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This article is brought to you by Grand Palm in Venice. Residents enjoy easy access to downtown Venice and beaches, and a multitude of activities right in their own backyard with an on-site activities coordinator, state-of-the-art fitness facility, pickleball and tennis courts, and a large resort-style pool. Learn more…
Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Venice is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by anyone seeking a relaxing and charming escape.
In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through the parts of Venice you won't want to miss, offering a curated list of places to visit, things to do, and where to eat.
Day 1
Morning:
Venice Beach: Start your day with a leisurely stroll along Venice Beach. The soft, white sands and gentle waves make it the perfect spot for a morning walk. Venice is widely known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, so be sure to an eye out for one of these unique keepsakes.
Next, head to the Venice Fishing Pier, which extends 700 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. It's a great spot for fishing, bird-watching, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the shoreline. Sharky's on the Pier is a great place to grab lunch and take in the oceanfront views.
Afternoon:
Explore Downtown: Walk off lunch by exploring Historic Downtown Venice. There are a ton of boutique shops, art galleries, and specialty stores, and plenty of little local cafes where you can grab a coffee. Centennial Park is a green oasis in the heart of downtown. You can relax by the fountain, watch live music performances, or attend local events if scheduled.
Evening:
Dinner: One of my favorite restaurants downtown is called Made in Italy. The salads, pizzas, and homemade pasta are amazing but I also really like the chicken piccata.
Another place I've heard a lot about but haven't yet tried myself is Cafe Venice Restaurant and Wine Bar. The menu here looks pretty good and they have live music 5 nights a week.
Day 2
Morning:
Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at Croissant & Co., a small French bakery known for its delicious pastries and coffee. There's not a whole lot of seating inside, so if it's crowded just take your order to go.
Tiki Bar Boat Tour: Venice Italy may have gondolas, but those don't hold a candle to the Tiki Bar boats in Venice Florida! Relax and enjoy a leisurely cruise off the western coast of Venice. Take plenty of photos of the beautiful scenery and enjoy that warm Florida sun!
They have two coolers on board available for passenger use and ice is provided as well. Personal coolers are welcome too if you prefer to bring your own.
Alternative Option: If being on the water is just not your thing, you can head to Myakka River State Park which is about 30 minutes away. Here you can enjoy hiking trails, bird-watching, or a boat ride through the park's wetlands.
Grab a quick bite for lunch near whichever morning activity you chose.
Afternoon:
You've got a couple of options this afternoon…
Explore: You can spend your afternoon at the Historic Spanish Point, an outdoor museum that offers a glimpse into Florida's pioneer history. Explore the lush gardens, historic buildings, and archaeological sites.
Biking: Rent a bicycle and explore the Legacy Trail, a 10-mile scenic trail that runs through Venice. It's a great way to experience the area's natural beauty.
Water Sports: Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing in the Gulf of Mexico or the serene waters of the Intracoastal Waterway.
Venice Area Audubon Rookery: Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Venice Area Audubon Rookery, where you can observe various bird species nesting and breeding.
Evening:
For your final dinner in Venice, check out Crow's Nest Restaurant & Marina. Here you can enjoy fresh seafood and breathtaking views of the marina at sunset.
Want to Stay Forever?
Grand Palm in Venice is perfect for retirees! This beautiful, amenity-rich, nature-focused community is exactly what resort living should be like. Residents enjoy easy access to downtown Venice and beaches (20 minutes away) and a multitude of activities right in their own backyard with an on-site activities coordinator, state-of-the-art fitness facility, and large, resort-style pool with water slide. Single-family homes and villas are available.
You can request more information right here:
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