Caspersen Beach derives its name from the Caspersen family who owned the property before Sarasota County purchased the 177-acre tract in 1986 for public use, earning Venice the title 'Shark Tooth Capital of the World' for fossilized teeth deposited by converging Gulf currents from an 18-35 foot deep fossil layer dating to 10 million years ago when Florida was submerged underwater teeming with sharks. This Sarasota County beach evolved from prehistoric shark habitat through geological processes leaving fossilized teeth as skeletons disintegrated, serving Southwest Florida's fossil hunting heritage with the historic Caspersen House now hosting Harbor Bistro restaurant offering locally inspired modern American cuisine voted Venice's Best New Restaurant.
The beach offers fossil hunting for shark teeth especially at low tide and after storms when receding waters deposit abundant black sand containing teeth from Sand, Lemon, Mako, Bull, Whitetip and Megalodon species, with sifter rentals available at the pier to help separate teeth from sand where waves break. Visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing for shells and fossils, and walking serene nature trails through 177 acres of cabbage palms, sea grapes, and sea oats with opportunities to spot local wildlife. Guided fossil hunting tours provide insights into ancient history and fossil identification techniques, while the shallow drop-offs and converging currents create optimal conditions for sediment deposition making this consistently one of Florida's best shark tooth beaches.
Caspersen Beach dining includes Sharky's on the Pier for reasonably priced fresh catches at Venice Fishing Pier voted Florida's Best Beach Bar in 2013, 2018, and 2019, Fins @ Sharky's Steakhouse on the second-story deck offering best sand and Gulf views in Florida, and Harbor Bistro in the historic Caspersen House for locally inspired modern American cuisine, serving Sarasota County's fossil hunting capital community along this unique Gulf coast destination known worldwide for prehistoric shark tooth discoveries.
