About the only resemblance Venice has to its Italian namesake is that it's an island in the sea. Venice has scenic, tan-sand beaches but is otherwise an extremely quiet seaside town that's most popular with retirees and families with young kids, who enjoy hunting for shark's teeth. It also appeals to budget-minded travelers looking for a low-key getaway – far from the condos and hard-drinking beach bars elsewhere. Here, entertainment pretty much begins and ends with saluting the tangerine sun's nightly descent into the shimmering ocean.

From US 41/Tamiami Trail, Venice Ave heads west directly to Venice Beach. About five blocks east of the beach, the main downtown commercial district lies along W Venice Ave between US 41 and Harbor Dr.

