Map HTML
One of the closest major cities is Saint Petersburg. It’s 93 kilometers away and takes 1 hour to reach by car.
Restaurants To Die For In Venice Beach
1. Crow’s Nest Marina Restaurant
Embed Map HTML
Opening Times:
Monday: 11:30am – 9pm
Tuesday: 11:30am – 9pm
Wednesday: 11:30am – 9pm
Thursday: 11:30am – 9pm
Friday: 11:30am – 9pm
Saturday: 11:30am – 9pm
Sunday: 11:30am – 9pm
Do breathtaking views, excellent food, and a friendly atmosphere sound like your dream vacation?
…then let us introduce you to Crow’s Nest Marina Restaurant.
As you may have guessed, this seafood restaurant is located in the Marina. That means you can look out over the bay while enjoying your meal.
And that’s not even the best thing…
If you arrive at the right time, you can watch the sunset. During the Summer months, the sun sets around 8-8:30 pm.
While enjoying the views, the staff are more than happy to take care of you.
…there’s positive vibes all round at this restaurant.
2. Daiquiri Deck Island of Venice
Embed Map HTML
Opening Times:
Monday: 11am – 10pm
Tuesday: 11am – 10pm
Wednesday: 11am – 10pm
Thursday: 11am – 10pm
Friday: 11am – 11pm
Saturday: 11am – 11pm
Sunday: 11am – 10pm
If you’re looking for something more laid back, we recommend Daiquiri Deck Island Of Venice.
Pretty cool name, huh!?
It can be found at 300 W Venice Avenue, next to the Bank Of America.
Inside you can enjoy live music, friendly staff, and some bada** shrimp.
…or should I say outside.
This restaurant offers both seating options. The inside is great to escape the heat, while the outside is perfect for working on your Florida tan!
If you need to cool down, you can also try one of their frozen beverages…
We recommend the mango flavor drink!
Just keep in mind – the prices are on the higher side.
Things To Do In Venice Beach Florida
There’s so much to do in Venice Beach.
…making it hard to choose.
We have compared all popular activities and picked the top 4.
Here they are:
1. Visit Venice Beach Pier (For Laid Back Travelers)
Embed Map HTML
Want to check out one of the most popular Venice Beach locations?
…then head over to Venice Beach Pier.
Not just for the breathtaking views, but also for the best fishing spots in town. You can catch a variety of different fish, as seen below:
- Grouper
- Snapper
- Redfish
- White seabass
- Perch
Leopard and tiger sharks can also be found here.
…but you’re not allowed to catch them. A law was passed in 2019, making shark fishing illegal at Venice pier.
If you’re looking to pick up some fishing gear for your trip, check out Papa’s Bait And Snack Shop, which is also located on Venice fishing pier.
You can find a great selection of bait.
…Fishing rod rentals are also available.
Is it your first time fishing? Then don’t be afraid to ask for advice. The team is more than happy to help!
2. Collect Sharks Teeth At Venice Beach (For The Adventurous)
Did you know that Venice is known as the shark tooth capital of the World?
Forget about souvenir shops.
…all the souvenirs you need are scattered across the beach.
Here are the best places to find them:
- Casey Key
- Manasota Key
If you want to find the most shark teeth, head over to where the waves break. To save time, we recommend purchasing a Florida snow shovel.
A snow shovel is a metal pole with a basket attached to the end.
It’s used to scoop up shark teeth and filter them from other objects and debris.
So where can you find one?
Head over to a Walmart in Venice and you can find them for around $20.
They are also sold at Papa’s Bait And Snack Shop.
When it comes to finding the teeth, there’s something you need to know.
…they are not pearly white.
These fossils are darker in color, so make sure you don’t mistake them for small stones or debris.
Happy teeth hunting!
3. Sweat It Out At Hecksher Park (For The Active Traveler)
Embed Map HTML
Opening Times:
Monday: 6am – 10pm
Tuesday: 6am – 10pm
Wednesday: 6am – 10pm
Thursday: 6am – 10pm
Friday: 6am – 10pm
Saturday: 6am – 10pm
Sunday: 6am – 10pm
If you’re the active type, we’ve got just the place!
Hecksher Park has tennis, basketball, and racquetball courts.
Unfortunately, you can’t make a booking. It’s first come first serve, so you may need to wait around until a space becomes available.
Here’s the good news…
If you want to get a space, we recommend visiting between 12 pm – 3 pm. These are the quietest times, so you’re more likely to get a spot.
4. Oscar Scherer State Park (For Nature Lovers)
Embed Map HTML
Are you looking to experience the best nature has to offer on your travels?
…then you can’t go wrong with Oscar Scherer State Park.
This gorgeous park is 15 minutes inland by car. When you arrive, you can see Scrub-Jays; an endangered bird that can only be found in Florida.
And no, you can’t keep them as pets!
You can also find snakes, frogs, and bobcats roaming Oscar Scherer State Park.
But nature is not the only reason we love this park…
There are also numerous activities to participate in.
Here are a few:
- Bicycle trails
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Kayaking
If you’re traveling with a large group of friends, why not give camping a go?
Oscar Scherer State Park has 104 campsites to choose from, so you’re not short on choice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Venice Beach Florida A Nice Beach?
Venice Beach Florida is beautiful. It has crystal clear blue waters, white sand, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Everything you want on vacation, huh!?
Even the crime rates are lower than the national average. On average, the violent crime rate in the US is 22.7.
…Florida sits at 9.4, making it considerably lower.
It’s always advisable to keep an eye on your personal belongings, but you’re much safer in Venice Beach than in other cities.
Is Venice Beach Florida Crowded?
…it depends on the weather and time of day.
However, Venice Beach is still less crowded than you’d expect.
For example, it’s much less busy than Siesta Key Beach, which is located a short drive away.
