Shelling is a favorite pastime in Venice, and fossilized shark's teeth can be found in abundance by sifting through the sand. Just south of Sarasota along Florida’s white-sanded Gulf Coast, Venice offers 14 miles of beaches, from Casey Key to Manasota Key and plenty of recreational opportunities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing and boating. Golfers enjoy excellent courses in the greater Venice area. Venice also is a Florida Main Street City – its downtown graced by northern Italian architecture and beautifully landscaped boulevards that date to the original city plans of 1925 and reminiscent of the Italian city of Venice whose name it borrowed.