Venice is a small unincorporated community located in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, United States. It lies at the southernmost tip of the Mississippi River Delta, near where the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Due to its geographic position, Venice is often referred to as the "Gateway to the Mississippi River" and is a significant location for river navigation, oil and gas operations, and commercial and recreational fishing.
The area is situated on the east bank of the Mississippi River and is accessible primarily by road via Louisiana Highway 23, though its low elevation and proximity to the Gulf make it highly vulnerable to storm surges and hurricanes. Over time, land loss due to coastal erosion and subsidence has significantly impacted the region.
Venice hosts several marinas and is a popular departure point for deep-sea fishing charters, particularly for species such as redfish, speckled trout, and various offshore game fish. Additionally, it serves as a logistical hub for offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other federal and state agencies have conducted studies and projects related to levee protection and coastal restoration in the area due to its critical environmental and economic position.
There is no incorporated municipal government in Venice, as it is governed directly by Plaquemines Parish authorities. The community has a small permanent population, with numbers fluctuating due to industrial activity and seasonal tourism.
Accurate information on the earliest settlement or official naming of Venice, Louisiana, is limited, but the community has been recognized in regional records and nautical charts since at least the early 20th century.