Best Beaches of SW Florida: Manasota Beach Venice

01_Manasota Beach Venice

The Manasota Beach Road bridge in the northern part of Manasota Key leads you directly to this quiet and pristine beach. Take the boardwalks over the sanddunes and enjoy the crystal clear, turquoise-blue waters and the bright, soft sand that are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Manasota Beach is also a popular area for snorkeling.

As far as the eye can see, the beach stretches along the coast. On long, peaceable walks you can find many beautiful shells and fossil shark teeth. Even on high season, this beach is never crowded. With some luck, you can even see manatees and dolphins. At the northernmost end, Manasota Key is a quiet bird sanctuary. Many native birds, dolphins and sea turtles live on this stretch of coastline.

There are picnic tables in shady areas, BBQ areas, changing rooms, restrooms and showers. Manasota Beach is staffed with lifeguards all year round. Parking is free – as always on Sarasota County’s beaches.

South of the drawbridge there is a boat ramp that provides easy access to Lemon Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Manasota Beach is located on 8570 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223 – only a short 10 minutes drive from our Villa Happy Gator in Venice.

Let us inspire you with some pictures and a beautiful video:

 

 

 

 

Best Beaches of SW Florida: South Venice “Private Beach”

South Venice Private Beach

Important Notice
Since the Association changed the rules for the Ferry Pass, we are sorry that we no longer are able to provide a pass for our guests (01.01.2021).

Come and visit our true piece of paradise! 3 miles of pristine beaches, natural landscape, and quiet surroundings are waiting for you to explore. Take a walk along the beach shoreline, look for some shells or find some of the world famous fossil shark teeth. Refresh yourself in the clear blue ocean, maybe do some snorkeling or paddling or simply relax at the beach and enjoy the calming atmosphere of this unspoilt piece of nature.

It is a fantastic feeling. Once you walk across the boardwalk from the ferry dock to the “private beach”, you are in a different world.

Read more about our “Private Beach” here.

006-Private Beach South Venice

Shark’s Tooth Festival 2018 – April 13-15 in Venice Florida

Shark's Tooth Festival

One of the best and biggest festivals of Venice is the annual Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival. It will be starting its 26st year in this spring.

Each year, fossil collectors from around the Southeast display and sell shark teeth and other prehistoric fossils. In addition, more than 100 artists from around Florida market their original work. Food vendors and live entertainments join the fun, along with kid-friendly events for families.

The Festival is held on the Venice Municipal Airport Festival Grounds on Airport Avenue, just a few minutes away from Villa Happy Gator.

Read more about how Venice became the Shark Tooth Capital of the World HERE.

shark-teeth collection

 

Best Beaches of SW Florida: Caspersen Beach Venice

Caspersen Beach - Villa Happy Gator

Caspersen Beach is a beautiful, long sandy beach that has been left virtually untouched, in its natural state and somewhat secluded. With about 4 miles the longest beach in Sarasota County, it is the perfect place to enjoy unspoiled beauty far away from the crowds. Together with our South Venice Private Beach, Caspersen Beach is the number one spot to find the famous fossil shark teeth.

There is a nice short nature trail through a coastal hammock. The southern two thirds of beachfront were left in its natural state and offer a more secluded experience. A dune restoration system with walkovers helps preserve the shoreline. Other habitats here include freshwater and saltwater marshes, mangroves and tidal flats.

You will also find a 10 station outdoor fitness center, a couple of pavilions and a covered playground area for the kids. Restroom facilities have been updated and are modern and clean. As always on Sarasota County Beaches, parking is free.

How about spending a whole day with the family?

Caspersen Beach is a short 15 min drive away from our Villa Happy Gator.

Caspersen Beach
4100 Harbor Drive
Venice, FL 34285

Website

 

Fossil Shark Teeth on Venice Florida Beaches

Shark Teeth in Venice Florida

Venice Florida is the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World”. Nowhere else you will find so many of them so easily. Everything started 50 million years ago. Visit our site and learn interesting facts. Did you know that a shark can lose more than 10.000 teeth during his life? Read about the best beach for the hunt: VillaHappyGator.com.