Venice Jetties: Fishing, Boating, and Gulf Views in Venice Florida

There are few places on Florida’s Gulf Coast that capture the rhythm of coastal life like the Venice Jetties. It’s a spot where fishermen cast lines at sunrise, boats slip past on their way to the Gulf, and locals pull up at lunchtime to eat sandwiches in their cars while watching the waves crash against the rocks.

The Jetties sit at the north end of Venice Island, just where the Intracoastal Waterway meets the Gulf of Mexico. The water rushes through this opening, carrying boats and wildlife with it. For many, it’s not just a place to visit—it’s an iconic part of Venice life.

Did You Know?

The Venice Jetties connect the Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico, making it one of the busiest boat passages in Sarasota County.

A Place With History

What makes the Jetties even more interesting is their backstory. During World War I, this area of Venice served as a U.S. Government training site. Long before Venice was known for shark teeth or retirees escaping northern winters, the shoreline here was part of America’s war effort. The Jetties themselves came later as part of a project to stabilize the inlet and make boat passage possible, but the land holds echoes of a past that many visitors never realize as they stroll the rocks or watch the boats.

Did You Know?

The original purpose of the Venice Jetties was to keep sand from filling Casey’s Pass. Construction finally began in February 1937 at a cost of $175,000. Each jetty used nineteen steel sheet pile cylinders with creosoted wood bulkheads tying them to the shore. The project was completed in July 1937, and channel dredging wrapped up by October 18 of that year—permanently shaping the Venice Inlet we know today.

The Best Drive-Up Gulf View

One of the things that makes the Venice Jetties unique is its accessibility. Unlike many beaches where you have to trek across sand, the Jetties parking lot sits just feet from the Gulf. On any given day, the lot fills with people sitting in their cars, sipping coffee or eating lunch, watching the boats come and go.

It might just be the most popular spot in Sarasota County for drive-up Gulf viewing. Families, retirees, solo visitors, and workers who take their lunch at the Jetties alike all find comfort in rolling the windows down and letting the sea breeze wash over them while pelicans dive for fish nearby.

Did You Know?

The South Jetty parking lot is one of the few places in Florida where you can park just feet from the Gulf and enjoy the view without ever leaving your car.

Fishing, Boating, and Bird Watching

The Jetties are a hub for activity. Anglers line the rocks, their buckets and tackle boxes scattered at their feet. Boats motor slowly through the channel, heading out for a day on the Gulf or returning home as the sun dips lower.

Wildlife adds its own energy. Pelicans perch on the rocks, scanning the water. Dolphins sometimes surface near the boats, a surprise thrill for those watching from shore. And then there are the birds—lots of them.

Did You Know?

The Venice Jetties are known for excellent fishing—anglers often reel in snook, redfish, and sheepshead right from the rocks.

An Egret Encounter at the Venice Jetties

I remember one afternoon standing a little ways back, watching fishermen bait their hooks. Suddenly, a group of egrets swarmed them. The fishermen weren’t tossing scraps, but the birds were insistent, darting and snapping as if offended they weren’t included in the meal.

It was less a nuisance than a comedy. The egrets squawked and swooped, forcing the men to wave their arms while still trying to thread bait on their hooks. From my spot, I was laughing, snapping photos, but also keeping my distance—I didn’t want their disappointment redirected toward me.

Moments like that remind me that the Jetties aren’t just for people—they’re a stage for the interaction between locals, visitors, and the wild creatures that share this strip of coastline.

Did You Know?

Great egrets and snowy egrets often follow fishermen at the Jetties, hoping for scraps—though their persistence can sometimes feel more like a standoff than birdwatching. In my experience, egrets & pelicans are docile. Seagulls are the aggressive birds, brazenly snatching bait or French fries from your hands.

Storm Watching at the Jetties

Another day, I had an experience that showed a different side of the Venice Jetties. A thunderstorm rolled in across the Gulf, the kind of summer storm Florida is famous for. The sky darkened quickly, lightning cracked in the distance, and thunder followed closer each time.

I made it back to my car before the first drops fell, and less than 100 yards away the storm unleashed itself—sheets of rain pouring down like a gray curtain pulled across the Gulf. From behind the wheel, the scene played out frame by frame through the sweep of my wipers, each pass like an old film reel.

One lone fisherman remained on the rocks, his raincoat hood pulled low as he stoically held his line in the water. Then it happened—a bolt of lightning split the sky and slammed into the Inlet directly in front of him, the thunder exploding instantly after. For a frozen moment, it felt like the storm had singled him out.

He didn’t waste another second. He shot out of that lawn chair like it was spring-loaded, tossing his gear together in record time and scampering toward the parking lot in a blur. From my dry seat, I couldn’t help but chuckle at how fast he moved—part comedy, part cautionary tale.

The Jetties may be one of the best places to watch a storm roll in, but moments like this are reminders of why Florida’s weather commands respect.

Did You Know?

The Tampa Bay–Sarasota corridor is called the “Lightning Capital of North America,” averaging more than 80 lightning strikes per square mile each year.

A Gathering Place

Beyond fishing and wildlife, the Venice Jetties are a true gathering spot. Families spread out picnic blankets, teens climb onto the rocks for selfies, and retirees swap stories about fishing trips from years past. The energy is relaxed yet alive—always something to see, whether it’s a fisherman pulling in a snook, a sailboat gliding past, or a dolphin surfacing near the rocks.

It’s the kind of place where every visit feels different, yet every visit feels familiar.

The Venice Jetties are more than rocks jutting into the Gulf. They’re a piece of history, a top spot for fishing and boating, and one of the best people-watching venues in Southwest Florida. Whether you’re casting a line, sitting in your car at lunchtime, or simply breathing in the salty breeze, the Jetties deliver an experience that’s iconic to Venice. For locals, it’s part of daily life; for visitors, it’s a glimpse of authentic coastal Florida that keeps them coming back.

Did You Know?

The Venice Jetties are technically two separate parks—North Jetty Park in Nokomis and South Jetty in Venice—giving visitors different vantage points of the same inlet. Both jetties offer parking, restrooms, great viewing & fishing.

Ready to Experience the Venice Jetties?

Check out these helpful details about the Venice Jetties:

•Free parking available (often fills at peak times). Nice to be able to pull into a parking spot and snag a bench directly in front of your car and overlooking the Inlet or Gulf.

•Restrooms and picnic areas at the Jetties (north & south parks).

•Fishing allowed along the rocks (bring your gear).

•Excellent for bird & boat watching, dolphin spotting, and storm watching.

Click one of more of these helpful links for what’s happening in the Sarasota-Venice area and to see what else is around Venice:

🗓️ Sarasota Lifestyle Events Calendar