The darks sand beaches along the Venice Beach, Florida area offer a variety of experiences, from the famous shark tooth hunts to serene sunsets and small-town charm. As someone who has spent time exploring this coastline, it feels like a stretch of sand that has its own personality, bringing together a unique natural beauty and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Nokomis Beach
Just north of Venice, Nokomis Beach offers a laid-back, old-Florida feel. This beach is quieter and less commercial than some of the others in the nearby areas, which is part of its charm. The shoreline is wide and the sand soft, perfect for families or those seeking a relaxed day at the beach.
One of the most unique things that I love most about Nokomis Beach is the tradition of the weekly drum circle that takes place at sunset on Saturday nights. As the sun begins to set, locals and visitors gather to listen to the rhythmic sounds of drums, dance, and celebrate the closing of the day. It’s a unique experience that brings the community together where you leave feeling refreshed and connected after a night at the drum circle.
Venice Beach: The Shark Tooth Capital
Venice Beach is perhaps best known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” What I love most about Venice Beach is the sense of adventure you feel as soon as you arrive. You see people sifting through the sand in search of their own treasures and you just can’t wait to get out there and join the adventure.
The shoreline varies depending on where you get to the beach. There are several beaches along Venice that give you a unique experience:
South Jetty Beach at Humphris Park
South Jetty Beach at Humphris Park is one of Venice’s less known spots. It is located where the Venice Inlet meets the Gulf of Mexico. Unlike the soft, sandy shores of nearby Venice Beach, South Jetty has a more rocky, textured shoreline, thanks to the large stone jetty that stretches out into the Gulf. There’s a nice balance between tranquility and activity at South Jetty Beach. It’s a beautiful spot to walk along the shore and watch the waves splashing into the jetty rocks and a perfect spot to watch a sunset. The adjacent Humphris Park adds to the experience with convenient amenities like benches, shaded picnic areas, and a small snack stand.
South Jetty Beach at Humphris Park has a unique appeal for me. I love the jetty rocks creating a constantly shifting landscape of waves crashing up against them. I love the walk away from the jetty in the sands of Venice where the shelling is some of the best in the area. And I love the vibe here where you can sit in the shaded benches and enjoy the beauty in front of you.
Venice Fishing Pier
The Venice Fishing Pier is a popular spot for starting your Venice journey. There’s a community feel here, with locals and visitors gathering at the pier’s bar and restaurant for a drink or a bite to eat after a day in the sun. It’s a great spot to just relax, meet people, and watch the day fade into evening. There’s a peacefulness here, with fewer crowds, yet still plenty of space to spread out your towel, set up a beach chair, or walk along the water in search of treasures.
Maxine Barritt Park & Brohard Beach
On the south side of Venice Pier, are these community beachfront parks that offer a great way to spend a day at the beach exploring the Venice shoreline. Brohard Beach is the only dog-friendly beach in the area where your furry friend can run free in the surf. The sand on this side of the pier starts to get a bit coarser than Venice Beach to the north.
Caspersen Beach
Just south of Venice Beach is Caspersen Beach, which is also a popular spot for sharks teeth hunting. The sand here is coarser, and the shoreline has a wilder look, with native vegetation creeping close to the water along a narrowing shoreline. I love the natural, untouched vibe, and it’s a great spot for shelling or shark tooth hunting.
Caspersen Beach also has a series of boardwalks that wind through coastal hammocks, giving you a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area beyond the sand. Personally, I like to venture down the beach along the coast on my hiking adventures, but the options off-beach make the area more natural.
The connection to the sea is evident not only in the town’s thriving beach culture but also in events like the annual Shark’s Tooth Festival, celebrating the area’s claim to fame. The beaches of Venice and its surrounding areas are deeply connected to the culture and community of this charming coastal town. Venice itself has a quaint downtown area just a short drive from the beach, filled with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
