Venetian Pool could be the best-kept secret in Miami-Dade’s Coral Gables

Posted October 26, 2015

By MELISSA SOTO

As the palm trees cover the bright sun, Anthony Brown sets his towel on the striped lawn chair making himself comfortable. Brown stands in a state of trance while gazing at the glistening water.

Brown, a man from Ohio, is spending his vacation in Coral Gables, a historic suburb in Miami.

“I like pools much better than oceans. I saw this online and knew I had to come,” he said.

Where exactly is Brown speaking about? It is the one and only Venetian Pool.

Venetian Pool

Venetian Pool-photo by Melissa Soto

Venetian Pool, a main attraction in Coral Gables, was created in 1923 and opened in 1924. Constructed with coral rock and limestone that was previously abandoned, this 820,000-gallon pool is filled with natural spring water from an underground aquifer.

George Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables, wanted to make Venetian Pool as Mediterranean as possible. In the early 1920s, Merrick hired Phineas Paist and Denman Fink to design the pool.

Venetian Pool, originally named Venetian Casino, was a common destination for many celebrities. Hollywood movie stars and internationally competitive swimmers of the 1920s and 1930s, like Esther Williams and Johnny Weismuller spent many of their days at this stunning pool.

During the spring and summer time, this fresh, but chlorinated, pool is drained and re-filled daily. Spending time at this chilly pool is not the only reason tourists and locals visit this beautiful site.

Entrance to Venetian Pool

Entrance to Venetian Pool- photo by Melissa Soto

Venetian Pool is reminiscent of an Italian waterway exuberating a bright European vibe. Emphasizing Venice, Italy, this pool is known for the classic Venetian styled bridge and mooring posts.

The remarkable bridge and mooring posts give insight as to what it feels like to take a gondola through a quaint canal in Venice.

Once paying the entrance fee, visitors make their way to the pool through grand archways covered with ceramic tiles and detailed fountains in between of the pathway.

With two awe-inspiring waterfalls, swimmers can feel like they are exploring a grotto.

Gannon Mennis, a Miami local, is making his way effortlessly to the waterfall. After taking a break from swimming in the deep-end of the pool, Mennis shared some insight about this sacred spot.

“I love this place. It’s the only location where you can get this type of setting. The old feel is great and I like how European it feels.”

Venetian mooring post

Venetian mooring post

While the smaller waterfall cascades down, swimmers enter caves giving them isolation in the greatest way. The green-blue waters gently passing through the caves resembles a lagoon.

Journeying to the far end of the pool, the largest water fall offers a picturesque view. Explorers can swim under the waterfall and sit on a man made rock viewing the pool from inside the falls.

Ricardo Primon, a student at the nearby University of Miami, is relaxing inside the mighty waterfall on a natural coral seat. Siting from inside the falls gives a completely different view of the pool.

As an exchange student from Brazil, Primon learned about Venetian Pool before coming to the United States.

“I did research about things to do in Miami before coming here. I found Venetian Pool, saw pictures, and wanted to come here immediately to experience it myself.”

The infamous waterfall- photo by Melissa Soto

The infamous waterfall- photo by Melissa Soto

After experiencing this thunderous yet relaxing waterfall, visitors can make their way over to the shallow end of the pool where children tend to spend their time.

Parents can easily enjoy the water with their little ones in an area of safe depth.

For those who may not enjoy the idea of swimming, Venetian Pool offers a small sunbathing beach. Located next to the pool, this man-made beach has palm trees, sand, and most importantly sunshine.

Beach goers can refresh in the pool if they wish, if not there are showers located nearby to cool them off.

Venetian Pool truly is a magical place where people of all ages can have a day full of fun but feel like they are somewhere lost wandering the Mediterranean.

If You Go

  • Location: 2701 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, Fla., 33134
  • Phone Number: 305-460-5306
  • Hours of Operation: March-October
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 11a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday 11a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday 11a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Rates: Coral Gables resident adult 13 + is $5.50, 3-12 years old is $4.50, non-resident adult 13+ is $12, 3-12 years old is $7. Children must be at least 3 to enter facility. University of Miami student is $5.50 with CaneID
  • Payment Options: Cash, VISA, MASTERCARD, and American Express
  • Website: http://coralgables.com/index.aspx?page=167