South Venice Beach derives its name from its location in the South Venice area of Sarasota County, near the town of Englewood, Florida. The Englewood area was first settled by William and Mary Goff in 1878, who purchased 60 acres of land fronting Lemon Bay. The Nichols brothers developed the area in 1896, platting the town and naming it Englewood after their hometown of Englewood, Illinois. The region grew slowly over the years with fishing, farming, and lumber as the main enterprises. Archaeological evidence indicates that Manasota Key and the surrounding barrier islands have attracted human habitation for at least 8,000 years, when the Gulf of Mexico was 30 feet lower than today and indigenous peoples sourced shells from the area to make beads used as ancient currency. South Venice developed as part of the greater Venice and Englewood beach communities along Florida's Gulf Coast, with the barrier island beaches becoming more accessible to residents and visitors as bridges and causeways were constructed in the early-to-mid 20th century.
The beach offers swimming and sunbathing along the white sand shoreline, with the area particularly famous for fossilized shark teeth that wash ashore in various sizes and shapes, typically appearing as dark triangular teeth along the waterline. Beachcombing for prehistoric shark teeth has become a signature activity, with collectors finding specimens from ancient species. Water sports include parasailing, jet-skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding through the calm Gulf waters where dolphins, manatees, and other marine life can be spotted. Englewood Beach, nearby on Manasota Key, features a 900-foot boardwalk, playground, picnic facilities, volleyball courts, basketball court, and horseshoe pits. Stump Pass Beach State Park provides pristine natural beach access, while Lemon Bay Park & Environmental Center offers over 200 acres of preserved Florida nature with trails bordering the shoreline through pine and scrubby flatwoods. The Englewood Beach Waterfest in November brings boat races and water-based festivities to the area.
Dining options near South Venice Beach reflect the area's waterfront culture and Old Florida charm. Lock 'N Key Restaurant & Pub serves fresh seafood dishes in a lively atmosphere with local flavor. Farlow's On The Water offers Caribbean-inspired cuisine with waterfront views overlooking the Intracoastal waters. Mango Bistro provides casual dining with sandwiches, crepes, and fresh ingredients in a relaxed setting. Restaurants along Dearborn Street feature outdoor seating options alongside coffee shops, wine bars, and local eateries. The Beach House Restaurant offers Gulf-to-table seafood with grouper sandwiches and stone crab claws. Howard's Restaurant serves classic Florida seafood including fried shrimp and Key lime pie in a family-friendly environment that has been a local favorite for decades.
