Escape to the Caribbean Village of Venice, Florida

Exploring the Vibrant Caribbean Village in Venice, Florida

Known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, Florida remains a top travel destination for people across the globe. One hidden gem located on Florida's Gulf Coast is the vibrant Caribbean Village area of Venice, offering a touch of island life infused with Floridian coastal charm.

Location and Layout of Caribbean Village

Situated just south of the more well-known Sarasota area, Venice, Florida rests peacefully along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Here you'll find the Caribbean Village neighborhood, spanning just east of the Intracoastal Waterway to the white sand beaches of Nokomis and Caspersen.

Unlike the dense resort areas found elsewhere in Florida, Venice features a more relaxed pace and small town appeal. The Caribbean Village area consists mostly of residential homes and local shops, with some lodging, restaurants and entertainment venues interspersed.

Charming Island Inspired Architecture

What makes the Caribbean Village stand out are the tropical and island accented buildings found throughout. Vividly painted homes in shades of sea glass green, ocean blue and sunny yellow transport visitors to the Virgin Islands. You may even spot houses with decorative metal rooftops and breezy porches made to enjoy the seaside views.

Several lodging options like the Waterford Inn and Venice Beach Villas Resort feature classic Florida architecture with West Indies elements. Swaying palm trees, vibrant gardens and tranquil fountains add to the area's laidback vibe.

Cultural Shops and Cafes

Wander down the streets to discover small boutiques, jewelry stores and art galleries selling locally made wares. For a bite to eat, cozy cafes and bistros offer patio seating to enjoy a meal along with the sea breeze. Or pop into one of the nearby British style pubs serving island inspired dishes and drinks to complete the Caribbean flair.

Several plazas house restaurants striving to bring a taste of the islands to Venice. Visit The Hub Baja Grill for tacos and margaritas on their teal picnic tables. The menu at Ophelia's on the Bay features snapper and mahi-mahi sourced right from Florida waters.

Beaches, Boating and Watersports

The biggest draw of Venice is its close proximity to some of Florida’s best beaches. Just a quick drive away lies gorgeous Caspersen Beach with sugary soft sand, ancient fossilized shark teeth and intricate seashells waiting to be discovered. The more secluded Manasota Key Beach offers a nature trail traversing sand dunes, marshes and a lush palm hammock.

Popular activities for Caribbean Village visitors include charter fishing excursions, paddle boarding on the Intracoastal Waterway and wine tasting cruises at sunset. Several companies offer boat rentals and water sport lessons for trying your hand at sailing, windsurfing or kayaking along the Gulf Coast.

Annual Venice Shark Tooth Festival

Each April the Venice Shark Tooth Festival brings ten days of fun featuring a parade, carnival rides, craft vendors and delicious food. Festival goers can browse shark tooth specimens dating back millions of years to the Miocene epoch. Guided fossil hunts grant the chance to find ancient megalodon and prehistoric tiger shark teeth right on Venice beaches.

Planning Your Caribbean Getaway to Venice, Florida

With its enchanting architecture, cultural shops and proximity to stunning shores, Venice’s Caribbean Village lets you bask in tropical vibes without needing a passport. The laidback atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the excellent dining, lodging and abundance of watersports available.

Travelers seeking shopping, theme parks and luxury resorts may prefer other Florida destinations. But if you long to embrace life at a more relaxed pace, plan a visit to uncover the Caribbean jewels found right in Venice.

FAQs

Where is the Caribbean Village located?

The Caribbean Village is located in the coastal town of Venice, Florida, situated on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico in between Sarasota and Fort Myers.

What kind of architecture is found in Caribbean Village?

The architecture incorporates vibrant tropical colors and designs inspired by the Virgin Islands and other Caribbean islands, including decorative metal roofs, breezy porches, swaying palms, and vibrant gardens.

What are some things to do in Caribbean Village?

Popular activities include beachgoing, charter fishing trips, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, fossil hunting, browsing local shops and art galleries, and attending cultural events like the annual Venice Shark Tooth Festival.

What is the Venice Shark Tooth Festival?

The Venice Shark Tooth Festival is a 10-day springtime event featuring a parade, carnival rides, craft vendors, exhibits of ancient shark teeth dating to the Miocene epoch, and guided fossil hunts on Venice's beaches.