subject: The Fantastic Beaches of Venice, Florida [print this page] The Amazing Waters and Beaches of Venice, Florida
Venice is loaded with several wonderful beaches, with lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Split off into three main public beach areasVenice Beach, Brohard Park, and Caspersen Beachthey are all well known for the amount of prehistoric shark teeth found just lying about. Actually, Venice has even been called the "Shark's Tooth Capital of the World", but don't worry, the sharks are all long gone and turned to stone. To keep yourself and everyone else safe, there are some basic rules posted at the beach areas, but to plan ahead you can read the full city park rules at the Venice City Website.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach
The most popular beach in the Venice area is called, simply, Venice Beach (and sometimes Venice Municipal Beach.) You'll find it just northwest of the downtown area.
Location: 101 The Esplanade (go to the end of West Venice Ave.)
Parking: Free, in the nearby parking lot.
Amenities: Restrooms, Showers, Lifeguards.
Food: Picnic Facilities, Concession Stand and nearby Restaurants
Activities: Sun, Sand and Beach Volleyball
Humphris Park/South Jetty
Looking for a bit less sand and a few more trees? Humphris Park is at the north end of Venice Beach, and provides access also to South Jetty, a rocky path leading a few hundred feet out into the gulf. South Jetty is paired off with North Jetty, forming a boat channel and a strong current, but once you get outside the jetty you'll find calm waters perfect for snorkelling or fishing.
Location: Near the finish of Tarpon Center Drive
Parking: Free, in the nearby parking lot.
Amenities: Restrooms and Shower.
Food: Picnic Facilities and Concession Stands
Activities: Fishing and Snorkelling.
Brohard Park
Covering 67 acres, Brohard park includes all of South Brohard Beach, Brohard Paw Park, Maxine Barrit Park, the Venice Fishing Pier and Service Club Park.
Service Club Park
Skirting the north edge of Brohard Park you'll find a small park with beach access for those trying to get away from the noise of the main park. If you're trying to take your solitude with you, though, keep in mind that any vehicle over 20' long is prohibited in the park.
Location: Just down on South Harbor Drive
Parking: Free, in the nearby parking lot.
Amenities: Restrooms and Showers.
Activities: Beach, Picnic Tables and Beach Volleyball.
Venice Fishing Pier / Beach Access
Including a great beach-side bar and restaurant, the total package offered at Venice Fishing Pier makes for a great place to start and finish your day at the beach.
Location: Along South Harbor Drive
Parking: Free, in the nearby parking lot.
Amenities: Restrooms and Showers.
Activities: Beach Volleyball, Free Public Fishing Pier and of course the Beach.
Food: Sharky's Beachside Bar and Restaurant, as well as Picnic Tables
Maxine Barrit Park
Alongside Venice Fishing Pier, you can find Maxine Barrit Park, full of a playground, a fenced-in alligator habitat, and even pet-friendly policies, letting you bring your furriest family member along on a 6' leash.
Brohard Paw Park
Most of the beaches of Venice have rules against pets, but at Brohard Paw Park you'd look out of place if you didn't bring along your fuzzy friend. With an acre of beach alongside a fenced dog play yard and puppy-friendly drinking fountains for those hot days, Brohard Paw Park is a necessary stop for you and your dog.
South Brohard Beach
Much like Service Club Park, the South Brohard Beach gives a quieter alternative while still providing all the basic amenities.
Location: Along South Harbor Drive
Parking: Free, in the nearby parking lot.
Amenities: Restrooms and Showers.
Caspersen Beach
Caspersen Beach is the most southern of Venice's many beaches, offering a great mix of amenities and undeveloped beach. Covering 177 acres and almost two miles of beach-front land, you can enjoy the built up areas near the access points, or head south and start your own adventure to get back to nature and find yourself some amazing shells and shark teeth to bring home as souvenirs.
Wherever you end up in Venice, you'll find yourself surrounded by good people in a great environment. Come on down to enjoy the trip and have a fantastic vacation.
