Venice Vacation Rentals

A taste of Italy in Florida

Inspired by the city of the same name in Italy, Venice, Florida uses strategic waterways and a breezy gulf coast setting to attract thousands of travelers each year. This town takes the phrase “easy living” to a whole new level. Named one of the “Happiest seaside towns in the USA,” by Coastal Living, this Sarasota County hot spot is known for its sandy beaches, relaxed attitude, and friendly locals. Originally a tarpon fishing village settled in the 1870s, it was revived after 1960, when it replaced Sarasota as the winter headquarters for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

This city has amazing beachfront with available vacation rentals for you. When staying in one of our Venice vacation rentals instead of hotel, you’ll have much more space and privacy, plus cost savings when booking a property for a large group. Use the filters to narrow down your choices and choose the rental that calls to you.

Climate

Warm weather characterizes this gulf utopia. It offers over 300 sunny days per year, so don’t pack your umbrella. The temperature averages 90 degrees from June - September, so a summer vacation is ideal for the beach bums out there. Visiting in “shoulder season”, March-April or October-November, will still have you feeling the heat while saving on vacation rentals and other expenses. The temperature rarely dips below 70, so a light sweater is all you’ll need -- saves room in your suitcase for more bathing suits.

Dining and shopping 

When visiting historic downtown Venice, shoppers will find a rich variety in the colorful shops along Tampa and Miami Avenues, housed in restored buildings of 1920s vintage now on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Otherwise, most shopping is ranged along the Tamiami Trail (US 41).

You won’t go hungry here, that’s for sure. Wake up and smell the warm scones from Croissant & Co. After that, you’ll count the hours until your first taste of seafood. When you’re ready, try Sharky’s on the Pier, Robbie’s Reef, or Capt. Eddy’s for a taste of fresh catch. Since the weather will be flawless, eat dinner at a restaurant with outdoor, sidewalk dining. Italian eateries like Made in Italy or Cassariano Italian Eatery will fit the bill and fill your belly.

Top activities and attractions

The beach is the star of the show here, as well as nearby Gulf of Mexico sister cities like Osprey and Nokomis. Those warm gulf waters make a day on the beach a must-do.

So where should you go? Venice offers 14 miles of beaches from Casey Key to Manasota Key There are plenty of recreational opportunities too,  including swimming, sunbathing, fishing and boating.

The titular beach, Venice Municipal Beach, is a short walk from downtown and features a fishing pier that’s second to none. Venice Fishing Pier, an impressive 700-foot pier where you can fish for flounder, kingfish, tarpon, snapper, and king mackerel. In the evening, the pier is also the perfect setting for the sunset. Almost daily, you’ll see early morning yoga class and live musical entertainment in the pavilion around sunset. Venice Beach also offers a food concession, public restrooms, two sand volleyball courts, a picnic area and boardwalks.

The 84-acre Brohard beach and park has a shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, a bait shop, restrooms and picnic areas. The southern two-thirds of Caspersen Beach Park is beachfront left in its natural state. There is a boardwalk, dune walkovers, fishing, nature trail, picnic area, restrooms and plenty of parking.

You’ll love a peaceful bike ride down the numerous quiet paths in Waterway Park, miles away from stress. Take the trails to the beach, pier, or a nearby restaurant. You can also traverse down the newly opened Legacy Trail. Other green spaces include Centennial Park, with its interactive fountain, and the Monty Andrews Arboretum at West Blalock Park. Oscar Scherer State Park is home to Florida scrub jays.

Events

Living up to it’s name as the “Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World”, Venice holds the Shark’s Tooth Festival every spring to celebrate these treasures that wash ashore. Fossil collectors from around the Southeast display and sell sharks teeth and other prehistoric fossils. Artisans showcase their shark-inspired work and food vendors serve up delicious dishes from seafood to BBQ. Children are entertained with such events as the Shark's Tooth Scramble and Mote Marine’s hands on exhibit.

For those who prefer culture to shark’s teeth, there are several annual events celebrating such things. The Venice Craft Festival in June, the Venice Book Fair and Writers Festival in March, and the Main Street Art Festival in November should do the trick. Don’t miss the Blues Festival in November or the free concert in Centennial Park on spring and summer Friday evenings.

Vacation rentals in Venice on FloridaRentals.com

Condo rentals in Venice Florida on FloridaRentals.com can save you up to 15% over our competitors. Plus, we have a wide array of inventory appealing to any group size or traveler tastes. Happy planning!