Venice

Welcome to Venice

Venice is one of Florida’s most charming Gulf Coast towns, a place where Old Florida character meets relaxed coastal elegance. Planned in the 1920s by renowned city planner John Nolen, its historic downtown is a beautifully preserved district of Northern Italian Renaissance and Mediterranean Revival architecture. West Venice Avenue is lined with palms, and its boutiques, galleries, sidewalk cafés and restaurants lead straight to the beach. Venice is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, and treasure-hunting along its shoreline is a local tradition. Venice Beach, the Venice Fishing Pier and secluded Caspersen Beach offer miles of Gulf-front sand. Homes here range from historic residences on Venice Island and Gulf-front condominiums to waterfront properties and gated golf communities, many with pools, lanais and water or fairway views.

Life in Venice moves at an unhurried, sun-washed pace. Mornings might start with a bike ride on the Legacy Trail, a paved path that runs all the way to Sarasota, or a beach walk in search of fossilized shark teeth. Afternoons bring boating on the Intracoastal Waterway, a round of golf at one of the area’s many courses, or shopping downtown. Evenings mean sunset at the pier, dinner along Venice Avenue, and performances at Venice Theatre or the Venice Symphony. Downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key and Boca Grande are an easy drive away, so Venice feels like a small town with the whole Gulf Coast at its doorstep.

Venice FAQ

Old Florida character and relaxed coastal elegance

Where is Venice, Florida?

Venice is a Gulf Coast city in southern Sarasota County, about 20 miles south of Sarasota, Florida. Its historic downtown sits on Venice Island, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway, and is reached by bridges from the mainland.

Why is Venice called the Shark Tooth Capital of the World?

Venice is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World because fossilized shark teeth wash up on its beaches, especially Caspersen Beach and Venice Beach. Beachcombing for teeth is a local tradition, and the city celebrates it with bronze shark sculptures downtown.

What is the history of Venice, Florida?

Venice was planned in the 1920s by renowned landscape architect John Nolen, who designed its Mediterranean Revival downtown, tree-lined Venice Avenue, and greenbelt parks. The city is marking its 100th anniversary from late 2025 to mid-2027, and much of Nolen's original plan still shapes the town today.

What types of homes are for sale in Venice, FL?

Venice real estate includes historic homes on Venice Island, beachfront and Gulf-view condominiums, waterfront homes along the Intracoastal Waterway, and golf community homes in neighborhoods east of the island. It appeals to buyers who want a walkable, small-town downtown with beaches and boating close by.