Coral Gables, Florida, The City Beautiful, as it is nicknamed, is a gorgeous community of esplanades, fountains, plazas and Mediterranean styled homes, designed by Dade County commissioner and land developer George Merrick starting in 1921. And within this beautiful city, is the hidden gem of Venetian Pool, one of this country’s most beautiful public swimming pools and the only one listed on The National Register of Historic Places.
The Venetian pool was opened in 1924 as the “Venetian Casino,” which was part of the Grand Plan George Merrick had for the City of Coral Gables. The pool was created in 1923 from a coral rock quarry, where much of the original coral rock was used to border and further accentuate the pool. It also features two large historic lookout towers, with a view to Coral Gables.
The clear, cool water (76-78 degrees) is fed by underground artesian wells, providing 820,000 gallons of water. Until 1988, the pool was drained and refilled every day during the summer; now a conservation method is utilized that recycles the water through natural ground filtration and returns it to the subterranean aquifer.
The pool is a lot of fun, as kids jump off the rocks and love to go swimming and hiding through the caves. There’s also a sandy area resembling a beach, and there’s an on site cafe with tables and chairs on the patio. Everything you need for a full day of family fun in the summer. But even if you don’t go swimming, take a peek through their gates, it’s truly something worth seeing.
Venetian Pool is located in a residential neighborhood of Coral Gables, at 2701 DeSoto Boulevard, and opens seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day (and closed on Mondays during the winter). For vintage photos and more information, check out the Venetian Pool website at www.coralgablesvenetianpool.com/History.html.
Here are a few more photos of this amazing place, have you been to Venetian Pool?
Oh my goodness, that is beautiful! I haven’t been to Florida in years, but I’ll definitely have to check this place out when I do make it back.
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I wish I could snap my fingers and be there in that pool right now. That looks like such an amazing place.
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I want to go now. That is so beautiful and looks so relaxing.
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There is so much in Fl. We only have gone for Disney but with all the FL posts I have read I know we need to venture outside of Mickey.
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Looks so beautiful there.I would love to spend some time enjoying myself with my family there.
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What a beautiful place! The construction has a very Spanish Colonial era feeling. I would love to be able to visit!
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What a gorgeous place. It looks like a relaxing location to decompress or hang out with the family. Thanks for sharing your great photos.
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What a fun day for everyone! Love the whole environment.
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I totally want to go there that place looks amazing and I am sure my son would really love it! I really need to take him on a vacation.
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Wow that place is gorgeous!
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Oh wow what a gorgeous place, I don’t think I would ever what to leave if I went to visit. x
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That is just gorgeous! Really looks like you are in another place! I want to go!!
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I actually have heard of this place before! I do want to try it! It looks fun.
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I would love to go there soon. How beautiful and relaxing it looks!
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Even though I can’t swim, that pool looks heavenly! I’d love to wade around in that :O
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Does look like a little piece of Italy right there in Florida. I love pools and would so love to be in that one right now, especially with the heat we’re having here in CO.
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Can I go now? It was like 92 degrees here today! I would love to dive right on in!
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Wow that is beautiful. I would love to be there right now!
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Wish I was there right now. Relaxing.
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I would love to go to somewhere like that. I really need a vacation! lol
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What a fun, beautiful place! Gorgeous!! Never been but sure would love to visit.
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How absolutely gorgeous. I think I may need to go on a vacation after seeing all your beautiful pictures.
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What a beautiful pool! I thought this was going to be the Vegas hotel but this one is phenomenal!
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