Neighborhood

Location is Everything: Why Gran Paradiso’s Spot in Wellen Park Stands Out

Gran Paradiso sits in the West Villages District of Wellen Park, in the City of North Port with a Venice mailing address — minutes from Downtown Wellen, the Grand Lake, CoolToday Park and the Gulf beaches. New here? Start with our Living in Wellen Park guide, or see how Wellen Park compares with Lakewood Ranch and Babcock Ranch.

Gran Paradiso Life

Wellen Town Center Update

Satellite map of Gran Paradiso and nearby landmarks in Wellen Park, North Port (Venice), FL — Gran Paradiso sits just north of US-41 in the heart of Wellen Park, with its main gate off US-41 and an owners gate on West Villages Parkway.

Drive times

How far is everything from Gran Paradiso?

Every distance is shown from both Gran Paradiso gates, so use whichever you drive through most. Numbers match the pins on the map.

Downtown Wellen

Wellen Park’s walkable downtown on the Grand Lake: dining, shops, live music and a lakeside trail.

From the main gate: about 1.3 mi · 4 min
From the owners gate: about 1.5 mi · 4 min

Wellen Town Center

Benderson Development’s planned shopping, dining and entertainment district at US-41 and West Villages Pkwy, now under development.

From the main gate: about 1.7 mi · 4 min
From the owners gate: about 0.6 mi · 2 min

Wellen Town Center Update

Costco

The Wellen Park Costco warehouse, off US-41 on Mezzo Dr.

From the main gate: about 2½ mi · 5 min
From the owners gate: about 1.7 mi · 5 min

CoolToday Park

The Atlanta Braves’ spring training home, right here in Wellen Park.

From the main gate: about 3 mi · 8 min
From the owners gate: about 2½ mi · 7 min

I-75 at Exit 191

The nearest interstate interchange, at North River Rd.

From the main gate: about 6½ mi · 12 min
From the owners gate: about 4½ mi · 9 min

Manasota Beach on the Gulf, a short drive from Gran Paradiso in Wellen Park — Manasota Beach on Manasota Key, on the Gulf of Mexico.

Gulf beaches

Manasota Beach is the closest public Gulf beach by car. All 25 public beach parks from Anna Maria Island to Stump Pass, with distances from both gates, are in the beaches section below.

See every beach, closest first ↓

Historic downtown Venice

Shops, restaurants and palm-lined Venice Avenue.

From the main gate: about 8½ mi · 16 min
From the owners gate: about 10½ mi · 20 min

Venice MainStreet ↗

History of Venice

Everyday errands

Groceries, coffee, hardware, health care, the nearest fire station, a vet, pet care, the college and a car wash, all within about 2½ miles. Numbers 7–19 match the smaller pins on the map.

ALDI
New store in Venice Plaza, US-41 at Mezzo Dr (11935 Mezzo Dr).
Main gate
about 2 mi · 5 min
Owners gate
about 1.5 mi · 4 min
Location info
Publix
Publix at West Villages Marketplace, 12165 Mercado Dr.
Main gate
about 1.6 mi · 5 min
Owners gate
about 1.1 mi · 4 min
Location info
Bayside Pet Resort
Dog and cat boarding, daycare and grooming, 8800 S Tamiami Trail near River Rd.
Main gate
about 2½ mi · 5 min
Owners gate
about 2 mi · 4 min
Location info
Lightning Fast Car Wash
New car wash next door to Bayside Pet Resort, 8700 S Tamiami Trail.
Main gate
about 2½ mi · 5 min
Owners gate
about 1.9 mi · 5 min
Future Sarasota Memorial Site (Coming Soon)
Sarasota Memorial’s SMH-Wellen Park site, 7900 S Tamiami Trail, at the southeast corner of US-41 and West Villages Pkwy. Set aside for future health care; SMH has not yet announced what it will build.
Main gate
about 1.8 mi · 4 min
Owners gate
about 1.1 mi · 4 min
HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency
24/7 freestanding emergency room, part of HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, 7070 S Tamiami Trail on the south side of US-41.
Main gate
about 0.8 mi · 3 min
Owners gate
about 2 mi · 5 min
Location info
Dental Care at Wellen Park
General, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, 11965 Mezzo Dr at US-41, next to ALDI.
Main gate
about 2 mi · 5 min
Owners gate
about 1.5 mi · 5 min
Location info
West Villages Animal Clinic
Veterinary clinic in West Villages Marketplace, 12121 Mercado Dr, near Publix.
Main gate
about 1.6 mi · 4 min
Owners gate
about 0.9 mi · 3 min
Location info
Dunkin’
Coffee and donuts with a drive-thru, 12184 Mercado Dr in West Villages Marketplace.
Main gate
about 1.4 mi · 4 min
Owners gate
about 1.2 mi · 4 min
Location info
West Villages Ace Hardware
Hardware, paint and garden supplies, 12236 Mercado Dr, just off US-41 in West Villages Marketplace.
Main gate
about 1.4 mi · 4 min
Owners gate
about 1 mi · 4 min
Location info
SCF Venice
State College of Florida’s Venice campus, 8000 S Tamiami Trail.
Main gate
about 2½ mi · 8 min
Owners gate
about 1.7 mi · 7 min
Location info
Fire Station 86
North Port Fire Rescue, shared with Sarasota County Fire Station 26, at Preto Blvd and US-41.
Main gate
about 0.7 mi · 2 min
Owners gate
about 1.9 mi · 5 min
Wellmar Hotel
Boutique Tribute Portfolio hotel by Marriott, under development in Downtown Wellen on Wellen Park Blvd, across from The Banyan House.
Main gate
about 1.3 mi · 4 min
Owners gate
about 1.4 mi · 5 min

Downtown Wellen

Downtown Wellen & the Grand Lake

Downtown Wellen is Wellen Park’s walkable social hub on the 80-acre Grand Lake: restaurants, shops, live music on the Solis Hall stage and 2.8 miles of paths along the water. Kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boats can be rented right at the lake.

Live radar

Weather in Wellen Park Right Now

Check the live radar for Wellen Park, Venice and the Gulf beaches before you head out to the trails, the pool or the beach.

Gulf beaches

Beaches - One of the reasons we all live here

25 public beach parks line the Gulf between Anna Maria Island and Stump Pass, and the closest, Manasota Beach, is about 15 minutes from Gran Paradiso’s main gate. Here they all are, closest first, measured from both gates.

Live cams are run by local businesses and tourism partners and may go offline at times.

Satellite map of the Gulf coast from Anna Maria Island to Englewood, with Gran Paradiso in Wellen Park and every public beach park numbered from closest to farthest — Every public Gulf beach park from Anna Maria Island to Stump Pass, numbered from closest to farthest.

Manasota Beach Park
Manasota Key · Sarasota County
Boat ramp
The closest public Gulf beach by car, with a bay-side boat ramp.
Nearby CamCam: Pearl Beach Inn
Main gate
7½ mi · 14 min
Owners gate
9½ mi · 18 min
Service Club Park
Venice · Sarasota County
Quieter beach park just south of Venice Beach.
Main gate
8½ mi · 16 min
Owners gate
10½ mi · 20 min
North Brohard Park & Venice Fishing Pier
Venice · Sarasota County
Pier
Home of the City of Venice's 700-foot fishing pier.
Main gate
8½ mi · 17 min
Owners gate
10½ mi · 21 min
Maxine Barritt Park
Venice · Sarasota County
Small beach park just south of the fishing pier.
Main gate
8½ mi · 17 min
Owners gate
11 mi · 21 min
Brohard Paw Park
Venice · Sarasota County
Sarasota County's dog beach.
Main gate
9 mi · 17 min
Owners gate
11 mi · 21 min
South Brohard Park
Venice · Sarasota County
Beach access with parking, and the start of the path to Caspersen Beach.
Main gate
9 mi · 18 min
Owners gate
11 mi · 22 min
Venice Beach
Venice, at the end of Venice Ave · Sarasota County
Venice's main beach, known for shark teeth.
Main gate
9 mi · 18 min
Owners gate
11½ mi · 22 min
Chauncy Howard Park
Venice · Sarasota County
Small walk-up beach park with no parking lot of its own; park near Venice Beach.
Main gate
9½ mi · 19 min
Owners gate
11½ mi · 23 min
Caspersen Beach Park
South Venice · Sarasota County
Shark-tooth beach. Vehicle parking is closed after storm damage, so walk or bike in from South Brohard Park.
Main gate
9½ mi · 22 min
Owners gate
12 mi · 26 min
Blind Pass Beach Park
Manasota Key · Sarasota County
Quiet, natural beach; kayak launch on the bay, no boat ramp.
Main gate
11 mi · 23 min
Owners gate
13½ mi · 27 min
Nokomis Beach Park
Casey Key, Nokomis · Sarasota County
Boat rampPier
Classic Casey Key beach with a boat ramp and fishing pier on the bay side.
Main gate
11½ mi · 21 min
Owners gate
13½ mi · 25 min
North Jetty Park
Casey Key at Venice Inlet · Sarasota County
Beach and fishing jetty at the Venice Inlet; kayak launch, no boat ramp.
Main gate
12 mi · 24 min
Owners gate
14 mi · 28 min
Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park
Manasota Key, Englewood · Charlotte County
Pier
Lively beach park with the Chadwick Park Fishing Pier right beside it.
Live CamCam: EarthCam / Pure Florida
Main gate
13½ mi · 26 min
Owners gate
13 mi · 26 min
Stump Pass Beach State Park
South tip of Manasota Key, Englewood · Florida State Parks
State park with a mile-long beach walk to Stump Pass; kayak launch, no boat ramp.
Main gate
14½ mi · 29 min
Owners gate
14 mi · 29 min
Crescent Beach
Siesta Key · Sarasota County
Reached through Siesta Key Beach Access 12, which has a small lot; Point of Rocks is at its south end.
Live CamCam: Island House Beach Resort
Main gate
22 mi · about 35 min
Owners gate
25 mi · about 35 min
Siesta Beach
Siesta Key · Sarasota County
Siesta Key's famous powder-white quartz sand.
Live CamCam: Visit Sarasota
Main gate
23 mi · about 40 min
Owners gate
26 mi · about 40 min
Turtle Beach Park
South Siesta Key · Sarasota County
Boat rampPier
Quieter south Siesta beach with a bay-side boat ramp and fishing pier.
Main gate
24 mi · about 40 min
Owners gate
27 mi · about 40 min
Lido Beach
Lido Key, Sarasota · Sarasota County
Main Lido Key beach, home of the Lido pavilion.
Live CamCam: Suntide Island Beach Club
Main gate
34 mi · about 50 min
Owners gate
33 mi · about 50 min
North Lido Beach
Lido Key, Sarasota · Sarasota County
Natural, quieter stretch north of the Lido pavilion.
Main gate
34 mi · about 55 min
Owners gate
34 mi · about 50 min
Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach
Lido Key, Sarasota · Sarasota County
Beach, bay and nature trails at the south end of Lido Key.
Main gate
34 mi · about 55 min
Owners gate
34 mi · about 50 min
Greer Island (Beer Can Island)
North tip of Longboat Key · Manatee County
Undeveloped sandbar at Longboat Pass with no parking lot or facilities; most people walk in along the beach or arrive by boat.
Main gate
45 mi · about 1 hr 10 min
Owners gate
44 mi · about 1 hr 5 min
Coquina Beach
Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island · Manatee County
Boat ramp
Lifeguarded county beach. Two county boat ramps sit directly across Gulf Dr on the bay.
Main gate
45 mi · about 1 hr 10 min
Owners gate
45 mi · about 1 hr 10 min
Cortez Beach
Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island · Manatee County
Pier
Lifeguarded county beach. The city's Historic Bridge Street Pier is a short walk away on the bay side.
Live CamCam: Moose Lodge 2188
Main gate
48 mi · about 1 hr 10 min
Owners gate
47 mi · about 1 hr 10 min
Manatee Public Beach
Holmes Beach, Anna Maria Island · Manatee County
Lifeguarded county beach at the end of Manatee Ave.
Nearby CamCam: Cedar Cove Resort
Main gate
50 mi · about 1 hr 10 min
Owners gate
49 mi · about 1 hr 10 min
Bean Point
Northern tip of Anna Maria Island · Manatee County
Quiet, undeveloped tip reached by public beach paths off North Shore Dr; street parking only and no facilities.
Main gate
54 mi · about 1 hr 25 min
Owners gate
53 mi · about 1 hr 20 min

How distances were measured. Approximate driving distances and times from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM) to each beach park’s entrance or parking, from the main gate (Galleria Blvd at US-41) and the owners gate (Renaissance Blvd at West Villages Pkwy). Beaches within about 15 miles are rounded to the nearest half mile and the next minute; farther beaches to the nearest mile and 5 minutes. Times assume light traffic. A Boat ramp or Pier marker means a public boat ramp or fishing pier is at the park or right beside it.

Beyond Wellen Park

Beyond Wellen Park: how far is everything?

Eric is that rare Southwest Florida native. He grew up in Naples and has lived in Sarasota County for more than 30 years, so he knows this state like the back of his hand. Here are the places worth seeing, from downtowns, airports and big-league games to day trips and cruise ports, with how far each one is from Gran Paradiso. Downtown Venice and I-75 are in the drive times above, and every public Gulf beach is in the beaches section.

Downtowns2 places

Dearborn Street, EnglewoodEnglewoodSeveral blocks of independent boutiques, galleries, coffee shops and restaurants in historic Old Englewood Village, with a seasonal farmers market and events at Pioneer Plaza.Main gate 10½ mi · 19 minOwners gate 10 mi · 19 min
Downtown Sarasota (Main Street)SarasotaA walkable downtown of restaurants, boutiques, galleries and theaters, with Bayfront Park and The Bay park along Sarasota Bay. The Sarasota Farmers Market fills the streets around Main Street and Lemon Avenue on Saturday mornings.31 mi · about 45 min

Parks9 places

Deer Prairie Creek PreserveSouth entrance on US-41, VeniceA 7,335-acre preserve along Deer Prairie Creek and nearly six miles of the Myakka River’s east bank, with more than 60 miles of natural-surface trails, two kayak launches and an accessible fishing pier.Main gate 4 mi · 8 minOwners gate 3½ mi · 7 min
Warm Mineral Springs ParkNorth PortFlorida’s only natural warm spring, about 85 degrees year-round and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The historic buildings are closed after hurricane damage, so a temporary admissions building and restroom trailer serve visitors.Main gate 6 mi · 11 minOwners gate 5 mi · 11 min
Shamrock Park & Nature CenterVeniceA 2.3-mile paved trail for walking, biking and wildlife viewing on the Intracoastal Waterway, plus a Florida-friendly demonstration garden, a playground, tennis and basketball courts, and a nature center with fossil, shell and animal displays.Main gate 6½ mi · 14 minOwners gate 8½ mi · 18 min
Curry Creek PreserveEast entrance on Pinebrook Rd, VeniceA natural area on Curry Creek with unpaved trails for birding and fishing. The canoe and kayak launch is on the west parcel off Albee Farm Rd, and only service animals are allowed at the east entrance.Main gate 9½ mi · 19 minOwners gate 9½ mi · 19 min
T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial Reserve (Carlton Reserve)VeniceSarasota County’s large natural reserve, with more than 100 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, plus primitive camping and paddling. The 12-mile Myakka Island Wilderness Trail continues north to Myakka River State Park.Main gate 9½ mi · 21 minOwners gate 8 mi · 18 min
Lemon Bay Park & Environmental CenterEnglewoodA natural area on Lemon Bay with an environmental center, paved and unpaved trails, and a canoe and kayak launch for paddling, fishing and birding.Main gate 10 mi · 19 minOwners gate 12 mi · 23 min
Oscar Scherer State ParkOspreyA 1,400-acre state park that protects Florida scrub-jay habitat, with 15 miles of trails, paddling on South Creek and Lake Osprey, the only freshwater swimming lake in Sarasota County. A popular stop on the Legacy Trail.Main gate 14 mi · 25 minOwners gate 15½ mi · 26 min
Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental ParkNorth Port160 wooded acres north of I-75 that connect to the Carlton Reserve, with 3.7 miles of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, and primitive camping by permit.Main gate 15 mi · 29 minOwners gate 16 mi · 27 min
Myakka River State ParkSarasota (SR 72 entrance)One of Florida’s oldest and largest parks, more than 37,000 acres on the Myakka River, the state’s first designated wild and scenic river. Known for its Canopy Walkway, the Birdwalk for wildlife viewing, paddling and miles of trails.28 mi · about 40 min

Entertainment & sports13 places

The Grand Luxury CinemaVeniceA movie theater on Tamiami Trail in Venice showing new releases, classic films in its Flashback Cinema series, Fathom special events and The Met: Live in HD opera broadcasts, with a coffee bar and kitchen menu.Main gate 4½ mi · 9 minOwners gate 6½ mi · 13 min
Venice History MuseumVeniceThe City of Venice’s history museum, with temporary and permanent exhibits on Venice and its neighboring communities, from fossils to Dr. Fred H. Albee. It is housed in the former Triangle Inn, a Northern Italian–style building on the Cultural Campus that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.Main gate 8 mi · 15 minOwners gate 10½ mi · 19 min
Venice TheatreVeniceVenice’s community theater, staging a season of plays, musicals and concerts, with classes for ages 5 to 105. Its mainstage Jervey Theatre is being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian, and performances continue in its other venues.Main gate 8½ mi · 16 minOwners gate 10½ mi · 20 min
Knight Trail Park Pistol & Rifle RangeNokomisSarasota County’s covered public pistol and rifle range, supervised by range safety officers, with shooting positions from 7 to 100 yards. No membership or reservation is needed; first-time visitors complete a short safety briefing, and firearms and ammunition are not rented or sold on site.Main gate 12½ mi · 26 minOwners gate 11½ mi · 23 min
Mote Marine Laboratory & AquariumSarasotaMote’s public aquarium, Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA), is at Nathan Benderson Park near UTC. It shares Mote Marine Laboratory’s ocean research through exhibits and education programs for all ages.29 mi · about 40 min
Marina JackDowntown SarasotaA waterfront restaurant and marina in downtown Sarasota, with the Marina Jack Dining Room, the Deep Six Lounge & Piano Bar and the Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill, plus sightseeing lunch and sunset dinner cruises aboard the Marina Jack II and boat rentals.31 mi · about 45 min
Van Wezel Performing Arts HallSarasotaThe city’s performing arts hall on Sarasota Bay, known as the world’s only purple seashell-shaped theater. It hosts Broadway musicals, concerts, comedians, orchestras and dance.31 mi · about 45 min
The RinglingSarasotaThe John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the State Art Museum of Florida, part of Florida State University. Its 66-acre bayfront estate includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, the Ringlings’ mansion Ca’ d’Zan, the Historic Asolo Theater and the Bayfront Gardens.35 mi · about 50 min
Hertz ArenaEsteroHome of Florida Everblades hockey and a Southwest Florida venue for big-name concerts, comedy and family shows, with two recreational ice rinks alongside.69 mi · about 1 hr 30 min
Ybor CityTampaTampa’s historic cigar-making district, one of only three National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida, with cobblestone streets and old cigar factories. Today it is known for its shops, restaurants, clubs and galleries.79 mi · about 1 hr 35 min
Ruth Eckerd HallClearwaterA performing arts center presenting concerts, a Broadway series and arts education programs. The same organization runs the Capitol Theatre and The BayCare Sound in Clearwater.81 mi · about 1 hr 40 min
Yuengling CenterTampaThe University of South Florida’s arena, home to USF Bulls men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball, and host to concerts and other events.83 mi · about 1 hr 40 min
Raymond James StadiumTampaHome of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and USF Bulls football, and host to college bowl games and major concerts.84 mi · about 1 hr 45 min

Local Private Fishing Charters1 place

Silver Obsession ChartersVenicePicks up in Venice and fishes Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. Light-tackle tarpon fishing from April to September, and inshore fishing for redfish, snook and trout from October to March.Main gate 8½ mi · 16 minOwners gate 10½ mi · 20 min

Comedy Clubs2 places

Visani Italian Steakhouse & Comedy TheaterPort CharlotteAn Italian steakhouse and comedy theater hosting live comedy shows by national touring comedians from The Comedy Zone, with dinner before the show.20 mi · about 35 min
McCurdy’s Comedy TheatreSarasotaA stand-up comedy theatre in downtown Sarasota with live shows, open mic nights, a full bar and menu, and stand-up classes through its Humor Institute. Ages 18 and up.30 mi · about 45 min

Shopping4 places

The Mall at University Town Center (UTC)SarasotaA Simon shopping mall with more than 140 stores and a lineup of restaurants, billed as Sarasota’s favorite shopping and dining destination.29 mi · about 40 min
St. Armands CircleLido Key, SarasotaJohn Ringling’s historic shopping circle, with over 100 shops and sidewalk cafés around a palm-lined central park. It is known as the “Jewel of Sarasota.”33 mi · about 50 min
Ellenton Premium OutletsEllentonA Simon outlet center with factory and outlet stores from brands such as Nike, Columbia and J.Crew.40 mi · about 50 min
Miromar OutletsEsteroSouthwest Florida’s designer-brands outlet center, with shops, restaurants, the 810 Entertainment venue and a children’s play area.68 mi · about 1 hr 25 min

Airports5 places

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)Punta GordaCharlotte County’s airport, just off I-75, where low-cost airlines such as Allegiant and Sun Country fly nonstop to dozens of U.S. cities.25 mi · about 45 min
Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ)SarasotaA compact, easy-to-navigate airport served by the major U.S. airlines, several low-cost carriers and Air Canada. Parking sits right beside the main terminal.36 mi · about 55 min
Southwest Florida International (RSW)Fort MyersA large regional airport with nonstop flights on the major U.S. airlines and low-cost carriers, plus international service to Canada and Germany.65 mi · about 1 hr 30 min
St. Pete–Clearwater International (PIE)ClearwaterA smaller airport where every gate is a short walk from curbside and parking, and every flight is nonstop on value airlines such as Allegiant.76 mi · about 1 hr 35 min
Tampa International (TPA)TampaA major international airport with about 100 nonstop destinations on U.S. and international airlines, including flights to Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe.83 mi · about 1 hr 45 min

Cruise ports4 places

Port Tampa BayTampaThree cruise terminals in Tampa’s Channel District, home to ships from major lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. Sailings head to the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America.80 mi · about 1 hr 35 min
Port EvergladesFort LauderdaleThe only U.S. seaport right next to an international airport. Cruise lines sail from here on everything from Caribbean getaways to world voyages, and a daily ferry runs to the Bahamas.188 mi · about 3 hr 35 min
Port CanaveralCape CanaveralOne of the world’s busiest cruise ports, homeport to major lines such as Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and MSC, with sailings to the Bahamas, the Caribbean and beyond.194 mi · about 3 hr 45 min
PortMiamiMiamiKnown as the Cruise Capital of the World, with a wide range of cruise lines sailing to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Mexico, Key West, South America and beyond.207 mi · about 4 hr 5 min

Out-of-area attractions17 places

Edison and Ford Winter EstatesFort MyersThomas Edison’s winter home, first visited in 1885, and Henry Ford’s home next door on the Caloosahatchee River. More than 20 acres of historic buildings and gardens, a museum of their inventions, and the 1928 Edison Botanic Research Laboratory.46 mi · about 1 hr 10 min
Skyway Fishing Pier State ParkTampa Bay, off I-275 (south pier)Remaining spans of the old Sunshine Skyway Bridge, turned into fishing piers on the north and south sides of the mouth of Tampa Bay. Open 24 hours, with bait shops on both piers. Check the park page for current notices: access past the bait shop is restricted.50 mi · about 1 hr 10 min
Murder Mystery Dinner TrainSeminole Gulf Railway · Colonial Station, Fort MyersA five-course dinner prepared fresh on board while a live murder mystery show plays out in the dining cars, on a 3½-hour round trip from Colonial Station across the Caloosahatchee River into rural Lee and Charlotte counties. Shows run Wednesday through Sunday evenings, with holiday and special-event trains.58 mi · about 1 hr 15 min
The Dalí MuseumSt. PetersburgMore than 2,400 works by Salvador Dalí, the preeminent collection of his work in America, in a building known for its free-form glass bubble, “The Enigma.”65 mi · about 1 hr 20 min
Cayo Costa State ParkOff Pine Island, by boat from CaptivaA barrier island with 9 miles of undeveloped beach for shelling, swimming, snorkeling and bird-watching. Reachable only by boat: the park’s ferry service is currently unavailable, and Captiva Cruises runs day trips from Captiva Island.77 mi · about 2 hr 15 min
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino TampaTampaA Seminole Tribe of Florida resort with a hotel, casino, restaurants and the Hard Rock Event Center.77 mi · about 1 hr 35 min
Busch Gardens Tampa BayTampaA theme park known for world-class roller coasters, up-close animal encounters and seasonal events for the whole family.85 mi · about 1 hr 45 min
Bok Tower GardensLake WalesGardens by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. around the 205-foot Singing Tower, whose 60-bell carillon is played in live concerts. A National Historic Landmark.120 mi · about 2 hr 40 min
Everglades National ParkGulf Coast entrance, Everglades CityAbout 1.5 million acres, with three entrances that don’t connect. The Gulf Coast entrance at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center is the closest from here, for mangrove waterways, boat tours and remote backcountry routes.124 mi · about 2 hr 35 min
Walt Disney WorldOrlando area, to Magic Kingdom parkingFour theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom) plus two water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.135 mi · about 2 hr 35 min
Swimming with manateesKings Bay & Three Sisters Springs, Crystal RiverHundreds of manatees gather in the warm, spring-fed waters of Kings Bay, mainly in winter. Swims are led by tour operators permitted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Three Sisters Springs can close to in-water visits on cold days to protect the manatees.156 mi · about 3 hr 5 min
Kennedy Space Center Visitor ComplexMerritt Island, Cape Canaveral areaThe visitor complex at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, with a Rocket Garden of Mercury, Gemini and Apollo-era rockets, the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, and the closest public viewing of rocket launches when viewing is offered.192 mi · about 3 hr 45 min
Ginnie SpringsHigh SpringsA privately owned park on the Santa Fe River with seven clear springs that stay about 72°F year-round, known for tubing, paddling and cavern diving.228 mi · about 4 hr 25 min
Ichetucknee Springs State ParkFort WhiteEight major crystal-clear springs join to form the 6-mile Ichetucknee River, popular for tubing in warm weather. The upper river is a National Natural Landmark, best paddled by canoe or kayak in the cooler months, and the Blue Hole spring stays 72°F year-round.234 mi · about 4 hr 25 min
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State ParkKey Largo, Florida KeysThe country’s first undersea park, covering about 70 square nautical miles of coral reefs and sea life. See the reefs on a glass-bottom boat tour or up close by snorkeling or scuba diving, paddle the mangrove trails, and visit the large saltwater aquariums in the visitor center.245 mi · about 4 hr 50 min
Dry Tortugas National ParkKey West, to the Yankee Freedom ferry terminalAbout 70 miles west of Key West, with no road access: go by the Yankee Freedom ferry from Key West or by seaplane. Home to Fort Jefferson, the largest masonry fort in the Western Hemisphere, with clear water, coral reefs and snorkeling off Garden Key.347 mi · about 7 hr 35 min
Florida Caverns State ParkMariannaThe only Florida state park with guided tours through a large cave system, with stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstone. The passageways were enlarged by hand by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.413 mi · about 7 hr 40 min

Local’s Music Venue4 places

Snook HavenEast Venice Avenue, VeniceA Sarasota County park on the Myakka River, historically a fish camp, popular for its riverfront restaurant with live entertainment and old Florida charm. The restaurant is currently closed for improvements, so live entertainment is on hold.Main gate 6½ mi · 15 minOwners gate 4½ mi · 11 min
Englewood’s On DearbornEnglewoodAn American restaurant on Dearborn Street known for its live music, with a focus on blues by national, international and local artists. Weekends typically bring Top 40 bands.Main gate 10½ mi · 19 minOwners gate 10½ mi · 20 min
The Twisted ForkPort CharlotteA restaurant and bar serving scratch-made Southern food, connected to a Harley-Davidson dealership. Live music plays at Bert’s Back Porch, its large covered concert venue, which also hosts full-scale concerts.Main gate 12½ mi · 24 minOwners gate 12 mi · 23 min
Big Top BrewingFruitville Commons, SarasotaA craft brewery, gastropub and beer garden just east of I-75 that brews its own beers, with live music on Friday and Saturday nights.25 mi · about 35 min

Dog Parks5 places

Fetch Dog ParkDowntown Wellen waterfront, Wellen ParkA 2-acre fenced dog park with agility equipment, shade, seating and plenty of space for pets to play and socialize. Maintained by the West Villages Improvement District and open to the public.Main gate 1.4 mi · 4 minOwners gate 1.4 mi · 5 min
Blue Heron ParkNorth River Road, North PortA 33-acre park with shaded native trees and two miles of walking trails, with two separate dog parks for small and larger dogs, a pavilion and a bathing faucet. Managed by the West Villages Improvement District.Main gate 3 mi · 7 minOwners gate 1.4 mi · 4 min
Woodmere ParkWoodmere Park Blvd., VeniceOne of Sarasota County’s off-leash dog parks, a fenced area where dogs can play under their owner’s supervision. The park also has tennis and pickleball courts, a gym and an unpaved trail.Main gate 3½ mi · 8 minOwners gate 5½ mi · 12 min
Canine Club Dog ParkAppomattox Drive, North PortA 1.5-acre fenced, leash-free dog park split into large- and small-dog sections, with shade structures, restrooms, agility equipment and canine cooling stations. Closed Wednesdays for maintenance.Main gate 8 mi · 15 minOwners gate 7½ mi · 14 min
Brohard Paw ParkHarbor Drive South, VeniceA fenced dog play yard that leads to the only beach area in Sarasota County where dogs are allowed, with showers, benches and drinking fountains for people and dogs.Main gate 9 mi · 17 minOwners gate 11 mi · 21 min

How distances were measured: approximate driving distances and times from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM). Places within about 15 miles show both gates; farther places are measured from the main gate (Galleria Blvd at US-41) and rounded to the nearest mile and 5 minutes. Times are light-traffic estimates, so allow extra time at rush hour and in season.

Quick answers

How far is Gran Paradiso from Tampa International Airport?

About 83 miles by car from the main gate, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes in light traffic.

What is the closest airport to Gran Paradiso?

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is about 25 miles away (about 45 minutes). Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ) is about 36 miles (about 55 minutes).

How far is Gran Paradiso from Siesta Key Beach?

About 23 miles from the main gate, roughly 40 minutes. Manasota Beach is closer, at about 7½ miles.

How far is Gran Paradiso from Walt Disney World?

About 135 miles to Magic Kingdom parking, roughly 2 hours 35 minutes.

Where is the nearest grocery store to Gran Paradiso?

Publix at West Villages Marketplace is about 1.6 miles from the main gate (1.1 miles from the owners gate), and ALDI on Mezzo Drive is about 2 miles.

Local favorites

Eric and Ali’s Favorite Restaurants

A few of Eric and Ali’s favorite places to eat, nearest first, with driving distances from both Gran Paradiso gates. For phone numbers and more about each one, see Eric’s Local Recommendations.

Where Eric and Ali like to eat21 restaurants · nearest first

Fuji Sushi HibachiJapanese · Venice (West Villages Marketplace, Wellen Park)Main gate 1.4 mi · 4 minOwners gate 1.0 mi · 4 min
Sand Trap Bar & GrillThai & American · Venice Village, VeniceMain gate 3½ mi · 7 minOwners gate 5½ mi · 11 min
Mama Maria’s Pizzeria and SubsPizza · VeniceMain gate 4½ mi · 9 minOwners gate 6½ mi · 13 min
SushiOoThai & Japanese · North PortMain gate 7 mi · 13 minOwners gate 6½ mi · 12 min
Valenti’s RistoranteItalian · VeniceMain gate 8½ mi · 16 minOwners gate 9 mi · 18 min
Fins at Sharky’sSteakhouse & Seafood · Venice BeachMain gate 8½ mi · 17 minOwners gate 10½ mi · 21 min
Cassariano Italian EateryItalian · Downtown VeniceMain gate 8½ mi · 17 minOwners gate 10½ mi · 21 min
The Star Thai & SushiThai & Sushi · VeniceMain gate 9 mi · 17 minOwners gate 11 mi · 21 min
Tikka Indian CuisineIndian · VeniceMain gate 9 mi · 17 minOwners gate 11 mi · 21 min
Farlow’s On The WaterSeafood · EnglewoodMain gate 12 mi · 22 minOwners gate 11 mi · 21 min
The Waverly Restaurant & BarSeafood, Steak & Sushi · Manasota Key, EnglewoodMain gate 13½ mi · 25 minOwners gate 13 mi · 25 min
Big Bamboo Asian FusionAsian Fusion · El Jobean, Port CharlotteMain gate 14 mi · 25 minOwners gate 13 mi · 25 min
Magnolias on the BayFine Dining & Sushi · Manasota Key, EnglewoodMain gate 14 mi · 25 minOwners gate 13 mi · 26 min
Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster HouseSeafood · Casey Key, OspreyMain gate 15 mi · 26 minOwners gate 16½ mi · 27 min
Cafe BarbossoItalian · Palmer Crossing, Sarasota21 mi · about 30 min
CMX CineBistro Siesta KeyDine-In Cinema · Crossings at Siesta Key, Sarasota24 mi · about 40 min
Michael’s On EastFine Dining · Midtown Plaza, Sarasota25 mi · about 45 min
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine BarSteakhouse · University Town Center, Bradenton29 mi · about 40 min
The Capital GrilleSteakhouse · University Town Center, Sarasota29 mi · about 40 min
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & BarIsland-Inspired · St. Armands Circle, Sarasota33 mi · about 50 min
Bern’s Steak HouseSteakhouse · Tampa82 mi · about 1 hr 40 min

Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic. Measured the same way as the drive times above (OpenStreetMap routing, OSRM). Places within about 15 miles show both gates; farther places are measured from the main gate and rounded to the nearest mile and 5 minutes.

Rail trails

Are you a Cyclist or Long Distance Runner?

Eric is an avid cyclist and Ali is a runner. These are state rail trails.

Satellite map of central and south Florida, from Tampa Bay and Winter Haven down to Miami, with Gran Paradiso in Wellen Park marked and nine paved rail trails drawn and numbered from closest to farthest — 9 paved rail trails from Tampa Bay to Miami, numbered from closest to farthest.

The Legacy Trail
Sarasota County · Paved rail trail
About 18½ mi, plus the 5½-mi North Port Connector
Follows the old Seminole Gulf Railway line from the historic Venice Train Depot north to downtown Sarasota, with a paved connector east to North Port. The Venetian Waterway Park trail joins at the depot.
Official trail page for The Legacy Trail (opens in a new tab)
Main gate
8½ mi · 16 minto Venice Train Depot
Owners gate
8½ mi · 17 minto Price Trailhead, North Port
Cape Haze Pioneer Trail
Charlotte County · Paved rail trail
About 8½ mi
Built on the old Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railroad bed beside Gasparilla Road across the Cape Haze peninsula.
Nearest main trailhead: Mercer trailhead, Gasparilla Rd, Rotonda
Official trail page for Cape Haze Pioneer Trail (opens in a new tab)
Main gate
16½ mi · 29 min
Owners gate
16 mi · 29 min
Boca Grande Bike Path
Gasparilla Island · Rail trail
About 5 mi
One of Florida’s first rail trails, on the same railroad bed, running from the north end of the island to First Street in Boca Grande village. Privately owned and kept up by the Gasparilla Island Conservation & Improvement Association, open to everyone, and shared with golf carts. The Boca Grande Causeway charges a toll.
Nearest main trailhead: North end of Gasparilla Island
Official trail page for Boca Grande Bike Path (opens in a new tab)
Main gate
23 mi · about 40 min
Owners gate
22 mi · about 40 min
Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail
Pinellas County · Paved rail trail
About 47 mi
Runs from downtown St. Petersburg north through Largo, Clearwater and Dunedin to Tarpon Springs, mostly on an old railroad corridor.
Nearest main trailhead: Downtown St. Petersburg (south end)
Official trail page for Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail (opens in a new tab)
Main gate
66 mi · about 1 hr 25 min
Owners gate
65 mi · about 1 hr 20 min
Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Hillsborough County · Paved rail trail
About 14 mi, in two sections
A paved trail through northwest Hillsborough County, heading north from Town ’N’ Country.
Nearest main trailhead: Montague St trailhead, Town ’N’ Country
Official trail page for Upper Tampa Bay Trail (opens in a new tab)
Main gate
90 mi · about 1 hr 55 min
Owners gate
89 mi · about 1 hr 50 min
Fort Fraser Trail
Polk County · Paved rail trail
About 7¾ mi, plus the 2½-mi Holloway Family Trail extension
Follows a former CSX rail line beside US-98 between Bartow and Highland City, south of Lakeland.
Nearest main trailhead: Bartow trailhead
Official trail page for Fort Fraser Trail (opens in a new tab)
Main gate
100 mi · about 2 hr 10 min
Owners gate
99 mi · about 2 hr 5 min
General James A. Van Fleet State Trail
Florida State Parks · Polk, Lake & Sumter counties · Paved state rail trail
About 29 mi
A long, quiet, nearly straight state trail on an old railroad corridor from Polk City north through the Green Swamp to Mabel.
Nearest main trailhead: Polk City trailhead
Official trail page for General James A. Van Fleet State Trail (opens in a new tab)
Main gate
111 mi · about 2 hr 10 min
Owners gate
110 mi · about 2 hr 5 min
Auburndale TECO Trail
City of Auburndale · Polk County · Paved rail trail
About 7 mi
Runs north from Auburndale to Polk City on a former railroad corridor and meets the Van Fleet State Trail there, so the two ride as one.
Nearest main trailhead: South trailhead, Denton Ave, Auburndale
Official trail page for Auburndale TECO Trail (opens in a new tab)
Main gate
114 mi · about 2 hr 15 min
Owners gate
113 mi · about 2 hr 10 min
South Dade Trail
Miami-Dade County · Paved rail trail
About 22 mi
Runs beside the South Dade Transitway on the old Florida East Coast Railway corridor, from Dadeland south to Florida City.
Nearest main trailhead: Dadeland South (north end)
Official trail page for South Dade Trail (opens in a new tab)
Main gate
205 mi · about 3 hr 55 min
Owners gate
210 mi · about 3 hr 55 min

How distances were measured. Approximate driving distances and times from OpenStreetMap routing (OSRM), from the main gate (Galleria Blvd at US-41) and the owners gate (Renaissance Blvd at West Villages Pkwy) to each trail’s nearest main trailhead. Trails within about 18 miles are rounded to the nearest half mile and the next minute; farther trails to the nearest mile and 5 minutes. Times assume light traffic. Trail lengths come from each trail’s managing agency or TrailLink, and the lines on the map follow OpenStreetMap trail data.

EV charging

Tesla Superchargers Nearby

Find Tesla Supercharger stations around Wellen Park, Venice, North Port, Englewood and Sarasota.

Map and station data from PlugShare, filtered to the Tesla Supercharger network. Station details can change, so check before you go.

Location is Everything: Why Gran Paradiso’s Spot in Wellen Park Stands Out

How far is everything from Gran Paradiso?

3Downtown Wellen

4Wellen Town Center

5Costco

6CoolToday Park

↑I-75 at Exit 191

←Gulf beaches

←Historic downtown Venice

Everyday errands

7ALDI

8Publix

9Bayside Pet Resort

10Lightning Fast Car Wash

11Future Sarasota Memorial Site (Coming Soon)

12HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency

13Dental Care at Wellen Park

14West Villages Animal Clinic

15Dunkin’

16West Villages Ace Hardware

17SCF Venice

18Fire Station 86

19Wellmar Hotel

Downtown Wellen & the Grand Lake

Weather in Wellen Park Right Now

Beaches - One of the reasons we all live here

1Manasota Beach Park

2Service Club Park

3North Brohard Park & Venice Fishing Pier

4Maxine Barritt Park

5Brohard Paw Park

6South Brohard Park

7Venice Beach

8Chauncy Howard Park

9Caspersen Beach Park

10Blind Pass Beach Park

11Nokomis Beach Park

12North Jetty Park

13Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park

14Stump Pass Beach State Park

15Crescent Beach

16Siesta Beach

17Turtle Beach Park

18Lido Beach

19North Lido Beach

20Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach

21Greer Island (Beer Can Island)

22Coquina Beach

23Cortez Beach

24Manatee Public Beach

25Bean Point

Beyond Wellen Park: how far is everything?

Quick answers

Eric and Ali’s Favorite Restaurants

Are you a Cyclist or Long Distance Runner?

1The Legacy Trail

2Cape Haze Pioneer Trail

3Boca Grande Bike Path

4Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail

5Upper Tampa Bay Trail

6Fort Fraser Trail

7General James A. Van Fleet State Trail

8Auburndale TECO Trail

9South Dade Trail

Tesla Superchargers Nearby

Downtown Wellen

Wellen Town Center

Costco

CoolToday Park

I-75 at Exit 191

Gulf beaches

Historic downtown Venice

ALDI

Publix

Bayside Pet Resort

Lightning Fast Car Wash

Future Sarasota Memorial Site (Coming Soon)

HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency

Dental Care at Wellen Park

West Villages Animal Clinic

Dunkin’

West Villages Ace Hardware

SCF Venice

Fire Station 86

Wellmar Hotel

Manasota Beach Park

Service Club Park

North Brohard Park & Venice Fishing Pier

Maxine Barritt Park

Brohard Paw Park

South Brohard Park

Venice Beach

Chauncy Howard Park

Caspersen Beach Park

Blind Pass Beach Park

Nokomis Beach Park

North Jetty Park

Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park

Stump Pass Beach State Park

Crescent Beach

Siesta Beach

Turtle Beach Park

Lido Beach

North Lido Beach

Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach

Greer Island (Beer Can Island)

Coquina Beach

Cortez Beach

Manatee Public Beach

Bean Point

The Legacy Trail

Cape Haze Pioneer Trail

Boca Grande Bike Path

Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail

Upper Tampa Bay Trail

Fort Fraser Trail

General James A. Van Fleet State Trail

Auburndale TECO Trail

South Dade Trail