If you’re planning a day out in Venice, FL, there’s nothing quite like packing a delicious picnic and heading to one of the many beautiful parks this charming coastal town has to offer. Whether you’re a local looking to enjoy the sunshine or a visitor eager to explore, these picnic spots in Venice are perfect for outdoor dining, offering everything from stunning waterfront views to serene nature trails.
Discover the Best Picnic Spots in Venice, FL
There’s something magical about the simplicity of a picnic in Venice, FL. Imagine this: the sun is shining, the gentle breeze carries the scent of the Gulf, and you’re surrounded by the lush beauty that only Venice, FL parks can offer. It’s no wonder that locals and visitors alike find themselves irresistibly drawn to these outdoor havens, eager to lay out a blanket and indulge in a leisurely picnic lunch. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat under the shade of ancient oaks or a lively spot near the water’s edge, Venice has no shortage of picnic spots that promise to elevate your outdoor dining experience.
Where is the best place to have a Picnic in Venice?
When it comes to enjoying the perfect picnic in Venice, Florida, you’re spoiled for choice with stunning locations that offer a blend of natural beauty, serene environments, and convenient amenities. Whether you’re seeking a quiet spot by the water, a shaded area under majestic trees, or a lively park with plenty of activities, Venice has it all. From the sandy shores of Service Club Park to the dog-friendly Brohard Paw Park, these picnic spots promise a delightful outdoor dining experience amidst the charm of Venice.
Centennial Park
200 W. Venice Ave Venice, FL 34285
Centennial Park has picnic tables ideal for taking it easy or set up a blanket on one of the open grassy areas. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown, you can choose from several restaurants to pick up a picnic lunch all over Venice Ave! Centennial Park has benches, an interactive splash pad (fun for the kids!), ADA accessible gazebo, a veterans memorial, free parking, beautiful nature, and shady trees to relax under. There is a lot to explore.
Takeout Picnic Suggestion: Check out Bodrum on Miami Ave for eastern Mediterranean food that will dazzle your tastebuds, along with many lunch specials that are great for a picnic!
Shamrock Park & Nature Center
3900 Shamrock Drive Venice, FL 34293
Shamrock Park & Nature Center in Venice, FL, is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape into nature, making it an ideal spot for a picnic. Nestled within 80 acres of lush greenery, this park provides the perfect blend of scenic beauty and convenient amenities, ensuring that your picnic experience is both relaxing and enjoyable.
Relax and have your picnic lunch in this 80-acre park. Bask in the beauty of the butterfly gardens while enjoying your favorite fare. Check out the pet-friendly areas, playground fields, sports courts, and hiking trails which are perfect for a nice day out in nature.This connection with nature sets the stage for a peaceful picnic, where you can unwind and enjoy your meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
Takeout Picnic Suggestion: If you’re heading over on a Saturday, grab some delicious BBQ from Yummies Donuts & BBQ. They are famous for their Sticky Pig sandwich, which is pulled pork nestled in a glazed cinnamon roll as the bun. Another fantastic option is Local Spot 941 for their famous Reubens, or choose from one of their daily $10 specials.
Service Club Park
1190 Harbor Dr. S, Venice, FL 34285
This beautiful beachfront park is a flawless spot for a romantic sunset picnic on the sand. If you want to see a picturesque sunset, this location is matchless. There is a nice boardwalk with decks and picnic tables (some covered) if you prefer; either way, you will still enjoy the amazing view of the Gulf. Other cool things you’ll find at Service Club Park are volleyball courts, barbeque grills, walking trails and wildlife.
Takeout Picnic Suggestion: Gold Rush BBQ has a number of quick take out options that you can conveniently pick up from their take out window. There’s always something up as a special value, usually their pulled pork sandwich. Is there a better picnic food?
Maxine Barritt Park
1800 S Harbor Dr. Venice, FL 34285
Spend some time walking on the beach at Maxine Barritt Park. Then come under the shelter of one of their beautiful large gazebos. Take a walk around the park and see the fenced pond looking for birds and possibly an alligator! Then choose your favorite spot for a picnic. You can sit at one of the picnic tables with charcoal barbeques or find another hidden spot to set up your blanket and have some fresh sushi.
Takeout Picnic Suggestion: Who said sushi isn’t a picnic food? Pick up a delicious sushi lunch from Fin’s at Sharky’s!
Brohard Paw Park
1600 Harbor Drive South Venice, FL 34285
This unique park is perfect for dog lovers. Some people may not want to leave their dogs at home so, at Brohard Paw Park, you can have the best of both worlds. It’s actually a fenced dog park with a beach, picnic tables, showers & drinking fountains for you and your furry friends.
Takeout Picnic Suggestion: Grab some takeout from Joy’s Kouzine in Bird Bay Plaza and Fido can play in the park after!
Nokomis Community Park
234 Nippino Trail E, Nokomis, FL 34275
While technically not in Venice, this beautiful park is just north of Venice at Located at 234 Nippino Trail E. There are so many amenities at this park, including picnic pavilions, a community garden and a kayak launch, that I simply had to include it for picnics!
Takeout Picnic Suggestion: We love to stop by and grab smoothies at Cafe Evergreen before heading over to play. They also have incredible sandwiches and salads for a healthy lunch at the park and you can even order in advance for pickup.
CoolToday Park
18800 S W Villages Pkwy, Venice, FL 34293
While CoolToday Park, Venice, FL is best known as the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves, it also features picnic areas that are perfect for a meal before or after the game. The park’s lively atmosphere makes it a fun spot for sports enthusiasts looking to combine their love of baseball with a picnic.
Takeout Picnic Suggestion: While you can’t necessarily bring your own picnic, you can grab a bite to eat at the Tomahawk Tiki Bar & Grill! They are open Tuesday through Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm.
Downtown Wellen
19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293
Downtown Wellen is the heart of the vibrant Wellen Park community, offering a picturesque setting for a perfect picnic. With its scenic lakefront views, beautifully landscaped green spaces, and charming boardwalks, it’s an ideal location for both casual and romantic picnics. The area is dotted with shaded seating areas and open lawns, providing plenty of spots to spread out a blanket and enjoy the serene atmosphere. After your meal, you can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or explore the nearby shops and attractions, making it a full day of fun and relaxation.
Takeout Picnic Suggestion: This unique picnic area features “The Yard” with food offerings created in restaurants inside of shipping containers! A fun experience for everyone.
Have A Catered Picnic At The Beach With Paradise Picnics
There are so many parks around Venice that you can enjoy a picnic lunch. We recently learned of a new service in town called Paradise Picnics! They will set up a beautiful picnic for you on the beach to enjoy with your favorite people. We look forward to trying them in the future, as their Tiktok showcases a beautiful spread worthy of a luxurious afternoon. You can find them on Facebook or call (702) 355-9709 to book your picnic today!
No matter where you choose to have your picnic lunch in Venice, FL, you’re sure to enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere that this charming coastal town has to offer.
Tell Us Where You Would Have Your Picnic Lunch in Venice, FL in the Comments Below!
Looking for more Local Information?
Help Us Keep The Venice Foodies Going
Venice Foodies started as a way to celebrate local flavor—but it’s grown into something much more: a community, a connection point, and a space where small businesses, family farms, and real people shine. Behind the scenes, it’s just us—the Reinbolt family—pouring time, love, and energy into every post, every recommendation, every shared story.
If you’ve found value in what we do, whether it’s discovering your new favorite bite or just feeling a little more rooted in this place we all call home, we invite you to support us with a financial gift.
It’s not required. It’s not expected. But it does make a meaningful impact—and helps us keep doing what we love, for the community we love.
You can subscribe as a Venice Foodies Fan for only $5 per month
- Hurricane Season: Tips for Food, Safety, and Storage
- Cornbread Crusted Pan Fried Grouper Sandwich
- Apple Fritter Bread Stuffing
We picnic at Blalock Park in the Arboretum. Lots of picnic tables.
We picnic at Blalock Park in the Arboretum. Lots of picnic tables.
We would like more restaurants use their outdoor area to add tables to eat outside. Covid is not to fool around with, our family refuse to eat inside of restaurants. Please think about putting tables outside your restaurants – many more customers will come your way. Please The need for even two or three tables is important. Please add a few tables to your outdoor storefronts please.
I think that’s why it’s so great these places offer takeout to do picnic lunches around town!
We like Casperson Beach for picnics.
We would like more restaurants use their outdoor area to add tables to eat outside. Covid is not to fool around with, our family refuse to eat inside of restaurants. Please think about putting tables outside your restaurants – many more customers will come your way. Please The need for even two or three tables is important. Please add a few tables to your outdoor storefronts please.
I think that’s why it’s so great these places offer takeout to do picnic lunches around town!