Attractions

THINGS TO DO


VENICE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

 

As Chairman of the Board for the Venice Area Chamber of Commerce, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our paradise on the Gulf. With miles of beautiful beaches, intracoastal waterways, bike trails, and breathtaking sunsets, it is no wonder Venice is constantly ranked as one of the nation’s top destinations to visit, vacation and call home

While you are here be sure to take an evening stroll through our historic downtown area. In doing so, you will find dining and shopping, with smiling faces and friendly folks, in a city that is rich with a unique history and a thriving cultural scene

http://venicechamber.com
   
 

VENICE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

The City of Venice (“City”) will not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, family or religious status with respect to any City program, activity or service.

The City has developed a Title VI and ADA Plan pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended and related Federal and State nondiscrimination statutes and regulations. The City’s Title VI and ADA Plan outlines the assistance and procedures of the Title VI and ADA Plan requirements which also includes a written process on how to file a Title VI or an ADA complaint should one arise, and describes the complaint investigation process. 

http://www.venicegov.com
   

VENICE MAIN STREET

Today's Venice is shaped by a rich heritage. The area of Venice was originally the home of the Calusas, Native Americans who lived more than 12,000 years ago. Although Florida was occupied by the Spanish in the sixteenth century, much of its southwestern coast remained a wilderness.

The 1800's saw the first true wave of settlers sweep the area when the government offered free land to anyone who would homestead it. Bolstered by northern newspapers' glowing accounts of the beauty and richness of the state, newcomers began to move in.

Originally called Horse and Chaise because of a carriage like tree formation that marked the spot for fisherman, the city acquired its present name in 1888 from settler Frank Higel, considered the "Father of Venice," because of its likeness to the canal city in Italy where he spent his childhood

https://www.visitvenicefl.org/
 
   

VENICE THEATRE

When the then-Venice Little Theatre mounted its first production in the 1950s, it did so in a borrowed building, had no paid staff, operated entirely with volunteers, and its only revenue came from sales of the $2 tickets.

Today, Venice Theatre is per capita, the largest community theatre in the United States with an operating budget of almost three million dollars, a large professional staff and an honored place in the history of Venice Florida.

That history is rich with the stories of the people who nurtured the theatre and made it what it is today. Many of those stories can be found in this history. This is dedicated to them

https://venicestage.com/

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS

CARRABBA'S Italian/Family

We're two Sicilian boys from Texas who love to cook and eat. We love the Sicilian food our parents and grandparents cooked. We love the Creole and Southern food our family members picked up passing through Louisiana and stepping off the boat right on the dock in Galveston. And we love the Western food that's just part of being in Texas.

Food, you see, isn't only about food. It's not some big secret. It's something that just happens when all of our interconnected families get together-the Carrabbas and the Mandolas, plus anybody with enough good sense to marry in. You may be poor, went the saying a mere generation ago, but you'll never be hungry

https://www.carrabbas.com/locations/fl/venice
   

BLU ISLAND BISTRO

Breakfast/Lunch

Blu’ Island Bistro provides unique catering options for corporate events, office lunches, private parties, weddings, community events, as well as special events. On or off site – Blu’ Island Bistro is sure to exceed your expectations with unique catering options that are just as delicious as they are beautiful.

Have questions? No problem! Give us a call (941-485-8400) at Blu’ Island Bistro and tell us a little about your event. Chef Alan creates custom menus/dishes that will leave your guests raving about the food! We looking forward to catering your next event!

http://bluislandbistro.com/

   

GOLD RUSH BBQ

 

We are an award winning family owned and operated restaurant and take pride in every meal we serve. Our restaurant has a gold mining theme, with rocks, gold mining supplies and casual comfort, many of our items served in metal gold miner pans. While here check out our Souvenir Rock Shop.

Service is fast friendly, with a nice selection of Beer, Wine, Sangria and our famous Sweet Tea. Hope to see you soon for your dine in, carryout from our convenient to go window, or catering needs

http://www.goldrushbbq.com/
   

SHARKY'S ON THE PIER

Beach Restaurant & Bar

Sharky's extends a warm welcome to all to dine, dance, and have fun. It doesn't matter if you're a local Florida Cracker, visiting grandma or grandpa, or just vacationing in Venice, FL...we would love to meet you!

We truly hope you enjoy our great seafood, fun & festive atmosphere, outstanding service, and more that represents the best of Florida's Gulf Coast. Catch a sunset or dance the night away at Sharky's On The Pier.

http://www.sharkysonthepier.com/
   

 

MADE IN ITALY

Restaurant & Martini Bar

We here at Made in Italy have been serving authentic Italian cuisine to the community in Venice for over five years. We strive for that perfect combination of traditional Italian favorites and new Italian cuisine, always utilizing the freshest possible produce, meats and seafood. 
Come let scents like garlic, tomatoes & herbs baking in amazing combinations in our wood-fired oven carry you away to Italy, and you won’t even need a passport! We welcome you with open arms and can’t wait to spend more memorable years with you here at Made in Italy.

http://madeinitaly-venice.com/

GOLF


PELICAN POINTE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club is known for golf, first and foremost. The Club prides its self on the golf experience. The courses are painstakingly maintained ensuring playing standards are consistent. Pelican Pointe is  routinely rated as one of the finest facilities in the area and has been awarded the “Reader’s Choice” award by residents in Sarasota County every year since 2001.

 The 27 holes of championship golf were designed by Ted McAnlis. The original 18 holes of golf, the “Meadows” and “Preserve” nines were opened in 1995, with the “Hatchet-Creek” side debuting in 2002. Ranging from a gentle 5,326 yards to a “Tiger” style course at 7,182 yards, the different combinations of nines allows golfers to consistently play a variety of golf hole designs. The USGA golf course ratings vary from 66.9 to 74.5. Our regulars enjoy the tempting variety of golf and routinely play a different combination of courses. Wildlife, natural preserves and wetlands accent the day on the links.  This is more than a game.  Golf at Pelican Pointe is a lifestyle.     http://www.pelicanpointeclub.com/-golf-overview
   

SARASOTA NATIONAL GOLF

Sarasota National Golf Club's 18-hole championship course provides an exhilarating test for golfers of any skill level. 

An Audubon International Certified Signature Sanctuary, the course is surrounded by native wetlands and preserves, providing a dramatic backdrop that is as beautiful as it is challenging.

http://www.sarasotanationalgolf.com/Golf
   

VENICE EAST GOLF CLUB

In 1961, a public golf course designed by Roy Albert Anderson was built on 52 acres in the Venice East subdivision.

In 1983, a group of dedicated golfers purchased 37 acres of the course and formed the Venice East Golf Association. Along with the course itself was a small clubhouse with a screened front porch, a small building housing the golf carts and a driving range along US 41.

In 1994, the Association purchased the remaining 15 acres between the course and US 41 to allow highway access to the driving range.

That same year the pro shop as we know it today was built.

http://www.veniceeastgc.com/index.php
   

JACARANDA WEST GOLF

Our 18 hole championship golf course with five sets of tees is both challenging and playable. With our exceptional course conditions, challenging course layout, picturesque beauty, a truly enjoyable round awaits you every time you visit Jacaranda West Country Club. Come experience Jacaranda West and find out why we are consistently recognized as the “Best Place to Play” in Sarasota, Port Charlotte and all of Southwest Florida. Daily fees for public golf is available. Book your tee time today.

http://www.jacwestcc.com/
   

LAKE VENICE GOLF CLUB

  • 27 Holes
  • Walk Or Ride At Any Time, as we do not take tee times
  • Natural Beauty, not part of a housing development
  • Adjacent To The Gulf Of Mexico
  • Best Rates Year Round
  • Free Wi-Fi

http://www.lakevenicegolf.com




BEACHES

 

VENICE BEACH

101 The Esplanade, Venice, FL 34285

  • Beach Access
  • Birding
  • Concession / Restaurant
  • Historical / Cultural Resource
  • Lifeguard
  • Picnicking
  • Restroom
  • Shelter / Pavilion
  • Swimming
  • Volleyball
 
   
 

CASPERSEN BEACH

4100 Harbor Dr, Venice, FL 34285
  • Beach Access
  • Birding
  • Boat Ramps for Non-motorized Vessels
  • Canoe/Kayak Launch
  • Fishing Pier
  • Outdoor Fitness Equipment
  • Playground
  • Restroom
  • Shelter / Pavilion
  • Swimming
  • Trail - Unpaved
  • Wildlife Viewing
   

MANASOTA BEACH

8570 Manasota Key Rd. Englewood, FL 34223
  • Beach Access
  • Boat Ramp
  • Boat Ramps for Motorized Vessels
  • Boat Ramps for Non-motorized Vessels
  • Canoe/Kayak Launch
  • Fishing
  • Lifeguard
  • Picnicking
  • Restroom
  • Shelter / Pavilion
  • Swimming
  • Trail - Unpaved
  • Wildlife Viewing