Venice & Anna Maria: Florida's Most Breathtaking Towns

Englewood residents familiar with the scenic beauty of nearby Venice and the City of Anna Maria have reason to celebrate. World Atlas recognized both Gulf Coast communities on its list of the 11 Most Breathtaking Towns in Florida, a distinction also noted by Sarasota Magazine. These destinations often serve as a familiar escape for many in Englewood, mirroring our own coastal charm.

The recognition highlights each town's unique character. The City of Anna Maria retains its "Old Florida" feel with pastel cottages, a walkable Pine Avenue, and the pristine white-sand beaches at Bean Point. Venice offers a historic 1920s downtown, reminiscent of Englewood's Dearborn Street, along with Gulf beaches and its long-standing reputation as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World. Caspersen Beach remains a popular spot for fossil hunters, and the Venice Fishing Pier at Brohard Park juts about 700 feet into the Gulf.

This acknowledgment comes as both communities undertake recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. The Rod & Reel Pier, destroyed by storms, now operates from a temporary location in Holmes Beach. The Anna Maria City Pier is under reconstruction, with an expected reopening in fall 2026. This combination of natural beauty and demonstrated resilience contributes to the towns' appeal, a spirit shared by Englewood's own community.

For those who have experienced the sunrise over Bean Point or cycled the Legacy Trail into downtown Venice, this honor confirms what they already know about these cherished destinations. It serves as a reminder of the Gulf Coast's striking natural beauty, from Englewood's shores to its esteemed neighbors.