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Shamrock Park & Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,148 Google reviews · Running trail in Venice, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shamrock Park & Nature Center's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Walking trails, a playground & sport courts, plus an environmental center, in a waterfront habitat.
What runners say about Shamrock Park & Nature Center
“We went 10 miles each way, and thoroughly enjoyed the various scenery an a beautiful New Year's weekend day.”
“Shaded and there’s a lot of parking and a nature centre.”
“This is where people of all ages in Venice can come to walk, jog, or ride a bike.”
There is a garden in the parking area with local plants and descriptions, I always find this nice and helpful. I stopped in the nature center and the gentleman was super helpful and kind. I took the path that ran along the water towards the train depot then returned. It was quite a walk and not much shade.
This is where people of all ages in Venice can come to walk, jog, or ride a bike. The main trail is all paved and is quite a good distance. I was here on a chilly and windy day and it was quite good for that because the scenery and inter-coastal are very nice, but you are not missing out on a beach day or anything.
Beautiful Park! Great paved paths along the water to walk your dogs. Nice large parking lot for when it starts to fill up! Would definitely come back!
This is a great park. Good for hiking or biking. Lots of trails. Some trails are paved and some are sandy gravel. Connects to the Venetian Waterway Park. Nice butterfly garden. Small visitor nature center with bathrooms. Paved parking lot.
Trail conditions & character
“), kid play area jungle gym, bathrooms, water bottle fill station at the main building, picnic tables, etc.”
“There is a garden in the parking area with local plants and descriptions, I always find this nice and helpful.”
“The main trail is all paved and is quite a good distance.”
“Shaded and there’s a lot of parking and a nature centre.”
“We went 10 miles each way, and thoroughly enjoyed the various scenery an a beautiful New Year's weekend day.”
“Great paved paths along the water to walk your dogs.”
“Some trails are paved and some are sandy gravel.”
“), kid play area jungle gym, bathrooms, water bottle fill station at the main building, picnic tables, etc.”
Plan your run at Shamrock Park & Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesarasotacountyparks.com
- Phone(941) 486-2706
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Venice
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
South Brohard Park
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Skip Stasko Park
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Maxine Barritt Park
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South Venice Bay Preserve, Ocelot Rd entrance
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Woodmere Park
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Park featuring basketball and tennis courts, as well as a playground and walking trail.
John Nolen Park
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Shaded park equipped with a playground and picnic tables.