Whether you're a Venice local or a visitor to our beautiful coastal town, The Coastal Concierge is your go-to expert by providing customized and unforgettable experiences for residents and guests alike.
The following itinerary was specially curated for Venice City Lifestyle’s Summer Fun issue to provide a fun and action packed day, with plenty of opportunities to explore Venice’s local culture, nature, and cuisine. Don't forget to bring your sunscreen!
When: 8:00 AM
What: Grab a cup of joe, Head to Venice Island Coffee (200 W. Miami Ave./ 941.485.6789), and be served a cup of joe by the ever gracious Bailey. Then head on over to Caspersen Beach at 4100 Harbor Dr. S. for a nice morning walk. This secluded spot is renowned as a place to search for sharks’ teeth in the sand. Maybe you can find some to take home with you as souvenirs!
When: 9:00 AM
What: For breakfast we suggest you head over to Croissant & Co. (323 W. Venice Ave./ 941.480.1700) a local favorite serving French pastries, quiches, and sandwiches. Here you will feel as if you were transported to Europe with every detail, from the decor to the menu, which contributes to the café’s enchanting ambiance. Indulge in the delightful homemade macaroons, which are so delicious and simply irresistible.
When: 10:00 AM
What: If it’s Saturday, it’s time to walk on over to the Venice Farmers Market in Centennial Park (200 W. Venice Ave,), where you can shop and browse through a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more. Take your time and enjoy the lively atmosphere, where dogs are welcome. Otherwise, you can peruse the unique boutiques and art galleries of downtown Venice.
When: 11:30 AM
What: Visit the Venice Museum & Archives (351 Nassau St. S./ 941-486-2487) to learn more about the history of Venice, FL, and our surrounding area – especially early pioneers such as Bertha Honore Palmer, Dr. Fred Albee (the surgeon who invented bone grafting) and John Nolan.
When: 1:00 PM
What: Work up an appetite? Head back downtown for lunch at Café Venice Restaurant & Bar (101 W. Venice Ave./ 941.484.1855). This small, intimate bistro features an exquisite menu of American cuisine and a fine selection of wines.
When: 2:30 PM
What: Rent a trendy ebike from “The Happiest Place in Venice,” Big Bam eBikes (412 E. Venice Ave./ 941.240.1717), then go for a scenic ride along the water at Venetian Waterway Park (200 N. Tamiami Tr.). Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife, and don’t forget to take a selfie!
When: 4:00 PM
What: Indulge in a parasailing adventure with Venice Parasailing (509 N. Tamiami Tr./ 941.961.2041) and take in stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Venice Beach from high above. Make sure you ask for Dom – you’ll be blown away by the exceptional service he delivers!
When: 5:30 PM
What: Head over to Nokomis Beach, which is Sarasota County's oldest public beach. Once there you can spend some 'toes in the sand' time or, alternatively, it's only a short walk down the beach to the North Jetty. Either way, dinner will be at Pop's Sunset Grill (112 Circuit Rd./ Marker 10/ 941.488.3177). This waterfront restaurant, which dates back to the 1940s, serves fresh fish and seafood dishes. Catch a stunning sunset view from the deck, hang out at the tiki bar, and enjoy the live music.
When: 8:00 PM-10:00 PM
What: Top off the night at The Old Venice Pub (100 W. Venice Ave./ 941.484.3031), which offers a solid selection of craft beer and wine. The patio overlooks Venice Main Street and is the perfect place for a nightcap.
Chris Morton combined 30+ years of business expertise with his vast travel experience to create The Costal Concierge. Its mission is to revolutionize how people spend their precious vacation time by providing unforgettable personalized experiences. Learn more at thecoastalconcierge.com.