Venice City Guide

Seafood, especially Gulf shrimp and grouper, is local favorite. Mostly American and Italian restaurants with some Mexican options. Few vegan-only places. Limited late-night food beyond fast food.

Nightlife is quiet with casual bars and live music rather than clubs.

Coffee scene is growing with some specialty shops and casual cafes. No major roasters or coffee tours.

Tipping is expected at restaurants, rideshares, and personal services, typically 15-20%. Less expected at counter service spots.

You can buy SIM cards from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon stores or retailers like Walmart. Coverage is good, and eSIMs are available. No ID needed for prepaid SIMs.

The city is generally clean, especially downtown. Regular waste pickup and recycling services.

Some 24-hour convenience stores and hospital emergency rooms. Limited 24/7 pharmacies and late-night food options.

Major supermarkets like Publix and Walmart cover basics. Detwiler's Farm Market offers fresh produce. International items are limited.

Most shops, restaurants, and attractions accept credit and debit cards. Cash is rarely needed for daily buys.

ATMs are common at banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo, and at many grocery stores. Using out-of-network ATMs usually costs $2.50 to $5 per transaction.

Venice is in Sarasota County School District with public schools like Venice High. Private schools such as Epiphany Cathedral School are available. Instruction is mainly in English.

No strong digital nomad scene or regular meetups. Some cafes and libraries offer Wi-Fi but no dedicated community hubs.

Parks like Centennial and Shamrock offer shaded trails and suitable spots for running and relaxing.

Popular running spots include Legacy Trail and Venetian Waterway Park. Generally safe and scenic routes.

Several gyms offer fitness options including chain and local facilities.

Public and private tennis courts are common. Booking may be online or first-come, first-served. Coaching available.

No padel courts noted in Venice.

Several yoga studios offer various styles with English-speaking instructors. Drop-in classes and memberships are common.

Several dojos offer karate, taekwondo, BJJ, judo, and self-defense. English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes available.

No skiing in Florida.

Good kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing in local waterways and the Gulf. Rentals and guided tours are widely available.

Small waves appear occasionally on the Gulf Coast. Mostly beginner-friendly, but surf schools are rare.

Diving focuses on fossil shark teeth and some artificial reefs. Visibility varies, mostly shallow and beginner-friendly.

Venice Regional Bayfront Health and other clinics have English-speaking staff. Healthcare is private but high quality. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are common.

Tap water meets all federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Many playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Venice Beach, Oscar Scherer State Park, and Venice Theatre.

Generally accepting area with low discrimination risk. Nearby Sarasota hosts Pride events. Some legal protections exist.

Venice is pet-friendly with dog parks and pet-friendly accommodations. Veterinary clinics are available.