Shark Teeth and Sunsets: A Local's Guide to Venice's Gulf Beaches

By Scott Swonger, HomeSmart Realtor

Here's something I never take for granted, even after living here since 2017: some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida are just a short drive from my front door in Wellen Park. Venice is famous for its Gulf Coast shoreline — the sugar sand, the warm water, the sunsets that stop you in your tracks — and it holds a title no other place can claim. Let me share the beaches I love and the quirky reason people travel from all over to dig in our sand.

The Shark Tooth Capital of the World

Yes, you read that right. Venice is officially known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, and it's not just a catchy slogan. The waters and beaches here are loaded with fossilized shark teeth, washed up from ancient deposits offshore. Grab a little sifting scoop (locals call them "Florida snow shovels"), wade into the shallows, and start scooping — you'll be amazed what you find. My advice: the areas around Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach are prime hunting grounds. Kids absolutely love it, and honestly, so do plenty of adults.

My Favorite Beaches

Each of our beaches has its own personality:

• Venice Beach — The classic. Easy access, soft sand, good amenities, and the pier nearby. A great all-around choice and one of the best spots to hunt for shark teeth.
• Caspersen Beach — More natural and undeveloped, quieter, and a shark-tooth hotspot. This is where I go when I want to slow down and enjoy the wild side of the coast.
• Brohard Paw Park — One of the few dog-friendly beaches around, where your pup can run right into the Gulf. If you've got a four-legged family member, this is a must.
• Manasota Key — Just to the south, with a string of laid-back beaches perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Sunsets Worth Planning Your Evening Around

If there's one thing I always tell newcomers, it's this: don't miss the sunsets. On the Gulf Coast, the sun sets right over the water, and the shows out here are spectacular. Grabbing a spot on the sand as the sky lights up in orange and pink is one of the simple pleasures that make living here feel a little like a permanent vacation. Sharky's on the Pier is a fun spot to catch dinner and a sunset at the same time.

Beach Life Meets Community Life

What makes our area so special is the combination. I get to live in Wellen Park — a modern, active, amenity-packed community — and still have world-class beaches within easy reach whenever I want them. Morning walk on the trails, afternoon hunting shark teeth on Caspersen, sunset over the Gulf. That's not a vacation itinerary; for us, that's just a really good Saturday.

This coastal lifestyle is a huge part of why so many people fall in love with our corner of Florida and decide to stay. There's a rhythm to life here that revolves around the water, and it's good for the soul.

If the idea of having these beaches in your backyard sounds like the life you're after, I'd be happy to help you find a home that puts you close to all of it. As a longtime local, I know exactly how to match the community to the lifestyle you're dreaming about — beach days included.

— Scott Swonger, HomeSmart Realtor