History:  

Opened as the San Marco Hotel in 1926, the building later hosted KMI’s winter campus (1933–1970). Today its hallway exhibit preserves the tradition of cadets in Venice. 

Fun fact:  

KMI cadets once marched downtown as part of their daily routine. 

What to Do:  

• Walk the hallway exhibit and spot KMI artifacts. 

• Explore nearby boutiques along Tampa Ave. 

History:  

This pedestrian route features plaques and art honoring Venice Hospital founders and other community builders. It layers local history into a lively corridor of shops and public art. 

Fun fact:  

Murals along the route create colorful backdrops for portraits. 

What to Do:  

• Read the plaques and connect names to nearby landmarks. 

• Follow the walkway as a shortcut between parks and shops. 

• Pair it with a downtown coffee or gelato stop. 

History:  

Built 1926–27 to plans by W.H. Schumaker, the Saunders (Sanders) Building was among Venice’s first commercial blocks. Today its storefronts house eateries like Venice Avenue Creamery in the heart of the historic district. 

Fun fact:  

Ads from early 1927 promoted new businesses here just months after construction. 

What to Do:  

• Grab ice cream and stroll West Venice Avenue. 

• Find tile, stucco, and arch details along the façade. 

• Compare this block with nearby 1920s buildings. 

History:  

The Venice Urban Forest converts a former rail corridor into native habitat and a green buffer for the industrial district. Led by Venice Area Beautification, Inc. (VABI), it extends the city’s landscape legacy and links to the Legacy Trail. 

Fun fact:  

Watching the phases grow is like time‑lapse gardening—each visit looks different. 

What to Do:  

• Walk or bike a segment. 

• Look for birds and pollinators along the edge habitat. 

• Connect to the Venetian Waterway or Legacy Trail. 

History:  

Caspersen offers a wilder, more natural shoreline south of the island core, managed by Sarasota County. Long sands and trails make it ideal for beachcombing and Gulf views. 

Fun fact:  

Many visitors hunt for fossilized shark teeth along the surf line. 

History:  

Planned by John Nolen in 1926, this neighborhood integrates a central park, curving streets, and cohesive architecture. It remains a strong example of the ‘city garden’ ideal. 

Fun fact:  

Nolen placed parks within easy strolls of homes—a head start on modern walkability. 

What to Do:  

• Walk a loop around the park and adjoining streets. 

• Spot Mediterranean Revival details on nearby homes. 

• Compare Nolen’s plan (online) to today’s layout. 

History:  

Built in 1926 as the first major Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers project, Hotel Venice later housed KMI classrooms and offices. It survives as an adaptively reused landmark, now the Summit at Venice. 

Fun fact:  

In KMI days, cadets walked between here, the San Marco, and the Depot. 

What to Do:  

• Trace a walking loop to the San Marco and Centennial Park. 

• Notice repeating Mediterranean Revival motifs nearby. 

History:  

Downtown’s central green hosts markets, concerts, and community gatherings. Its gazebo and Children’s Interactive Fountain make it a natural meeting point between Venice and Tampa avenues. 

Fun fact:  

Kids adore the fountain’s jets—perfect for cooling off between shops. 

What to Do:  

• Check the events calendar for concerts and markets. 

• Let kids splash in the fountain (seasonal hours). 

• Use it as a hub to explore downtown on foot. 

History:  

The 700‑foot city-owned pier at Brohard Park offers free, 24/7 access with no fishing license required. It’s a favorite for anglers, walkers, and sunset seekers—plus on‑site dining at Sharky’s and Fin’s. 

Fun fact:  

Papa’s Bait Shop on the pier sells bait and basics right over the water. 

What to Do:  

• Fish or stroll to the end for Gulf views. 

• Refuel at Sharky’s or Fins with a pier view. 

• Look for dolphins and pelicans along the rails. 

History:  

This 1920s residence showcases Mediterranean Revival domestic architecture within the original street grid. Recognized locally, it blends historic character with coastal lodging. 

Fun fact:  

In 1928, Thomas Edison gifted the original homeowners a Banyan Tree which became the namesake of the home. 

History:  

Built in 1896 by Joseph H. Lord, the Lord–Higel House is the area’s oldest surviving pioneer home. Relocated for preservation, it interprets settler life before the 1920s boom. 

Fun fact:  

Joseph Lord’s promotions drew early attention to the coast decades before Venice’s planned city. 

What to Do:  

• Take in the history and learn about Nemo 

• Relax on the porch with a coffee and pastry 

History:  

The 1926 “Green Building” once housed the Venice Printing Company, publisher of the early Venice News. Designed by French and Gill, it’s now called Burgundy Square with cafés, shops, and nightlife. 

Fun fact:  

The presses printed the first Venice News produced entirely in the new city (Oct. 6, 1927). 

What to Do:  

• Grab a pastry at Seven Pastries & Coffee  

• Pop into Earth Treasures for local finds. 

• Catch live music or piano at Zebra Lounge. 

History:  

Ennes Arcade and the adjoining Hotel Valencia opened in 1926 to serve the brand‑new city. The complex evolved into today’s mix of shops and dining while retaining its arcaded character. 

Fun fact:  

Arcaded sidewalks were central to Venice’s Mediterranean Revival look and pedestrian feel. 

What to Do:  

• Browse the storefronts and grab a bite. 

• Find the historic plaque and read the site’s origin story. 

History:  

This linear median park links downtown to the beach with shade, memorials, and interpretive features. Look for the Veterans Memorial (1976) and a replica Venice Army Air Base arch (1994). 

Fun fact:  

The replica honors the WWII training base that shaped mid-century Venice. 

Photo op:  

Center the arch with palms and sky for a classic Venice shot. 

What to Do:  

• Walk the median from downtown toward the beach. 

• Read interpretive signs to connect places to history. 

History:  

A living museum of palms and Florida-friendly trees, the arboretum reflects decades of local beautification. Named for advocate Monty Andrews, it showcases Venice’s landscape heritage. 

What to Do:  

• As you walk through the property, look for all of our hidden wildlife sculptures.  

• Spot butterflies and birds among the plantings. 

History:  

The 1927 Hines Building showcases Mediterranean Revival design and a century of storefronts—from tea rooms to trattorias. It contributes to the John Nolen Plan of Venice Historic District. 

Fun fact:  

Historic photos show lush early landscaping echoing Nolen’s ‘city garden’ vision. 

What to Do:  

• Look for original architectural details like tilework and arches. 

• Enjoy a meal and people-watch. 

History:  

Founded in 1950, Venice Theatre has grown into a leading community stage with robust education programs. It continues to anchor downtown’s cultural life after 76 years of productions. 

Fun fact:  

Generations of volunteers power the shows—from costumes to set design. Today, a staff of professional theatricians lead a team of 1300 volunteers who donate close to 100,000 hours each season. 

What to Do:  

• Check the calendar and catch an evening performance. 

• Browse lobby displays featuring past productions. 

• Explore nearby dining pre- or post-show. 

History:  

Steps from downtown, Venice Beach blends broad sands with a beloved mid-century modern pavilion and easy Gulf access. The site reflects the city’s planned walkability connecting main streets to the shoreline. 

Fun fact:  

Sunset-watching from the pavilion is a long-standing local ritual. 

What to Do:  

• Catch sunsets from the pavilion and listen for beachside music. 

• Cool off under the hyperbolic paraboloid roof with an ice cream or frosty beverage

History:  

Built in 1926 with shops below and apartments above, the Johnson–Schoolcraft anchored early Venice commerce. It’s individually listed in the National Register and remains a distinctive feature along West Venice Avenue. 

Fun fact:  

The building once housed the Peninsula Telephone Company’s switchboard in the late 1920s. 

What to Do:  

• Sip at Venice Wine & Coffee and admire the historic storefronts. 

• Look for National Register and local plaque details. 

• Stroll the block to spot other 1920s buildings. 

History:  

Opened in 1927, the Depot was Venice’s rail gateway for visitors, KMI cadets, and later the circus era. Restored through community effort, it’s now interpreted by Venice Area Historical Society with the adjacent Circus Train Car Museum. 

Fun fact:  

From 1933 to 1970, Kentucky Military Institute (KMI) used Venice as its winter headquarters. Cadets traditionally arrived after New Year’s and stayed until Easter. 

What to Do:  

• Join a free VAHS docent-led tour (check tour times). 

• Walk a short segment of the Legacy Trail from the Depot. 

• Browse the Circus Train Car Museum exhibits. 

The Venice Museum is housed in the 1927 Triangle Inn, a Mediterranean Revival landmark saved and moved by the city. Its exhibits interpret Venice history, including “Old Betsy,” the city’s 1926 fire truck and a community icon. 

Fun fact:  

Old Betsy was Venice’s first fire truck and now anchors the museum’s collection. 

What to Do: Explore exhibits on Venice history 

• See Old Betsy  

• Pick up a walking-tour map for nearby historic sites.