Venice Pier: Dolphins, Drinks & Dining on the Gulf
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I’ll never forget my first time on the Venice Pier. My wife and I strolled out among the fishermen, the sea breeze heavy with salt and anticipation. Within minutes, a pod of dolphins appeared, soaring out of the Gulf in a playful show that lasted more than five minutes. From shore, you almost never see dolphins leap like that—usually it’s just a dorsal fin cutting the water. But here, they danced.
Snowy egrets perched just five feet away on the railing, unfazed by the crowd, while pelicans swooped in, hoping to snatch leftovers from anglers’ lines. Dive after dive, the scene felt like a living postcard. It was one of those rare moments when the Gulf Coast felt both wild and welcoming at once.
Did You Know?
Dolphins can leap up to 15 feet out of the water, and Venice Pier is one of the rare places on Florida’s Gulf Coast where you might see them do it from shore.
More Than Just a Pier
The Venice Pier isn’t just a place to step out over the Gulf—it’s a destination. For locals and visitors alike, the pier offers:
•Fishing: A favorite spot for casting a line without needing a boat.
•Dolphin watching: One of the best land-based chances in Sarasota County to see dolphins up close.
•Bird encounters: Egrets, pelicans, and herons often linger, creating perfect photo opportunities.
This combination of wildlife and waterfront access makes the Venice Pier a must-visit in the Venice & Sarasota County, especially since so few true piers remain along this stretch of coast.
Did You Know?
Venice Pier is one of the only free piers on the Gulf Coast where you can fish without a license—making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
One afternoon from our spot on the pier, we overheard two older ladies down by the water, each armed with what locals jokingly call a “Florida snow shovel.” Instead of scooping snow, the flat-bottomed sieve raked through the sand for shark teeth. With every pull, they seemed to hit the jackpot.
“Got another one!” one of them laughed, holding up a shiny black tooth before dropping it into her bag.
Her friend’s face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. “Me too! Look at this one — it’s huge!”
The two of them kept scoring the sand, sifting, laughing, and pulling out treasure after treasure. From where we stood, it was pure joy watching grown adults experience the simple thrill of discovery, as if each tooth were a priceless gem. That’s part of Venice Pier’s magic — the way it can turn even an ordinary day into a treasure hunt.
Did You Know?
The so-called Florida Snow Shovel isn’t for snow at all—it’s a long-handled scoop with a mesh basket that lets shellers sift through sand and surf for shark teeth and shells. Popular along Venice beaches, it’s the go-to tool for both locals and tourists hoping to uncover fossil treasures.
Many years ago, during one of our first visits to the Venice Pier, we stepped inside the little beach store tied to Sharky’s and Fins. Ahead of us, a young family had just arrived — Mom, Dad, and two kids, a boy and girl around seven or eight years old. Their excitement was impossible to miss.
“Mom! Can I get this? I’ve always wanted one of these!” the boy shouted, holding up a bright plastic shovel almost as tall as he was.
The girl chimed in, clutching a pair of neon floaties. “And I want these! Please, can we get them?”
The parents exchanged a smile, patient but clearly trying to rein in the enthusiasm. “Let’s pick just one thing for now,” Dad said gently, while Mom crouched down to help them decide.
The kids darted from shelf to shelf, grabbing sand tools, beach balls, and colorful toys, their joy filling the shop like sunshine. Watching them reminded me of my own first trips to the beach — that sense of discovery, of wanting to take a piece of the ocean home. Moments like that are why the Venice Pier is more than just a pier; it’s a place where memories are made.
My wife & I smiled. Our own kids who loved to play at the beach when they were younger often reacted the same when we were on vacation.
Did You Know?
Small beach stores near Florida’s piers and boardwalks almost always stock the same staples: colorful floaties, sand buckets, shovels, sunscreen, beach balls, and logo t-shirts. These impulse-buy essentials are part of the tradition—helping families gear up for a first beach day or grab a souvenir to remember it by.
Sharky’s on the Pier: Tiki Vibes & Classic Florida Fare
After our dolphin show, we headed back to the thatched-roof tiki at Sharky’s on the Pier. My wife ordered the Bait Bucket Margarita, while I ordered my favorite, the tropical Mango Bango. There’s something about sipping a cold cocktail as the Gulf sparkles nearby that makes time slow down.
Sharky’s serves classic Florida fare—fresh seafood, beachy appetizers, and cold drinks. The atmosphere is casual, breezy, and perfect after a stroll down the pier. It’s no wonder Sharky’s is a Sarasota County institution, drawing crowds from Venice, Sarasota, and even Anna Maria Island.
Did You Know?
Sharky’s opened in 1987 and has since won multiple awards as one of Florida’s best beach bars, thanks to its tiki vibe and Gulf-front location.
Fins at the Venice Pier: Elevated Gulf Dining
For those looking for something more upscale, Fins at Sharky’s delivers fine dining with the same unbeatable view. Think fresh Gulf seafood, aged steaks, and creative cocktails—all in a glass-walled space that lets you dine with the Gulf right at your side. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to linger at sunset, Fins raises the bar for waterfront dining in the region.
Did You Know?
Fins at Sharky’s was designed with floor-to-ceiling windows so every diner has a panoramic view of the Gulf—especially stunning at sunset.
Why the Venice Pier, Sharky's & Fins Belong on Your List
At the south end of Venice Island, the Venice Pier, Sharky’s, and Fins are off the beaten path. A path worth exploring & experiencing.
There are only a handful of true Gulf-facing piers left in the Sarasota, Bradenton, and Anna Maria Island area. Venice Pier stands out because it combines the essentials:
•A walkable stretch out into the Gulf
•A fishing hub for locals
•A hotspot for dolphin and bird watching
•Two great dining options steps from the sandIt’s rare to find all that in one place.
Whether you’re here for the dolphins, the food, or just a stroll above the waves, Venice Pier offers an experience that keeps people coming back.
Did You Know?
The Venice Pier stretches nearly 700 feet into the Gulf, offering one of the longest over-water strolls in Sarasota County.
Plan Your Visit & Explore Beyond the Venice Pier
The Venice Pier is more than just a walkway over the Gulf—it’s a rare slice of Old Florida where fishing, wildlife, and waterfront dining all come together. With dolphins leaping offshore, pelicans circling above, and Sharky’s and Fins waiting steps away, it offers an experience you simply won’t find anywhere else on the Suncoast.
•Parking available near Sharky’s on the Pier
•Free to walk the pier
•Best dolphin activity often in the morning or late afternoon
Planning your trip? Don’t miss these resources:
🗓️ Sarasota Lifestyle Events Calendar
🌴 7 Unforgettable Days in Sarasota: Your Perfect Week-Long Escape
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Hi, I’m Mike – real estate agent, photographer, and blogger. Come along as I dive into all things Sarasota, Florida, share insider tips and exciting stories that make this place special. For 20+ years, I’ve helped countless people buy and sell property. Before I transitioned to full-time real estate, I taught high school English & coached basketball.”
