Founded as a visionary planned community designed by John Nolen to promote "civic virtue" and "natural beauty," Venice Florida (map) is among the most attractive and easy-living Florida cities.

Hurricane Ian roared through Southwest Florida in late September 2022, causing substantial damage. The Myakka River rose by 12 feet (3.7 meters), flooding streets and some houses near its banks. But the destruction was not nearly so severe as in communities to the south such as Fort Myers.

Visitors travel to Venice for its long white sand beaches and sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico, its palm- and oak-lined boulevards, attractive city center, shady parks, easy lifestyle, friendliness, and of course its warm, sunny days in winter.

Venice has good restaurants, active civic and artisitic programs, and a wide variety of lodgings, including hotels, motels, B&Bs, condominiums, rental properties and seasonal or year-round homes.

In fact, in 2014 Forbes magazine chose Venice as one of the USA's top 25 places to retire.

(If you're looking for Venice, Italy, click here!)

The Venice Dream:

Finding Your Way in Venice What to See & Do Venice Beaches Venice Lodgings Venice Restaurants Venice Transportation Visitor Information Sharks' Teeth! Excursions from Venice