Florida is home to an abundance of wildlife. Surround by water with many waterways, rivers, and lakes, the state creates a viable habitat for a variety of fauna including, waterfowl, alligators, turtles, and so much more. Venice is home to several preserves and trails that provide ample opportunity for viewing the local wildlife. Read below for where to see wildlife in Venice Beach Florida.
Venice Area Audubon Park
For the ultimate in bird watching, head out to the Venice Area Audubon Park. The Rookery is the main feature at the park. Here, visitors gather around the large body of water and lush landscape to see a variety of birds nesting, mating, and playing. See everything from a Great Blue Heron and Wood Storks to the Great Egrets. A covered pavilion offers front row seats to the bird show, so bring your camera and binoculars for a special wildlife viewing experience. Explore on your own or sign up for a guided, expert-led field trip.
Sleeping Turtles Preserve
The Sleeping Turtles Preserve is broken out into two sections, the North and South Preserve. Both sections are accessed from the same trailhead. We suggest accessing the North route from the Venice Beach Village. The North section encompasses 173 acres of floodplain swamps, pine flatwoods, wetlands, and a peaceful habitat for gopher tortoises, alligators, songbirds, and more. The trail also provides beautiful views of the Myakka River from the area’s scenic bluffs.
Jelks Preserve
Jelks Preserve features 614 acres of natural preserve with eight miles of trail along the Myakka River. Discover pine Flatwoods, wet prairie, and freshwater swamp with sandy trails to guide you through. Envelope under a canopy of trees where you can spot warblers, barred owls, vieros, and a variety of other birds. At the river overlooks, visitors can see ospreys, egrets, and herons. As always, expect to see a few alligators roaming around, plus some tortoises.
Visit the beach
Of course, one of the best tips on where to see wildlife in Venice Beach Florida is to visit the beach. A long walk down Venice Beach will afford you plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. From large mammals like manatees and dolphins to seabirds and shorebirds, there is much to see!
Stay at Venice Beach Villas
After watching the nesting egrets, find your nest back at your home away from home at the Venice Beach Villas. Located on Venice Avenue, we are just a short walk to central downtown and the beach. For an enjoyable stay, we feature one and two-bedroom villas, plus studios and efficiencies, all with kitchens and comfortable living space.
For the best rate guaranteed, be sure to book direct online!
