Area Attractions
A CITY WITH A SUNNY DISPOSITION
The vibrant, pedestrian-friendly coastal town of Venice is known for beautiful beaches, a historic downtown, relaxed lifestyle and family-friendly atmosphere. There’s never a shortage of places to visit, events to attend and passions to pursue. With Arbor Vita as home base, you can see and do it all.
Year-Round Relaxation
From shopping and dining, revisiting the region’s history, enjoying the arts, to exploring boundless opportunities for outdoor activity, Arbor Vita will keep you happily in motion. Start with a visit to the historic Venice Train Depot and Venice Museum, both on the National Register of Historic Places.
Head outdoors for Myakka River State Park or a visit to the Venice Area Audubon Society. Cast your line off the 720-foot Venice Fishing Pier in North Brohard Park. Catch a live music performance at the gazebo in Centennial Park. Stroll West Venice Avenue with its charming sidewalk cafes, unique boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Don’t miss Antique Row on Miami Avenue one block south. Where does the time go? We haven’t even been to the beach yet.
YOUR NEW FAVORITE PLACES
- Historic Downtown Venice: A walkable district lined with boutiques, cozy cafés and local restaurants — perfect for browsing and people-watching.
- Venice Fishing Pier: A favorite spot for ocean views, fishing or catching the sunset over the Gulf.
- Shamrock Park & Nature Center: Find winding trails, peaceful wildlife habitats and outdoor learning spaces.
- Caspersen Beach: Known for its quiet beauty with some of the best shelling around as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.”
- Venice Shopping Center: Convenient shops and dining options right in the neighborhood.
- Legacy Trail and Waterway Park: A paved trail convenient to campus that follows the Intracoastal Waterway — ideal for walking, biking or simply soaking up the view.
- Maxine Barritt Park: Oceanfront green space with picnic spots, breezy pathways and community gatherings.
- Venezia Park: Landscaped grounds and historic charm create a peaceful retreat nearby.
- West Blalock Park: Explore this city park featuring a butterfly garden and lush arboretum.
- Brohard Paw Park: Take your four-legged friend to soak up some sun and surf at Sarasota County’s only dog-friendly beach.
- Venice Theatre: Enjoy live performances and community events at a beloved arts venue.
- Pinebrook Fit Trail: Stay active with exercise stations surrounded by nature and wildlife.
- Venice Community Center: Hosting concerts, dances and local programs, this is a hub for neighborhood happenings.
- Sharky’s On the Pier: Relax with fresh, casual dining on the waterfront.
- Fins at Sharky’s: Elevated dining right on the water
- Crow’s Nest Restaurant, Tavern & Marina: Upscale dining by the marina, offering stunning water views.
Chef-Crafted Dining For Every Taste
Though you’ll find plenty of appealing spots to dine in town, you won’t have to leave campus for a satisfying meal. Arbor Vita will be serving up sumptuous dishes daily — breakfast, lunch and dinner; pub fare and bistro selections; cocktails and wine tastings. You’ll enjoy them in our gleaming, restaurant-style dining venues. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and casual or leisurely and elegant, you’ll have your fill at Arbor Vita.
EXPLORE LOCAL RESTAURANTSCruising Venice’s Cultural Corridor
The little city with the flavor of the Italian Renaissance is now a bona fide arts and culture destination for live music, theatrical performances, the visual arts, historical exhibits, classes and more.
The Venice Theatre, The Venice Performing Arts Center and Historic West Venice Avenue are just a few of the family-friendly excursions found around town. Click the button below to explore our revolving calendar of activities!
