The neighborhood of Coral Gables is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and characteristic in the city of Miami and a visit to the city cannot be considered complete unless it includes at least half a day to discover its best views. I’m so convinced of this that, after an in-depth visit, I decided to dedicate an entire article to this neighborhood (which is a town within a town in terms of size and structure), which you can find here.
The historic swimming pool known as the Venetian Pool is one of the landmarks of Coral Gables for a very particular reason: it is one of the few public places in the neighborhood, at least among the ones of interest to tourists. As you read my article, you may have noticed that much of the charm of this residential neighborhood lies in looking at the beautiful private homes and gardens, driving down Coral Way and the other tree-lined avenues (banyan lines) that intersect it. Sure, there are the public buildings, stores, museums and theaters of the Miracle Mile, but the Venetian Pool – also for its history and tradition – remains the most representative place of the great urban, social and architectural idea of George Merrick, the founding father of Coral Gables.
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History of the Venetian Pool
Perhaps at first glance it is not easy to imagine such a thing, but anyone who had gone to the site between 1921 and 1923 would have seen only an old abandoned coral rock mine, from which until recently tons of ore had been extracted to build the buildings of the neighborhood. It was Merrick himself who, again with a view to the redevelopment of Coral Gables, decided to transform the mine into a beautiful swimming pool that could bring further luster to the neighborhood and, in some way, follow the Mediterranean Revival architectural style.
The pool was designed under the supervision of architect Phineas Paist, while the design of the pool was entrusted to artist Denman Fink. It was in 1924 that the grandiose public swimming pool was inaugurated under the name of Venetian Pool, in honor of the Italian city. In fact, the buildings and decorations of the pool had many architectural references to the Venetian style, but the most amazing feature of the pool was that some gondolas could detach themselves from a small pier and sail on it. Today it is no longer possible to do so, but the reconstruction of Venice is still quite impressive. The Venetian Pool is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Venetian Pool Directions
The address of the Venetian Pool is 2701 De Soto Boulevard.
What to Expect
As anticipated in the brief historical notes I provided, the Venetian Pool is no ordinary public pool. What makes it unique is the context in which it is located: you’ll fall in love with this historic recreation of the Venetian lagoon thanks to the elegant pool edges shaded by palms and tropical plants, the waterfall gushing from the top of a coral rock crag, the graceful little bridge, the colorful mooring posts (in Venice they call them palini) adorned with street lamps, the panoramic turrets, the loggias and porches with stairs and railings in bright colors, the caves of coral rock where you can stay a while in the shade to enjoy the cool water…
A further feature concerns the water: just think that the pool contains over 3 million liters of spring water from an artesian well, and no chlorine! The natural spring feeds the Venetian Pool during the spring and summer months, supplying it daily with fresh, clean, emerald-colored water. In the spaces around the pool, in addition to the shady lawn with a few tables, there is also an expanse of sand where you can lay down your towel for sunbathing.
Venetian Pool Hours and Rates
You have to pay close attention to the opening hours of the pool, because they change according to the season and the year in progress, and can also vary further without notice. For this reason, always stick to those listed on the official website.
- The pool is accessible from April through October. This should be approximately the seasonal opening period for each year, although in the past the pool has closed in September.
- On Saturdays and Sundays, the pool is usually open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the pool’s opening period.
- The following should be the weekday hours:
- From the beginning of April to the end of May: Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 5.30 p.m
- From the end of May to mid-August : Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 6.30 p.m
- From mid-August to early September: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 5.30 p.m
- Early September to late October: Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m
The site also lists the following closing days during the year: “New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day”.
- Adults (13 years and older): $21.00
- Children (3 to 12 years old): $16.00
Other things to know
Here are some tips and other rules to follow:
- The pool is very popular and quite crowded, more so because residents have reduced rates. Don’t arrive too late because the capacity of the Venetian Pool is limited and you may be refused entry.
- The pool is guarded by lifeguards.
- There are a few deck chairs (not many) and benches.
- The height of the pool is around 47 inches, but there are also points where the water is even higher.
- We point out that there is also a pool for children, with shallow water.
- Changing rooms and clean bathrooms are available. On request, at the entrance you can rent a locker.
- Smoking is not allowed in the spaces around the pool.
- You can have a picnic at the tables available, bringing food from outside.
- It is not possible to leave and re-enter without a ticket. They are very strict about this rule!
- If the pool has reached its maximum capacity of people, they probably won’t let you back in if you decide to leave.
- There is a bar/restaurant available on site, the “Venetian Pool Cafe”.
- At the entrance there are some photos of what the pool used to look like. Among the distinguished patrons of the past you will also see Johnny Weissmuller, the actor who played Tarzan.
Where to Stay Near the Venetian Pool
A solution to match the beauty of the pool in full Coral Gables style would be the nearby, luxurious Biltmore Hotel, but it is not a solution for all budgets. Coral Gables does not have many accommodations or hotels except in the Miracle Mile area, but in our article dedicated to the neighborhood we have indicated some good facilities. Below instead, an overview of all the other neighborhoods indicated to look for accommodation in Miami.
Recommended neighborhoods for an overnight stay in Miami
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