This Gorgeous Florida Beach Is Revered As The 'Shark Tooth Capital Of The World'

Southwest Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the world, awash with prehistoric treasures or gifts from the sea. Whether it's colorful seashells, driftwood, marine artifacts, sea glass, or shark teeth, you will likely find them on the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State. That's all thanks to its strategic geography that orients east-west, allowing it to easily scoop shells riding in the gentle waters. However, not all beaches in the area are created equal; some have more shelling opportunities than others. For example, the 1.5-mile Caspersen Beach is known globally for its abundant seashells, crystal clear blue waters, pristine atmosphere, and most importantly, lots of shark teeth!

Popularly referred to as the 'Shark Tooth Capital of the World,' Caspersen Beach is one of the few places in the world where Mother Nature still runs the show. You will not find any hotels or skyscrapers here, just soft sands, rocky shoreline, stunning ocean views, and abundant shark teeth, making it perfect for shark tooth hunting or travelers who want to unwind in tranquility. While most of the teeth on the beach are roughly the size of a thumbnail, you can also find some that are about 8cm long.

The beach is about 21 miles south of Sarasota and about three miles south of Venice. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is about 30 miles northwest of the beach. The beach's relationship with shark teeth dates back millions of years, when the region was still under a sea. There were a lot of sharks in the area that shed thousands of teeth. Actually, some can shed 30,000+ teeth throughout their life! It's some of these teeth that still wash ashore today.

The main highlight of Caspersen Beach is thousands of fossilized shark teeth. Travelers have opportunities to find prehistoric sharks' teeth of all sizes and shapes on the beach. If visiting as a family, you can make shark tooth hunting a competition to find the most vivid sea treasures. The ideal time to locate the distinctly triangular items is at low tide when they are exposed in the knee-deep water among the rocks. Bring sifting scoops or plastic sieves to help you sort through the sand. That said, note that shark teeth are a limited natural asset, so be a mindful beachcomber and adhere to all regulations when searching for them.

Besides shark teeth, the beach is also a haven for shell collectors. During low tide or early mornings, you can find different types of shells, including sand dollars, and coquinas. Swimming and scuba diving are also very popular in the beach's gentle waters. Just make sure you stick to assigned swimming spots. For the adventurous, rent paddleboards nearby and glide through the Gulf of Mexico as you enjoy views of different types of wildlife.

Another aspect that makes Caspersen Beach special is its pure beauty. You will not find any high-rise buildings, hotels, or condos, just beautiful dunes, fresh air, white sandy beaches, and clear blue waters, making it ideal for anyone seeking a tranquil getaway with room to wander and space to breathe. In addition, the beach has a Blue Wave Certification, a designation that ensures it remains undeveloped and unpolluted. Fires, camping, and tobacco products are prohibited. However, note that as of August 14, 2025, the park can only be accessed by pedestrians as the road leading to the beach was destroyed by a hurricane in 2024. The beach and nature trails are still open to the public.

While pets are prohibited on Caspersen Beach, it's not all gloom for your fur baby. About a mile north of the park, you will find Brohard Beach Park, one of the best vacation destinations in the US, where dog lovers will absolutely thrive. It's the only beach in Sarasota that allows little buddies to accompany their human counterparts. It also has a dog park where dogs can play, a general park, water fountains, a dog washing area, benches, and a wheelchair accessible boardwalk. If shopping is your thing, Downtown Venice, about three miles north of the beach, won't disappoint. It hosts more than 100 different businesses with various offerings along W Venice Ave. For a chance to experience the region's farmers' market, come by on Saturdays.

Fishing enthusiasts will be thrilled by Venice Fishing Pier, a few minutes' drive north of the beach along Harbor Drive. The 700-foot-long facility is not only ideal for fishing but also for refueling and unwinding after a long day of shark teeth hunting, thanks to the nearby beachfront restaurant and tiki bar. You can bring your own fishing gear or buy it at Papa's Bait Shop nearby.

If you are a history buff, stop by the Venice Museum and Archives to learn more about the region's history. Located about three miles north of the beach, the museum is hosted in a 1927 Triangle Inn structure that features over 30,000 photos, publications, and archives about the area. For the adventurous, Venice is home to several hiking, running, and biking trails such as Legacy Trail, Venetian Waterway Trail, and the one-mile Shark Loop Trail, great for spotting various bronze shark sculptures.