Caspersen Beach, Florida
Most of the days I was in the Venice area I spent at Caspersen Beach, a natural beach farther out on the barrier island from some of the more popular spots. Though the quarter mile of beach closest to the parking areas is fairly busy, it’s easy to find a secluded spot farther down where its easy to lay without another person in sight. I don’t know where the beach technically ends but the sand stretches for miles making it possible to walk for a couple hours at least. This is I did on multiple occasions, catching such gems as a seagull catching a sunfish and a huge dead jellyfish being carried in by the surf.
The unique thing about Caspersen Beach – and why many people choose to visit (thankfully in a cluster, leaving me in peace) – is the prevalence of shark’s teeth and shells that wash up on shore or can be found by wading into the shallows. This is apparently a world-famous destination for collectors and I saw many people trolling the waterline with nets and screens and scooping apparatus. Most of the teeth are fossilized, up to 1.8 million years old, and many are thus remains from extinct species but newer teeth can be found as well. On one of my walks I actually saw an 8-10 foot shark less than 10 feet from where I was in the surf, which made me reconsider further swims.
As I mentioned, I was blessed with secluded stretches of beach and so when I wasn’t walking or jumping in for a swim I spent my time reading and doing yoga. The beach is a wonderful place and quite beautiful.
Caspersen Beach, Florida
Caspersen Beach, Florida
Caspersen Beach, Florida
Caspersen Beach, Florida
Caspersen Beach, Florida
Caspersen Beach, Florida
Caspersen Beach, Florida
Caspersen Beach, Florida
Surf at Caspersen Beach, Florida
Cocina outcropping, Caspersen Beach, Florida
Seagull with sunfish, Caspersen Beach, Florida
Dead jellyfish, Caspersen Beach, Florida
Shark teeth, Caspersen Beach, Florida
I was curious if you would mind me using 1 of your photos for wall art. My kids and I visited our great uncle there and he has passed away. I didn’t get such beautiful pictures of the beach as you did as a memento, I’d like to hang one on the wall.
Thanks
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Looks like a slice of heaven to me! Happy Easter weekend. I spent Easter in the Florida Keys 6 years ago… It was amazing. I know you are probably not there right now, but your photos brought back great memories! xoxo
Hi Liz! Easter in the Keys sounds wonderful. I’m in southern Utah now though and can’t complain because it’s not only beautiful here, but the hiking is amazing. Hope you’re doing well! Happy Easter!
An 8-10 foot shark!? The beach is lovely though.
Yeah, I probably should’ve guessed based on, ya know, the prevalence of shark teeth. Thankfully he didn’t disturb any of my swims.
The shark teeth are very cool!
I thought so too – what a great surprise!
If you haven’t visited the East Coast, I encourage you to check out Playalinda Beach. It is also a natural beach, protected by the Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. You can get within great picture taking distance of the launch pads at the space center.
Thank you very much for the recommendation! I visited the east coast briefly last winter and was in that area but neither stayed too long nor went to that particular beach. I’m putting on my list for next winter when I inevitably will get tired of sleeping in the cold and am craving sun and warmth. I appreciate it!
Good photos.
Thanks, roamingpursuits.