For the citizen or visitor wishing to spend leisure hours enjoying the sun, the greater Venice area provides one of the finest systems of public beaches. Whether your preference is a primitive beach in its natural state, or a developed beach with all of the amenities, the choice is yours.

Lifeguards at Venice Beach, North Jetty, and Nokomis Beach, as well as all other County lifeguarded beaches, are certified as either EMT's or First Responders. All beaches with lifeguards have the ability to perform the most up-to-date emergency medical treatments. Each beach location also has emergency medical treatments available such as oxygen and an Automated External Defribrillator. The lifeguarded beaches in Sarasota County became the first Beach Lifeguard agency on the west coast of Florida to become certified by the United States Lifesaving Association.  

Sarasota County began a "dune restoration service" program in 1981 that is designed to work with nature and strengthen the natural balance of the beaches. In addition, a $18.7 million nourishment program was completed and the project has widened the beaches by 150 to 300 feet along a mile stretch of Gulf front from the Venice jetties to the fishing pier.

In order to thrive and grow, both the dunes and the natural vegetation must be protected from the foot traffic of thousands of people who use our beaches every year. Wooden walkovers are found at most of our beaches and provide safe and convenient access to the beaches as well as protect the new dunes from pedestrian traffic.

When you visit our beaches, help us respect and protect the natural environment by using walkovers wherever they are provided. We want many generations of visitors and residents to enjoy the wonders of our greatest natural resource for years to come. Starting at the southernmost point in the greater Venice area, you will find a beach to fit your needs.

 

• Caspersen Beach - Located south of the Venice Airport on Harbor Drive. As you visit this beach, you will find that the southern two thirds of beachfront has been left in its natural state. Many people describe it as uncultivated, windswept and secluded. You will also find a nature trail and see freshwater and saltwater marshes, mangrove areas and tidal flats. It is the favorite spot for finding sharks teeth.
• Brohard Beach and Service Club Park - Just north of Caspersen, you will find Brohard, a city owned park that has a 740 foot fishing pier on the property for public use. Up the road, Service Club Park offers playground equipment and boardwalks with covered picnic areas. You will also find the U.S. Coast Guard Flotilla Training Center, wetlands and several areas that are great for bird watching.
• Venice Beach - At the west end of Venice Avenue, you will find Venice Beach. If you enjoy diving in your leisure time, a reef containing fossilized material is located quarter mile offshore, making it a favorite spot for divers. Its close proximity to downtown makes this a popular "walk to the beach" for residents and employees. This beach has recently been renourished.
• North Jetty Beach - Located on the tip of Casey Key, the jetties make this one of the most exciting surfing beaches on the west coast of Florida. It is a very popular picnicking spot for families and large groups and the fishing is said to be spectacular. If you enjoy watching boats, this is a good place to do so as they can be seen daily passing through the Intracoastal Waterway.
• Nokomis Beach - Heading west on Albee Road, you will find Sarasota's oldest public beach. This family oriented beach is also popular for fishing and includes a boat launch ramp. As you visit this beach, you may notice signs of the U.S. Coast Guard. They use a portion of the bay side of this park as their base of operations for an 82 foot cutter and its crew.

• Printable Map of the Venetian Waterway Park