Gulf Coast 941
Things To Do
Explore the best activities, attractions, and experiences across Venice, Nokomis, and Osprey.
Shark Tooth Hunting at Caspersen Beach
Caspersen Beach is world-famous for prehistoric megalodon and other shark teeth washing ashore daily. Bring a mesh sifter and plan to spend hours.
Insider Tip
Rent a sifter from local shops on Venice Ave. Low tide is the best time to hunt.
Venice Avenue Shopping & Dining
Stroll the beautiful Mediterranean Revival downtown strip lined with boutiques, galleries, cafés, and restaurants. One of Florida's most walkable downtowns.
Insider Tip
Park on the side streets off Venice Ave to avoid the busy main lot on weekends.
Venice Theatre
One of the largest community theaters in the US — catch a Broadway-style show year-round in a stunning historic venue.
Insider Tip
Book tickets in advance — popular shows sell out weeks ahead.
Legacy Trail
A 10-mile paved trail for biking, walking, and skating through scenic Florida landscapes connecting Venice to Sarasota.
Insider Tip
Rent a bike in downtown Venice and make a half-day adventure of the full trail.
Venice Beach & Pier
The main beach with a historic pier, shark tooth hunting, volleyball courts, and a lively beachfront scene. The heart of Venice's beach life.
Insider Tip
The pier is free to walk — great views of the Gulf and a perfect spot to watch dolphins.
Brohard Paw Park Beach
Florida's first dog-friendly beach — bring your pup for a splash in the Gulf. Rinse stations and water bowls provided.
Insider Tip
Weekday mornings are the least crowded. Dogs must be leashed in the parking area.
Venice Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning on Tampa Ave — fresh produce, local art, live music, and artisan vendors in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Insider Tip
Go early (before 9 AM) for the best selection and to beat the crowds.
Casey Key Tiki Tours
Cruise the Gulf and Intracoastal Waterway aboard a tiki bar boat departing from Venice. Enjoy cold drinks, stunning scenery, dolphin sightings, and unforgettable sunsets on a fun, social boat tour.
Insider Tip
Book in advance — tours fill up fast, especially on weekends and during sunset hours.
Snorkel Adventures at Midnight Pass
Explore the crystal-clear waters of Midnight Pass on a guided snorkeling tour. Discover amazing marine life including seahorses, stingrays, dolphins, and manatees in one of the Gulf Coast's most scenic waterways.
Insider Tip
Call 941.855.1234 to book your adventure. Tours depart from Siesta Key and Venice — clear waters guaranteed.
Friday Night Drum Circle
A beloved community tradition every Friday at sunset on Nokomis Beach. Drummers, dancers, fire spinners, and spectators all welcome.
Insider Tip
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to get a good spot. Bring a blanket and a drum if you have one.
North Jetty Fishing
One of the best shore fishing spots in Sarasota County. The Venice Inlet produces snook, tarpon, redfish, and more.
Insider Tip
Fish the outgoing tide for the best snook action near the jetty rocks.
Nokomis Beach
An uncrowded, locals-favorite beach with calm Gulf waters, free parking, and some of the best sunsets on the coast.
Insider Tip
Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to get free parking. Weekdays are blissfully quiet.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Launch from Nokomis Beach and explore the calm Gulf waters or paddle the Intracoastal Waterway toward Venice.
Insider Tip
Rentals are available right on the beach — no experience needed for the calm morning waters.
Sunset Watching
Nokomis Beach faces due west, making it one of the premier sunset-watching spots on the entire Gulf Coast.
Insider Tip
The colors are most dramatic 10–15 minutes after the sun dips below the horizon.
North Jetty Park
A scenic park at the Venice Inlet with fishing, swimming, boat watching, and a playground. Great for families.
Insider Tip
Watch the boats navigate the inlet — it's surprisingly entertaining on a busy weekend.
Casey Key Tiki Tours
Hop aboard a tiki bar boat for a cruise along the Gulf and Intracoastal near Nokomis and Casey Key. Cold drinks, dolphin sightings, and breathtaking sunsets make this a must-do on the water.
Insider Tip
The sunset cruise is the most popular — grab a spot early and bring a light jacket for the breeze.
Oscar Scherer State Park
1,384 acres of Florida scrub habitat with hiking trails, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife watching. Home to the endangered Florida scrub-jay.
Insider Tip
Arrive early on weekdays to spot the scrub-jay near the park entrance.
Historic Spanish Point
A 30-acre outdoor museum featuring prehistoric shell mounds, a pioneer homestead, and formal gardens overlooking Little Sarasota Bay.
Insider Tip
Free for Sarasota County residents with a library card.
Kayaking the Intracoastal
Paddle through mangrove tunnels and open bays. Spot manatees, dolphins, ospreys, and sea turtles along the way.
Insider Tip
Launch from Blackburn Point Park for the best access to the Intracoastal.
Fishing at Blackburn Point
One of the best shore fishing spots in the area. Cast from the bridge or launch a boat for offshore adventures.
Insider Tip
Snook and redfish are most active at dawn and dusk near the bridge pilings.
Snook Haven River Park
A true Old Florida experience on the Myakka River — live music on weekends, cold beer, smoked BBQ, and airboat tours.
Insider Tip
Go on a Sunday afternoon for the best live music lineup.
Osprey Beach Park
A quiet, locals-favorite beach with calm Gulf waters, picnic areas, and stunning sunsets away from the tourist crowds.
Insider Tip
Weekday mornings are the most peaceful — you may have the beach to yourself.
Casey Key Tiki Tours
Set sail from the Osprey area on a tiki bar boat cruise through the scenic waterways of Casey Key and Little Sarasota Bay. Spot wildlife, sip drinks, and soak in the Gulf Coast scenery.
Insider Tip
Great for groups and special occasions — private charters are available for a more personal experience.