Yes, we love our beaches here in Sarasota. From Lido down to Siesta Key and Turtle Beach, our city is blessed to have so many beautiful stretches of shoreline.

What many out-of-towners are surprised to learn, however, is our neighbor to the south has over 10 miles of equally gorgeous—and there we say more unique—stretches of sand.

Exploring Venice beaches

An easy 20-minute drive south— slightly more at rush hour— Venice is a nearby destination for anyone who wants to escape Sarasota’s seasonal crowds. With Spring beach crowds reaching their peak, there’s never been a better time to plan a day trip down to one of Venice’s hidden treasures.

Comb the beach for… shark teeth.

Venice Beach

There’s an unmistakable historic-charm to downtown Venice, with all its picturesque shoppes and residences. We love how Venice Boulevard runs from downtown to the sand, making the entire area walkable—especially on a cool Spring morning.

The best part of all: Once on the sand, you’ll be standing atop a 30-foot deep layer of fossilized shark teeth. The prehistoric fossils are so prevalent on Venice Beach, the city is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World. So, grab a shovel, pail, and sifter. You won’t want to leave without taking home a million-year-old piece of history.

Visit Venice Beach on Google Maps.

Take your dog for a walk in the sand

Brohard Beach

It is shame that most beaches don’t allow guests to bring their furry friends. But that’s not the case at Brohard Beach, where Paw Park provides both fenced-in and beach areas for owners to play with their pets.

Of course, cleanliness is always an issue when it comes to dog friendly parks and beaches. According to Brohard Beach online reviews, this area is not just clean and beautiful, but it’s also regarded as one of the best dog friendly beaches in Southwest Florida.

Visit Brohard Beach on Google Maps.

Cast a line and enjoy some fishing

Venice Fishing Pier

Few places in Florida promise anglers of all skill levels a shot at everything from Redfish to Snook and even Hammerhead sharks. But at the Venice Fishing Pier, that’s par for the course. Papa’s Bait Shop is standing by, ensuring guests have what they need to snag their catch of the day.

If fishing isn’t your thing, maybe casual dining and live music is! The Pier is also home to two restaurants and bars. Sharky’s is the casual-cool of the duo, offering guests good food, tiki bar ambience, and live music. For upscale dining, check out Fins.

And don’t worry—clean sand, volleyball courts, and beautiful sunsets all come standard at the Pier.

Visit Venice Fishing Pier on Google Maps.

Hit the water and paddle-out

Caspersen Beach

For active beachgoers, Casperson Beach is a treat that cannot be missed. The Venetian Waterway Trail will take cyclists directly to the beach’s entrance. For paddlers, this beach is a great place to park and launch. From Casperson, both Red Lake and the Intercoastal are both easily accessible.

Take note: There are no lifeguards on duty at this beach. There aren’t any concessions, rental stands, or tennis courts either. Casperson Beach is all about getting back to nature. If cycling and paddling isn’t your thing, you might enjoy simply strolling the beach. The shoreline is incredibly diverse, and you’ll get a peek at unique ecosystems including saltwater marshes, mangroves, and tidal flats.

Visit Casperson Beach on Google Maps.

Get to know the neighborhood

There’s not place on Earth like Florida’s Gulf Coast. Visit our neighborhood guide to learn more about Sarasota neighborhoods, from famous streets to hidden gems and everything in between.