Venice: A Florida Trail Town
Known as the City on the Gulf, Venice offers diverse trail networks and parks, providing endless options for outdoor adventure.
Explore Venice
Located along Florida's Gulf Coast in Sarasota County, the City of Venice is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It sits directly on The Legacy Trail and The Venetian Waterway Park Trail, both part of the Florida Greenways and Trails System Priority Network and the Florida Gulf Coast Regional Trail.
Venice also offers intercoastal paddling trails that connect to the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. Whether exploring by foot, bike, or kayak, Venice provides endless opportunities to connect with nature and experience Florida’s coastal beauty.
Venice offers a variety of amenities to enhance the trail experience, including bike racks, restrooms, water fountains, kayak launches, parks, bike shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels.
The city’s trail network features a mix of multi-purpose paved trails, mountain bike paths, nature trails in local parks, and more, ensuring something for every type of outdoor adventure.
Venice hosts popular annual rides like the Tour de Parks and Sharky’s Ride the Beaches, drawing over 1,700 riders. With its lively atmosphere and countless attractions, it's the ideal destination for trail users to pause and explore.
Local Trails
The trails in Venice are located along the Florida Gulf Coast Trail which is one of several multi-use trail corridors throughout the state. These corridors are part of the Florida Greenways & Trails System (FGTS).
Venetian Waterway Park (VWP) Trail
Stretching 10 miles along both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway, this paved multi-use trail connects the Legacy Trail to Shamrock Park Nature Center. Developed through a partnership between Venice Area Beautification Inc. (VABI), Sarasota County, and the City of Venice, it offers scenic views and seamless access to key local destinations.
Trail signage at the Circus Bridge parking lot
Legacy Trail
Built on a former railroad corridor, this trail extends from Sarasota to Venice, connecting to the Venetian Waterway Park (VWP) at the Venice Train Depot.
The Legacy Trail just north of the US 41 overpass bridge
Wayfinding signage along the trail
Island Loop Trail
This 13-mile loop around the island combines the Venetian Waterway Park (VWP) Trail, sidewalks, and other multi-use trails.
The trail underneath N Tamiami Trail on the northeast part of the island
Look for these markers along the Trail
Carlton Reserve Trails
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway
Locally maintained single-track mountain bike trails and walking/nature trails offer fun options for the whole family.
The reserve is maintained by Sarasota County and includes over 80 miles of hiking trails. To connect from this trail system to the Myakka River State Park you can use the 12-mile Myakka Island Wilderness trail.
Paddling Trails
Follow the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Trail around the island, with multiple boat ramps and kayak launches for easy access for your kayak or paddleboard.
Legacy Park Kayak Launch
Marina Park Boat Ramp
Local Parks
Patriots Park
Higel Marine Park
Heritage Park
Hecksher Park
Marina Park & Boat Ramp
Legacy Park & Kayak Launch
Rollins W. Coakley Railroad Park
Pinebrook Park
Service Club Park
Maxine Barritt Park
Brohard Dog Beach & Park
Shamrock Nature Center
Sleeping Turtles Preserve
T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve
Local Attractions
Venice has a variety of unique features that draw in both residents and visitors alike.
- Centennial Park (200W Venice Ave)
- Venice Theater (140 Tampa Ave W)
- Venetian Waterway Park (VWP) Trailhead (200 N Tamiami Trail)
- South Jetty Beach (2000 Tarpon Center Dr)
- Venice Fishing Pier (1600 Harbor Dr S)
- Caspersen Beach (4100 Harbor Dr)
- Venice Beach Pavillion (101 The Esplanade S)
- Venice Museum/Triangle Inn (351 Nassau Street S)
- Chamber of Commerce (597 S Tamiami Trail)
- Venice Municipal Airport (150 Airport Avenue E)
- Circus Bridge (S Tamiami Trail & Venetian Waterway)
- Festival Grounds @ Airport (610 Airport Avenue E)
- Venice Area Beautification Inc. (VABI) Building (257 N Tamiami Trail)
Explore Trail Town Book
Come by the Chamber of Commerce to get your Explore Trail Town Book marked with your official visit to Venice.
597 S Tamiami Trail
Hours
- Monday - Friday, 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Pocket Parks
Playgrounds
Venice has several playground parks that families are able to utilize and enjoy.
- Prentiss French Park (301 Park Lane Drive)
- John Nolen Park (425 Palmetto Court)
- Venezia Park (450 Nassau Street S)
- Chuck Reiter Park (201 Field Avenue E)
- Mundy Park (830 Groveland Avenue)
- East Gate Park (1221 Poplar Avenue)
Fountains
Venice has several fountain parks within the city for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
- Fountain Park (Ponce De Leon Ave & Miami Ave)
- Michael Biehl Park (100 Tampa Ave W)
- Graser Park (740 Barcelona Ave)
Local Bike Shops
Check out these local bike shops for your bike rental, maintenance and purchase needs.
- Bicycles International (1752 S Tamiami Trail)
- Big Bam E-Bikes (412 E Venice Avenue)
- Real Bikes (581 U.S. 41 Bypass N)
