12 Best Things to Do in Venice, Florida

By VacationIdea Staff on August 6, 2022 - Updated

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Come and experience a unique slice of paradise in Venice Florida. Venice has it all for outdoor enthusiasts including miles and miles of pristine beaches, wonderful water sport opportunities and great sport fishing. As if that were not enough, Downtown Venice is just beautiful, dotted with swaying palms and gracious oaks which invite visitors to linger along her shady streets and enjoy shopping and outdoor dining. The greater Venice area is ideal to explore by bicycle along miles of trails or by joining the (free) Community Bike Tour. Birders should try to visit between September and May when thousands of courting and nesting birds can be observed at the Venice Area Audubon Rookery.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Detwiler’s Farm Market, Venice, Florida

The motto at Detwiler’s Farm Market is “Eat Fresh for Less”. They live up to their philosophy by providing customers with the very best and healthiest food sourced from responsible and sustainable local farmers. There is an emphasis on eating organically grown fruit and vegetables and sourcing meat and chicken from farmers who believe in raising their animals naturally without unnecessary antibiotics or growth stimulants. The resultant products have to be tasted to be fully appreciated. You can visit the Detwiler’s Farm Market in Venice from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 7pm to stock up with all the healthy food your family needs.

Detwiler’s Farm Market, 1250 US 41 Bypass S, Venice, FL 34285, Phone: 941-378-2727

2.Ideal Classic Cars Museum and Showroom, Venice, Florida

Car enthusiasts of all ages will be happy to know that they can visit the Ideal Classic Cars Museum free of charge to admire a great collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and trucks. More than just a museum, Ideal Classic Cars also trades and sources rare classic and vintage vehicles for collectors. If you have your own classic car to sell, they will be happy to offer you a great deal. The museum is packed with a fascinating collection of vehicles sourced from all over the country and beyond. Once you have admired all the cars on show you can visit the gift shop to pick up some souvenirs to take home with you.

Ideal Classic Cars Museum and Showroom, 2224S Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34293, Phone: 941-966-1900

3.The Venice Area Audubon Rookery, Venice, FL

Calling all nature lovers and birding enthusiasts, the Venice Area Audubon Rookery is a well-known birding hot-spot and the place to go for some really exciting bird watching and photography. You can easily watch and photograph many birds from the shaded pavilion benches or take a walk around the perimeter of the Rookery Lake for a closer look. Nesting takes place from December to May and the rookery attracts a wide variety of herons and egrets, which can be observed as they go about courting, nesting, incubating eggs and raising their chicks. The Venice Area Audubon Society holds regular evening talks and lectures and entrance to the rookery is free of charge.

The Venice Area Audubon Rookery, 4531 Annex Rd, Venice, FL 34293, Phone: 941-496-8984

4.Sharky’s on the Pier, Venice, Florida

Located right on the very edge of the Gulf of Mexico, Sharky’s on the Pier is a popular eatery which attracts a loyal following of Venice regulars who come to enjoy great food, brilliant sunsets, music and cocktails. At Shark’s, you can step directly from the warm beach sands onto the deck to enjoy your meal or drink. The upper deck offers stunning views of the beautiful gulf and Venice’s famous fishing pier. The signature attraction on Shark’s menu has to be the large variety of fresh-from-the-ocean fish and seafood, cooked in a variety of styles to suit all tastes. You can round off your meal with Key Lime Pie or their ever-popular Cheesecake.

Sharky’s on the Pier, 1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice, FL 34285, Phone: 941-488-1456

5.Venice Main Street, Venice, Florida

Venice Main Street is a non-profit organization which was established to preserve and enhance Downtown Venice. The attractive downtown area encompasses a couple of pretty tree-lined streets, where gently waving palms and gracious oak trees and hundreds of blooming flowers invite visitors to come and explore. West Venice Ave and Miami Ave are lined with a good mix of shops and boutiques which share the space with many vibey restaurants and cafes. At the one end there is a splash pad area where children can have fun in the hot Florida sunshine. The shops are filled with quality merchandise and the pleasant atmosphere is most conducive to alfresco dining.

Venice Main Street, 101 W Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34285, Phone: 941-484-6722

6.Snook Haven Park, Venice, Florida

Snook Haven Park is tucked away along the banks of the Myakka River, where if offers visitors a glimpse of “old Florida” and a day of riverside adventures. Park amenities include a boat ramp, canoe and kayak launching area, restrooms, picnic area and a rustic barbeque restaurant with live entertainment. The park is still a popular place for a relaxing day of fishing on the river. You can hire canoes, kayaks and double-kayaks as well as paddle boats by the hour or opt to explore the river on a scenic boat tour. Drifting down the river on a pontoon is the ideal opportunity for you to spot wildlife such as alligators, turtles, herons and many species of birds.

Snook Haven Park, 5000 E. Venice Ave, Venice FL 34292, Phone: 941-485-7221

7.Things to Do in Venice, Florida: Venice Area Audubon Society (VAAS)

VAAS was established to instill and promote an interest in wildlife and nature. Today the society has their own headquarters in Annex Rd, where they operate a number of educational activities for Venice locals and for visitors from all around the globe. Of particular interest is their Venice Area Audubon Society Rookery, which is home to a dazzling exhibit of thousands of nesting birds between September and May each year. In addition, they have also established a beautiful butterfly garden, planted with a wide variety of plants which attract butterflies. Everyone is welcome to attend their monthly meetings or join guided birding expeditions.

Venice Area Audubon Society, Annex Rd, Venice, FL 34285, Phone: 941-496-8984

8.Clyde Butcher Venice Gallery and Studio

Legendary US photographer Clyde Butcher has an inspirational gallery in Venice where locals and visitors can come and admire (and purchase) his extraordinary black-and-white photographs which so brilliantly merge photography and fine art. Each of his amazing masterpieces has been painstakingly composed to transport viewers into the heart of his mesmerizing photographs. Many of his finest works where shot in Big Cypress National Preserve, one of his favorite haunts. Visitors to the gallery can also purchase one of his beautiful photographic books, calendars, note cards and more.

Clyde Butcher Venice Gallery and Studio, 237 Warfield Ave, Venice, FL 34285, Phone: 941-486-0811

9.Venice Museum and Archives, Venice, Florida

An ideal attraction for a rainy day, the Venice Museum and Archives welcomes all visitors to come and visit free of charge. The museum is home to a massive collection of over 33,000 items of Venice memorabilia, which span a period of over 150 years. As you tour the exhibits, you will get to learn about many aspects of Venice history including the early settlers, the Barnum and Bailey Circus, the Venice Army Air Base during WWII and much, much more. Objects in the collection range from fossil shark teeth, antique furniture, vintage vehicles, maps and photographs to an early telephone exchange.

Venice Museum and Archives, 351 Nassau Street South, Venice, FL 34285, Phone: 941-486-2487

10.Things to Do in Venice, Florida: Chaz 51 Steakhouse

Chef Charles at Chaz 51 and his team have won multiple awards for their fresh take on fine dining, along with their southern hospitality. The menu at the bistro is inspired by the seasons and changes to showcase whatever is fresh and delicious, but you will always find a selection of excellent steaks and seafood on the a la carte dinner menu. Their Summer Menu is a fixed-price 3-course set menu which offers excellent value and includes wine. Wine connoisseurs are sure to find the perfect bottle to pair with their meal. The popular 3-course Children’s Menu includes a drink, choice of four kiddies meals and a dessert.

Bird Bay Plaza, 549 US 41 Bypass North, Venice, FL, Phone: 941-484-6200

11.Angelos Italian Market, Venice, Florida

An extended Italian family forms the cornerstone of Angelo’s Italian Market in Venice. What started as a small grocer and deli over 25 years ago has grown by leaps and bounds and has become something of a landmark in Venice. Steered by their collective passion and knowledge of all things Italian, the market now offers a full service restaurant as well a supply store for all your Italian ingredients. The lunch and dinner menus include classic dishes from many difference regions of Italy, prepared using homemade market classics like their mozzarella, ravioli and sausages. No meal would be complete without a glass of wine – choose your favorite from their extensive wine list.

Angelos Italian Market, 850 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34285, Phone: 941-484-6864

12.Things to Do in Venice, Florida: Snook Haven

Lying at the end of a palm-lined dirt lane off River Road and East Venice Avenue, Snook Haven Park is a rustic barbeque restaurant alongside the Myakka River. The location was once the haunt of prohibition smugglers and its slightly felonious notoriety enhances the Old-Florida atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in freshly barbecued smoke-house style pork, beef and chicken as well as a good selection of seafood, all washed down with your choice from their long menu of craft brews. Apart from enjoying a great meal surrounded by backwoods beauty, you can also enjoy various water sports including canoe and kayak excursions along the river and scenic river cruises with Logan River Tours.

5000 E Venice Ave, Venice, FL 34292, Phone: 941-485-7221