Wellen Park has transformed the Venice landscape into a vibrant destination where dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation come together beautifully. Built around the stunning 80-acre Grand Lake, this community hub welcomes visitors with artisan coffee shops, upscale restaurants, casual food trucks, and a packed calendar of events.
Best of all, everything is open to the public.
Quick Picks: Best Things to Do in Wellen Park
- First-time visit (3-4 hours): Coffee at Foxtail, lakeside walk around Grand Lake, lunch at Oak & Stone, then sunset music on the lawn.
- Family-friendly plan: The Yard food trucks, open lawn space and games, Bright Ice dessert stop, then a short walk by the lake.
- Date night plan: Dinner at The Banyan House, waterside stroll, and live music if it is a Friday.
- Add-on nearby: Pair your visit with things to do in Venice or dinner from our best restaurants in Venice guide.
- Staying overnight: Use our best hotels in Venice list to stay close to both Downtown Wellen and the beach.
Where to Eat at Wellen Park
Oak & Stone Restaurant
Oak & Stone anchors the Wellen Park dining scene with craft beer and creative cuisine
A multi-concept eatery that's become the heart of Wellen Park's dining scene. The spacious indoor-outdoor layout features a lakeside patio with views of Grand Lake, making it one of the most scenic casual dining spots in the Venice area. Weekend brunch (Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM) features bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys, while the creative menu includes surprises like Philly cheesesteak eggrolls, crispy grouper sandwiches, and wood-fired flatbreads. The self-serve beer wall lets you pour your own craft selections by the ounce, so you can sample a variety without committing to a full pint.
- Hours: Daily from 11 AM
- Cuisine: American, Craft Beer
- Price range: $$ ($14-$28 entrees)
- Best for: Groups, beer lovers, weekend brunch
- Don't miss: Self-serve beer wall, bourbon flights, lakeside patio
- Brunch: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM
The Banyan House Restaurant
Lakeside New American dining at its finest. The dining room opens onto a sprawling patio that sits right at the edge of Grand Lake, offering some of the best waterfront seating in all of southwest Florida. Citruswood-fired steaks bring a subtle smoky sweetness, while the fresh seafood and handmade pasta round out a menu built for elevated dining without the stuffiness. Chef-driven small plates are ideal for sharing, and the cocktail program uses fresh-squeezed juices and house-made syrups.
- Hours: Lunch 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Dinner 4 PM to 10 PM
- Cuisine: New American
- Price range: $$$ ($22-$52 entrees)
- Best for: Special occasions, date nights, lakeside dining
- Don't miss: Lakeside seating, citruswood-fired steaks, craft cocktails
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for dinner and weekends
Villani & Co Steakhouse
Premium steaks meet fresh seafood and raw bar selections at this upscale establishment. Perfect for a refined dining experience.
- Hours: Mon-Sat 11 AM to 10 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 8 PM
- Cuisine: Steakhouse, Seafood
- Price range: $$$$
- Best for: Steak lovers, special occasions
- Don't miss: Raw bar selections
- Reservations: Recommended via the restaurant's website, especially on weekends
Foxtail Coffee Co.
Start your Wellen Park day with expertly crafted coffee in a welcoming atmosphere. Indoor seating, free WiFi, and a partnership with Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream (dairy and non-dairy options) make this more than just a coffee stop.
- Hours: Daily 7 AM to 8 PM
- Best for: Morning coffee, remote work
- Don't miss: Kelly's ice cream, free WiFi
- Pro tip: Great spot to start before exploring
Bright Ice Scoop Shop
17 permanent flavors plus rotating limited offerings, all made with natural ingredients (no artificial additives). The modern Florida-inspired design features weathered wood paneling and sand-colored floors.
- Flavors: 17 permanent plus rotating specials
- Best for: Dessert, families
- Also serves: Coffee beverages, homemade dessert bars
- Special: All natural ingredients
Quick Bites at The Yard
The Yard offers food trucks, lawn games, and waterfront access
Claw & Company Food Truck
New England-style coastal favorites including lobster rolls, fried clams, and creamy clam chowder.
- Best for: Lobster lovers, casual lunch
- Signature: Lobster rolls
Lakeside Bites Food Truck
Fresh-caught seafood, inventive paninis, rice bowls, gator bites, and vegetarian options.
- Hours: Daily 11 AM to 6 PM
- Best for: Variety seekers, vegetarians
- Don't miss: Gator bites, rice bowls
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Entertainment & Events
Friday Night Live Music Series
Free weekly concerts on the Solis Hall stage from 6 PM to 10 PM draw hundreds of residents and visitors who spread out across the lawn with chairs and blankets. The lineup rotates through rock, country, reggae, and tribute acts, so there is always something new to hear. To-go beverages are available from local restaurants, and food trucks often set up nearby for easy dining while you enjoy the show.
- When: Every Friday, 6 PM to 10 PM
- Cost: Free
- Pro tip: Arrive by 5:30 PM for the best lawn spots near the stage
- Note: Outside alcohol prohibited, but drinks available from on-site vendors
Weekly Music Programming
Wellen Park offers live music throughout the week:
- Wellen Wednesdays: Midweek tunes
- Thursday Tunes: Pre-weekend warmup
- Friday Night Live: Main concert series
- Saturday Sounds: Weekend vibes
- Sunday Groove: Relaxing close to the week
Evening at Downtown Wellen combines lake views, live music energy, and outdoor dining
Fresh Harvest Farmers Market
The Sunday farmers market features over 30 vendor booths
Every Sunday from 9 AM to 1 PM, over 30 vendor booths showcase locally grown produce, spices, baked goods, artisanal cheeses, and prepared foods. Local chefs occasionally lead cooking demonstrations.
- When: Every Sunday, 9 AM to 1 PM
- Vendors: 30+ booths
- Best for: Foodies, local shopping
- Don't miss: Cooking demonstrations, local produce
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Recreation at The Yard
The Yard is an all-ages recreational space with food vendors, outdoor dining, lawn games, and waterfront access along Grand Lake.
Rentals at Kind Vibes Outfitters
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- Bicycles
- E-bikes
On the Water: Grand Lake
Grand Lake offers fishing and paddle sports opportunities right in the heart of the community. Whether you're launching a kayak at sunrise or casting a line at sunset, the 80-acre lake provides a peaceful escape.
- Size: 80 acres
- Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing
- Rentals: Available at Kind Vibes Outfitters
- Best for: Water sports, sunrise/sunset viewing
Planning Your Visit to Wellen Park
Getting There
Wellen Park is located in the Venice area off West Villages Parkway, easily accessible from I-75 via exit 191 (River Road) or exit 195 (Jacaranda Boulevard). From Sarasota, the drive is about 30 minutes south on I-75. From Fort Myers, head north on I-75 for roughly 45 minutes. The development is well-signed once you reach West Villages Parkway.
Best Times to Visit
- Mornings: Start with coffee at Foxtail and browse the Sunday farmers market (9 AM to 1 PM)
- Afternoons: Grab lunch at Oak & Stone or The Yard food trucks, then rent kayaks or paddleboards on Grand Lake
- Evenings: Dinner at The Banyan House or Villani & Co, followed by live music (especially Friday Night Live from 6 PM to 10 PM)
- Best season: October through April offers the most comfortable weather and the fullest event calendar, though Wellen Park operates year-round
Parking
Free parking is available throughout the development in several surface lots. On busy event nights like Friday Night Live, the lots closest to the stage fill up first, so arriving early or parking in the outer lots and walking is recommended. The walk from the farthest lot is only about five minutes.
Where to Eat Nearby
Beyond Wellen Park itself, the surrounding Venice area offers additional dining options. Downtown Venice on Venice Avenue features dozens of restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops within a charming walkable district about 15 minutes north. The Venice Fishing Pier area also has casual waterfront spots worth exploring.
What to Bring
For outdoor events and lakeside activities, sunscreen and a hat are essential during daytime visits. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for live music evenings. If you plan to kayak or paddleboard, wear clothes you do not mind getting wet, as Kind Vibes Outfitters provides all the gear but not a change of clothes.
Where to Stay and What to Pair Nearby
If Wellen Park is your main stop, the easiest strategy is to stay in Venice and treat Downtown Wellen as your evening hub. Our best hotels in Venice guide helps you pick a base close to both Wellen Park and beach access.
To build a stronger trip:
- Add morning beach time from our best beaches in Southwest Florida guide.
- Use our best SWFL beach towns comparison if you are deciding where to stay.
- Combine Wellen with this things to do in Venice itinerary for a full day plan.
- If you are scouting neighborhoods, review retiring to Venice for housing and lifestyle context.
- For season-specific planning, use our SWFL winter guide for snowbirds and summer in Southwest Florida guide.
Build a Wellen Park + Venice Day
- Morning: Farmers market or coffee at Foxtail, plus a lake walk at Wellen Park
- Lunch: Oak & Stone or food trucks at The Yard
- Afternoon: Head to Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach for shark tooth hunting
- Evening: Return for dinner in Wellen Park or nearby Venice Avenue spots from our Venice restaurants guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Wellen Park?
Top picks include dining at Oak & Stone or The Banyan House, the Sunday farmers market, Friday Night Live music, paddling on Grand Lake, and hanging out at The Yard food truck and lawn area. Most visitors can cover the highlights in a half day, then pair Wellen Park with nearby Venice Beach.
What is Wellen Park?
Wellen Park is a master-planned community and public entertainment destination in the Venice, Florida area. Built around an 80-acre Grand Lake, it features restaurants, a food hall, live music venues, a farmers market, water sports rentals, and event spaces. Everything is open to the public, not just residents.
Is Wellen Park worth visiting if you are not a resident?
Absolutely. Wellen Park is designed as a destination for visitors and residents alike. The Friday Night Live concert series, Sunday farmers market, lakefront restaurants like The Banyan House and Oak & Stone, and kayak and paddleboard rentals at Kind Vibes Outfitters make it a worthwhile stop for anyone in the Venice area.
What are the best restaurants near Wellen Park?
Within Wellen Park itself, The Banyan House offers upscale New American lakeside dining, Villani & Co serves premium steaks and a raw bar, and Oak & Stone is the go-to for craft beer and creative casual fare. Food trucks at The Yard provide quick options like lobster rolls and gator bites. The nearby city of Venice also has a strong restaurant scene along Venice Avenue.
How far is Wellen Park from the beach?
Wellen Park is approximately 15-20 minutes by car from Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach, the famous shark tooth hunting destination. Siesta Key is about 30-40 minutes north. The community itself is inland and centered on Grand Lake rather than the Gulf, but beach access is convenient for a day trip.
Is Wellen Park free to visit?
Yes. Parking, walking paths, and most public events are free. You only pay for optional activities like food, drinks, rentals, or special ticketed events.
Can you do Wellen Park and Venice Beach in one day?
Yes, and it is one of the best day plans in Venice. Start at Wellen Park in the morning, head to Venice or Caspersen Beach in the afternoon, then finish with dinner back in Wellen Park or downtown Venice.
Plan Your Wellen Park Visit
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