Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach

Venice, Florida, calls itself the Shark Tooth Capital of the World, and a morning on its beaches shows why. Fossilized shark teeth, dark and glossy against the pale sand, wash ashore from ancient seabeds offshore, and beachcombers of all ages hunt for them along the tide line. Venice Beach, near the town's pier and jetty, is the main public beach, with parking, a pavilion and easy access to restaurants. South of town, Caspersen Beach is wilder and longer, with fewer buildings and a better chance of finding teeth. Both beaches are free to enter, and both feel more relaxed than the busier strands to the north. Pelicans fish off the pier, anglers line the jetty and the water is typically calm enough for wading and swimming. It is a good choice for travelers who want a beach day with a hobby attached.

Learn the technique. Shark teeth are most common in the shelly debris along the wrack line and in shallow water at the edge of the surf. Move slowly, scan for black or dark gray triangles and look after storms or at lower tides, when new material is exposed. Many visitors use a long-handled sand sifter, which makes the search easier and is sold in local shops. Children get the hang of it quickly, and a single tooth can make the whole trip. Prepare for a day outdoors.

Bring sun protection, water, a hat and sturdy sandals, because the walk from parking to Caspersen's quieter stretches can be long. Shade is limited, so an umbrella is wise. Lifeguards may not be present at every access point, so swim carefully and watch for rip currents. Respect nesting birds and sea turtle protections, and follow local rules about collecting. The town adds to the day. Venice Avenue's shops, restaurants and ice cream stands are a short drive from the beach, and the historic downtown has Italianate architecture and a relaxed pace.

A fishing pier and jetty offer sunset views and chances to watch boats pass through the inlet. The Venice City Sightseeing Trolley Tour gives a narrated introduction to the town, and many visitors ride it in the morning and hunt for teeth in the afternoon. Conditions can change. Algae blooms and storms occasionally affect Gulf beaches, so check local reports before you go and keep Siesta Key as a backup. Plan on forty minutes of driving from Sarasota in typical traffic, or stay in the southern county for a night to enjoy the evening light.

Check the day's conditions before you commit to a long walk. After storms the beach can be strewn with shells and debris, which both hides and reveals teeth, and some sections may be closed for safety. Bring a small container for your finds, a pair of water shoes and a towel for sandy hands. Many visitors keep a tally of their best teeth, and children enjoy comparing them. Respect the rules on what can be collected, and leave shells with live animals in them on the sand.