Venice, Florida: Where to Eat and What to Do
By Carson B. · Updated November 6, 2026
Hunt for shark teeth at Caspersen Beach, walk the free Venice Fishing Pier, then stroll West Venice Avenue downtown for dinner at Bodrum, Cassariano, or San Marco. For the water, Fins at Sharky's sits right above the pier.
The beach
Venice calls itself the shark tooth capital, and Caspersen Beach is the place to look. The Venice Fishing Pier is free to walk, and the Jetty is where people go to watch surfers, dolphins, and the sunset. Dogs get their own stretch at Brohard Paw Park.
Downtown
Venice turned 100 this year, and downtown still follows the plan John Nolen drew for it. Shops and restaurants line West Venice Avenue. The Island Bookshop is the indie stop, Venice Theatre has live shows, and Venice Museum & Archives and Venice Art Center are close by.
Where to eat
Bodrum does healthy Mediterranean in the heart of downtown. Cassariano and San Marco cover Italian on Venice Avenue, and TJ Carney's adds live entertainment. On the water, try Fins at Sharky's, Dockside, or The Crow's Nest. Black Gold is the coffee roaster.
Gulf views, sushi, and Josper-cooked steaks above Venice Pier
Waterfront dining with marina views in historic Venice
Get moving
The Legacy Trail starts at the Historic Venice Train Depot and heads north toward Sarasota, an easy ride on a paved path. Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey is a short trip for kayaking and trails.
Coming up in Venice
ex•plore: Nature at Night —Sleeping Turtles Preserve North
Fri, Nov 6 · 5:30 PM
Sleeping Turtles Preserve North · Venice
Free
Questions
Where do you find shark teeth in Venice?
Caspersen Beach is the top spot. Bring a sifter and take your time.
Is Venice, Florida walkable?
Downtown is. West Venice Avenue has shops and restaurants close together, a short drive or bike ride from the beach.
Where does the Legacy Trail start?
At the Historic Venice Train Depot.