The Venice area is rich in history and has important archeological sites. In fact, there are traces of settlements from over 10,000 years ago when the Florida peninsula was twice as wide as it is today. At that time, it was an area with vast savannas, grasslands and open prairies.
Several thousand years later, the Calusa Indians, who dominated most of South Florida, thrived in the area as an important civilization for many generations. They left canal systems, impressive carvings and huge mounds that contribute to the area’s interesting history.
Venice is one of the few cities on Florida’s west coast that is not separated from the Gulf of Mexico by a barrier island. To the east of the city lies an intracoastal waterway where boats can travel with protection from the waves.
Wooden walkovers leading from the parking areas to the sandy beach areas are found at most of the beaches to protect the sand dunes and the natural vegetation. Sand dunes are a mainland’s greatest defense against flooding.
Freshwater and saltwater marshes, mangrove areas and tidal flats can be found at the uncultivated, windswept Caspersen Beach. It’s also a great beach to find prehistoric shark’s teeth and is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World!
We’ll visit Lemon Bay next with its old fishing village flavor