Nokomis Public Beach takes its name from Nokomis, the grandmother of Hiawatha in Longfellow's epic poem, chosen by citizens north of Roberts Bay when Bertha Palmer relocated the Venice post office southward in 1910. The area was originally called Horse and Chaise and included modern-day Venice, with the name "Venice" first submitted by settler Frank Higel for the 1888 post office inspired by Venice, Italy. John S. Blackburn settled in what is now Nokomis in 1881, making him among the area's earliest permanent residents. Bertha Honore Palmer's 1910 purchase of a 140,000-acre land tract facilitated the Seaboard Airline Railroad extension from Fruitville to south of Roberts Bay, spurring development. Nokomis Beach holds the distinction of being Sarasota County's oldest public beach, located on Casey Key off the mainland. The historic Nokomis Beach Plaza preserves the area's Old Florida character, while the beach has evolved to include modern amenities including free parking, boardwalks, and recreational facilities. The Venice Area Historical Society's service area includes Venice, South Venice, Nokomis, Laurel, and Osprey, reflecting the interconnected history of these South Sarasota County communities that developed together during Florida's early 20th-century growth period.
The beach stretches 14 miles with white sand and clear blue Gulf waters ideal for swimming, shelling, and picnicking. Activities include birding, boating and paddling, fishing, sand volleyball, and beach recreation. A boardwalk provides accessible beach entry, while a canoe and kayak launch offers access to the Intracoastal Waterway for paddling adventures. A boat ramp and dock serve recreational boaters, and picnic shelters accommodate family gatherings. The playground provides entertainment for children, while beachside restrooms offer convenience for all-day visits. A fishing pier and the North Jetty attract anglers targeting snapper, flounder, tarpon, and snook, with spectacular sunsets visible from the long rock-lined jetty. The volleyball court hosts casual games and tournaments. The nearby Legacy Trail provides a scenic path for biking and walking through the area, while Oscar Scherer State Park offers kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching in preserved natural habitats. The Shark Tooth at the beach offers stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals for water exploration. Free parking distinguishes Nokomis Beach from many Florida coastal destinations, making it accessible and family-friendly.
Dining at Nokomis Beach features locally owned restaurants offering unique cuisine and waterfront atmosphere. The Shark Tooth serves beer, cocktails, tacos, and burgers directly on the beach with SUP and kayak rentals. Casey Key Fish House stands as perhaps the most iconic restaurant in the Osprey and Nokomis area, featuring an outdoor tiki bar and patio dining with conch fritters and fresh grouper sandwiches. Pop's Sunset Grill offers Intracoastal views with live music, serving fish tacos and shrimp ceviche with a friendly atmosphere. The Breakfast Cottage, a longtime Nokomis staple located in a Florida bungalow, is known for its Monte Cristo sandwich and hearty breakfast offerings. Café Evergreen provides healthy options for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores with fresh ingredients. Pelican Alley serves waterfront dining with seafood specialties and sunset views. While Nokomis has fewer restaurants than larger beach towns, almost all are locally owned, offering intimate dining experiences on the water that preserve the area's small-town coastal character.
