Discover the beautiful beaches of Venice, Florida...

Though not quite as famous as the nearby Siesta Key beaches, Venice boasts several beautiful beaches with plenty of activities for all. The main public beach areas are Venice Beach, Brohard Park, and Caspersen Beach; each area includes several beach access areas with a variety of amenities.

The Venice, Florida beaches are well known for being a great place to find prehistoric shark teeth on the beach or in the water. In fact, Venice has been called the "Shark's Tooth Capital of the World." Don't worry, though - sharks do not frequent the area.

Basic rules and regulations (for example, glass containers are prohibited) are posted at most beach areas. You can read the full regulations at the Venice city website.

Venice Beach

Venice Beach

Just Northwest of downtown Venice you'll find Venice Beach (also called Venice Municipal Beach), which is probably the most popular beach in the area.

• Location: 101 The Esplanade (at the end of W Venice Ave.)
• Parking: Free parking lot.
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Lifeguards
• Picnic facilities
• Concession stand
• Beach volleyball
• No pets

Humphris Park/South Jetty

At the northern end of Venice Beach is Humphris Park, which provides access to the beach and to South Jetty, a rock jetty that protrudes a few hundred feet into the gulf. Directly across from South Jetty is North Jetty; between the jetties is a boat channel. The channel is narrow and subject to strong currents, but the "outside" of the jetty is calm - a perfect spot for snorkeling or fishing.

• Location: At the end of Tarpon Center Dr.
• Parking: Free parking lot.
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Concession stand
• Picnic tables
• No pets

Brohard Park

Brohard Park is a 67 acre park that includes Service Club Park, Venice Fishing Pier, Maxine Barrit Park, Brohard Paw Park and South Brohard Beach.

Service Club Park

On the northern edge of Brohard Park, Service Club Park is a small park and beach access and is a bit quieter than the middle of the park. Vehicles over 20' long, including RV's, are prohibited in Service Club Park.

• Location: South Harbor Drive
• Parking: Free parking lot.
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Beach volleyball
• Picnic tables
• No pets

Venice Fishing Pier / Beach Access

Venice fishing pier makes a great "home base" for a day at the beach, with its full amenities including a great beach-side restaurant and bar.

• Location: South Harbor Drive
• Parking: Free parking lot.
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Free public fishing pier
• Sharky's beachside bar and restaurant
• Beach volleyball
• Picnic tables
• No pets

Maxine Barrit Park

Right next to Venice Fishing Pier, Maxine Barrit Park offers a playground, an alligator habitat (it's fenced in), and allows pets on a 6' leash.

Brohard Paw Park

If you want to head to the beach with your beloved pets, Brohard Paw Park is the best place to go. This 1 acre beach area is the only beach area in Sarasota County where dogs are allowed. Also includes a fenced dog play yard, drinking fountains for humans and dogs, picnic tables, and showers.

South Brohard Beach

Like Service Club Park, South Brohard Beach is a quieter beach access area with basic amenities.

• Location: South Harbor Drive
• Parking: Free parking lot.
• Restrooms
• Showers
• No pets

Caspersen Beach

The southern-most of the Venice beaches, Caspersen Beach offers a wonderful mixture of amenities and undeveloped beach. With 177 acres and nearly 2 miles of beach frontage, you can enjoy the amenities near the access points or head south to the undeveloped portion of the beach for a more natural beach experience. Caspersen beach is also considered one of the premier destinations for shells and shark teeth.

• Location: At the end of South Harbor Drive
• Parking: Free parking lot.
• Restrooms
• Showers
• Picnic shelter
• 1/3 mile nature trail through a coastal hammock
• Playground
• Canoe/Kayak launch
• No pets