The best things to do in Venice

36 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Entertainment · 36 places · showing the latest additions first

Waterford Golf Club

Entertainment

Waterford Golf Club is part of Golf In Venice’s three-course playground, so you can keep rounds fresh between Waterford, Calusa Lakes, and…

1454 Gleneagles Dr · ✓ checked Jul 28

Waterford Golf Club is part of Golf In Venice’s three-course playground, so you can keep rounds fresh between Waterford, Calusa Lakes, and Capri Isles. Public golfers are welcome, with leagues, lessons, and tournaments, plus a membership that covers all three if you’re chasing bragging rights this week.

From the Venice newsletter, September 18, 2026

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FloridaRAMA

Entertainment

FloridaRAMA is an interactive, immersive art playground spun from original Florida stories, built by 85+ local and international artists.…

2606 Fairfield Ave S Bldg 5 (St. Petersburg) · ✓ checked Jul 28

FloridaRAMA is an interactive, immersive art playground spun from original Florida stories, built by 85+ local and international artists. Wander evolving installations, then dive into scavenger hunts and games to uncover hidden secrets and storylines... the perfect St.

From the Pinellas Park newsletter, September 14, 2026

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CMX Cinemas Tyrone

Entertainment

CMX Cinemas Tyrone lines up the big stuff and the nostalgic picks with reserved seating that saves your favorite spot, plus 3D showings…

2998 Tyrone Blvd N (St. Petersburg) · ✓ checked Jul 28

CMX Cinemas Tyrone lines up the big stuff and the nostalgic picks with reserved seating that saves your favorite spot, plus 3D showings when you want the extra pop. New releases, flashback nights, and one-off events mean you can make plans this week without overthinking it.

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, August 8, 2026

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If you want a course that makes you think, Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club delivers an Arthur Hills design with ponds and wetlands touching…

Palmer Ranch, 8801 Stoneybrook Blvd (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Jul 28

If you want a course that makes you think, Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club delivers an Arthur Hills design with ponds and wetlands touching 17 holes, then keeps you around with an executive-chef clubhouse scene and a busy social calendar. Six tee placements mean your game can choose its own adventure.

From the Venice newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Need a quick tune-up without leaving town? Venice East Golf Club is a mainly par-3 loop with a friendly vibe, a handy driving range, and…

107 Venice E Blvd

Need a quick tune-up without leaving town? Venice East Golf Club is a mainly par-3 loop with a friendly vibe, a handy driving range, and lessons with George Rudy, perfect for sharpening wedges after work or sneaking in a fast round with friends.

From the North Port newsletter, September 19, 2026

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St. Pete Pier

Entertainment

Locals know St. Pete Pier is basically our backyard playground, a 26-acre mix of bay views, shaded greens, and grab-a-bite options perfect…

600 2nd Ave NE (St. Petersburg)

Locals know St. Pete Pier is basically our backyard playground, a 26-acre mix of bay views, shaded greens, and grab-a-bite options perfect for an after-work stroll. Cruise the paths, pop into Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, then linger for live music or the Marketplace finds you didn’t know you needed.

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club has 27 holes, a legit practice setup, and a dining scene that goes way beyond post-round fries. The…

499 Derbyshire Dr

Pelican Pointe Golf and Country Club has 27 holes, a legit practice setup, and a dining scene that goes way beyond post-round fries. The newly renovated Meadows nine rolls on Platinum Paspalum greens with reshaped bunkers, so your short game gets a glow-up while you call it strategy.

From the Venice newsletter, September 1, 2026

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run+play kids cafe

Entertainment

When the afternoon storms roll in and cabin fever spikes, Run+Play Kids Cafe offers two-hour drop-in open play, screen-free pretend zones,…

3950 Central Ave (St. Petersburg)

When the afternoon storms roll in and cabin fever spikes, Run+Play Kids Cafe offers two-hour drop-in open play, screen-free pretend zones, and birthday party pros, plus coffee from Bean Wandering. Kids go all-out, you regroup, and everyone leaves weirdly happier.

From the Venice newsletter, August 11, 2026

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From huge trampolines and a zipline that launches you into a giant airbag to sports courts, the multi-level Maze Craze Xtreme, the Flying…

4460 66th St N (St. Petersburg) · ✓ checked Aug 6

From huge trampolines and a zipline that launches you into a giant airbag to sports courts, the multi-level Maze Craze Xtreme, the Flying Leopard ropes course, and Tube Topia indoor tubing, Catapult Adventure Park St. Pete is the spot to let kids go full throttle while you just… exhale.

From the Pinellas Park newsletter, September 7, 2026

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Romp n' Roll

Entertainment

Romp n' Roll keeps the littles busy with play-based classes, camps, and birthday parties that mix movement and creativity in the best…

2534 22nd Ave N (St. Petersburg) · ✓ checked Sep 17

Romp n' Roll keeps the littles busy with play-based classes, camps, and birthday parties that mix movement and creativity in the best possible way. It’s a friendly indoor outlet to burn energy, make new pals, and come home ready for an early bedtime.

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3,190-acre nature reserve with hiking paths, birdwatching, a paddling trail & canoe/kayak rentals.

1800 Weedon Dr NE (St. Petersburg)

3,190-acre nature reserve with hiking paths, birdwatching, a paddling trail & canoe/kayak rentals.

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Venice's only private, member-owned golf and country club, The Venice Golf and Country Club pairs year-round golf with tennis, dining,…

250 Venice Golf Club Dr

Venice's only private, member-owned golf and country club, The Venice Golf and Country Club pairs year-round golf with tennis, dining, wellness, and a lively social calendar. If you want a tight-knit community where your voice actually counts, this is the spot that keeps weekdays from feeling, well, weekday-ish.

From the North Port newsletter, September 21, 2026

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CMX CinéBistro at Hyde Park Village mixes new releases and cult throwbacks with bistro dishes, fresh popcorn, and legit cocktails delivered…

1609 W Swann Ave (Tampa)

CMX CinéBistro at Hyde Park Village mixes new releases and cult throwbacks with bistro dishes, fresh popcorn, and legit cocktails delivered during the show. Reserved seating keeps the good spots locked, and select 21+ screenings make it an easy win for kid-free nights.

From the Tampa Bay newsletter, September 16, 2026

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The Grand Luxury Cinema keeps Venice cinephiles happy with a lineup that swings from throwback events like The Transformers: The Movie 40th…

2111 S Tamiami Trl

The Grand Luxury Cinema keeps Venice cinephiles happy with a lineup that swings from throwback events like The Transformers: The Movie 40th Anniversary to family-friendly picks and Summer Kids Challenge screenings. When you want something new, weird, or wonderfully familiar, this is where to press play.

From the Venice newsletter, September 21, 2026

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Serenoa Golf Club

Entertainment

Serenoa Golf Club is a shot-maker’s challenge, with water in play on every hole and a layout that plays bigger than its yardage, a design…

6773 Serenoa Dr #9276 (Sarasota) · ✓ checked Aug 5

Serenoa Golf Club is a shot-maker’s challenge, with water in play on every hole and a layout that plays bigger than its yardage, a design Florida Golf News ranks among Florida’s top 100. Swing by this week, finish at the Serenoa Bar and Grill, then brag about your heroic up-and-downs to the friendliest crew around.

From the Venice newsletter, September 9, 2026

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Twin Brooks Golf Course keeps it simple with a 9-hole par 3, a legit driving range, and three extra practice holes, plus PGA instruction…

3800 22nd Ave S (St. Petersburg)

Twin Brooks Golf Course keeps it simple with a 9-hole par 3, a legit driving range, and three extra practice holes, plus PGA instruction when the swing gets weird. It’s also home to First Tee of St. Petersburg, so the community vibe is strong.

From the Wesley Chapel newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Founded in 1916 as Tampa’s oldest private golf club, Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club pairs a storied course that’s hosted the Gasparilla…

1601 S MacDill Ave (Tampa)

Founded in 1916 as Tampa’s oldest private golf club, Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club pairs a storied course that’s hosted the Gasparilla Invitational with clay courts, an Olympic-sized pool, a legit fitness center, plus dining options and a year-round social calendar worth building your week around.

From the Riverview newsletter, August 11, 2026

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Whether your happy place is a pristine 18-hole layout, Har-Tru tennis and pickleball, or lounging by a pool overlooking Boca Ciega Bay,…

6000 Sun Blvd (St. Petersburg)

Whether your happy place is a pristine 18-hole layout, Har-Tru tennis and pickleball, or lounging by a pool overlooking Boca Ciega Bay, Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club hits the sweet spot with dining, fitness, a 76-slip yacht harbor, and event-ready spaces. Private club vibes done right.

From the Wesley Chapel newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Whether you're chasing a legit challenge or just want an easy round with friends, Wellen Park Golf & Country Club brings an 18-hole layout…

12060 Wellen Golf St · ✓ checked Aug 7

Whether you're chasing a legit challenge or just want an easy round with friends, Wellen Park Golf & Country Club brings an 18-hole layout near Downtown Wellen with multiple tees, water and sand that keep things interesting, plus lessons if your driver forgot how to behave.

From the North Port newsletter, September 10, 2026

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Need a midweek mindset shift, not another errand? Sarasota National Golf Club delivers a premier 18-hole track with plenty of Florida…

25510 National Blvd

Need a midweek mindset shift, not another errand? Sarasota National Golf Club delivers a premier 18-hole track with plenty of Florida views, then the Palm Club for a solid post-round unwind. Local, laid-back, and exactly the kind of reset your week could use.

From the North Port newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Clubhouse at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club is an easy win this week, pairing polished golf with memorable dining. Play the newly…

1601 Englewood Rd (Englewood)

Clubhouse at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club is an easy win this week, pairing polished golf with memorable dining. Play the newly redesigned par-71 by architect Gordy Lewis on smooth Seashore Paspalum, then settle in for casual lunches or a refined dinner and attentive service.

From the North Port newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.

10209 Estuary Lakes Dr (Tampa)

Family-friendly chain offering a sports-bar-style setting for American food & arcade games.

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Lord Higel House

Entertainment

Built in 1896, Lord Higel House is Sarasota County’s second-oldest home, a Queen Anne gem that lets you peek at early citrus-grove life.…

409 Granada Ave

Built in 1896, Lord Higel House is Sarasota County’s second-oldest home, a Queen Anne gem that lets you peek at early citrus-grove life. Venice Heritage volunteers poured heart, cash, and countless hours into it, so locals get real, rootsy Venice without the museum fuss.

From the Venice newsletter, September 16, 2026

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The Airosphere, Inflatable Park & Arcades packs a giant inflatable playground with obstacle courses, slides, a climbing wall, a cliff jump,…

622 Ware Blvd (Tampa)

The Airosphere, Inflatable Park & Arcades packs a giant inflatable playground with obstacle courses, slides, a climbing wall, a cliff jump, and a dedicated toddler area, plus a state-of-the-art arcade and fresh pizza. This week, burn off energy, win tickets, then regroup over wings and donuts.

From the Riverview newsletter, August 21, 2026

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Plantation Golf & Country Club is where your swing gets sharper and the vibe stays social, with championship-caliber golf, tennis,…

500 Rockley Blvd · ✓ checked Aug 7

Plantation Golf & Country Club is where your swing gets sharper and the vibe stays social, with championship-caliber golf, tennis, pickleball, a laid-back pool, and legit dining, plus events worth dressing up for. Fun fact, it’s home to the LPGA annual tour qualifier.

From the North Port newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

10137 E Adamo Dr #800b (Tampa)

Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.

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The Florida Aquarium mixes big-wow exhibits with up-close moments, from stingray touch tanks and the Penguin Encounter to the Wild Dolphin…

701 Channelside Dr (Tampa)

The Florida Aquarium mixes big-wow exhibits with up-close moments, from stingray touch tanks and the Penguin Encounter to the Wild Dolphin Cruise and a kid-approved water playground, plus real conservation work on corals and sea turtles. Easy Haines City day trip when you need a break from the usual.

From the Wesley Chapel newsletter, September 6, 2026

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Par Bar

Entertainment

Par Bar pairs a challenging 18-hole mini course with a legit bar pouring local craft beer, cocktails, wine and even sake, plus…

2253 1st Ave S (St. Petersburg)

Par Bar pairs a challenging 18-hole mini course with a legit bar pouring local craft beer, cocktails, wine and even sake, plus air-conditioned seating with TVs and outdoor games. A clutch St. Pete hang for date night, friend meetups, or lighthearted team bonding, and it’s 21+ after sunset.

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, September 20, 2026

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Morean Arts Center

Entertainment

Morean Arts Center keeps St. Pete’s art pulse lively with rotating exhibitions, the Chihuly Collection, and hands-on classes in glass,…

719 Central Ave (St. Petersburg)

Morean Arts Center keeps St. Pete’s art pulse lively with rotating exhibitions, the Chihuly Collection, and hands-on classes in glass, clay, and more. Drop in this week for SUGAR HIGH: 2026 Members Show, then pencil in the Great St.

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, August 26, 2026

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Bay Palms Golf Complex serves up waterfront views across two scenic 18-hole, par-72 tracks plus a putting green, chipping area, sand traps,…

1803 Golf Course Ave (Tampa)

Bay Palms Golf Complex serves up waterfront views across two scenic 18-hole, par-72 tracks plus a putting green, chipping area, sand traps, and a newly upgraded covered range. Book a private Golfcube with Toptracer and automatic tees, then wander the clubhouse or try footgolf, purely for bragging rights.

From the Tampa Bay newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Whether you’re chasing a relaxed round or sharpening the short game, Capri Isles Golf Club is part of Golf In Venice’s three-course lineup…

849 Capri Isles Blvd

Whether you’re chasing a relaxed round or sharpening the short game, Capri Isles Golf Club is part of Golf In Venice’s three-course lineup that keeps things interesting. Public golfers welcome, with lessons, leagues, and tournaments that make it easy to play more and meet fellow locals this week.

From the Venice newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.

220 Carillon Pkwy (St. Petersburg)

Sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range & swanky lounge with drinks & games.

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Vinoy Golf Club

Entertainment

Vinoy Golf Club pairs Tampa Bay history with a legit par-71 challenge, an 18-hole Ron Garl redesign that plays as good as it looks. Members…

600 Snell Isle Blvd NE (St. Petersburg) · ✓ checked Aug 6

Vinoy Golf Club pairs Tampa Bay history with a legit par-71 challenge, an 18-hole Ron Garl redesign that plays as good as it looks. Members or hotel guests, pencil it in this week, then soak up Mediterranean-style clubhouse vibes, a solid post-round bite, and PGA pros to tame that slice.

From the St. Petersburg newsletter, August 15, 2026

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Lake Venice Golf Club is the easygoing, award-winning local spot on the island, with 27 walkable holes hugging Gulf breezes and zero…

1801 Harbor Dr S

Lake Venice Golf Club is the easygoing, award-winning local spot on the island, with 27 walkable holes hugging Gulf breezes and zero housing clutter. Show up, pick from 1 or 19, walk or ride, and enjoy honest golf with year-round fair rates.

From the Venice newsletter, September 7, 2026

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One of Golf In Venice’s three courses anyone can play, Calusa Lakes Golf Club brings smooth rolling greens, friendly vibes, and legit…

1995 Calusa Lakes Blvd (Nokomis)

One of Golf In Venice’s three courses anyone can play, Calusa Lakes Golf Club brings smooth rolling greens, friendly vibes, and legit challenge, plus lessons, leagues, and tournaments. Public golfers are welcome, and a single membership covers all three, so your weekly round never gets stale.

From the Venice newsletter, August 28, 2026

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