The Venetian Pool was created in 1924 to cover a huge limestone quarry pit created during the construction of Coral Gables. The Pool was the brainchild of Coral Gables’ founding father George Merrick, and it was designed by his uncle, Denman Fink, and architect Phineas Paist. They modeled the pool’s design touches after those along the canals of Venice, Italy.

In the Venetian Pool’s early days it was known as the Venetian Casino. Gondolas sliced through the waters and orchestras serenaded poolside dancers under the stars. Beauty pageants and concerts were held here, and actress Esther Williams and Olympic swimmer Johnny Weismuller (the future Tarzan in Hollywood) performed water shows. The Venetian Pool is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is often chosen by film directors for location shooting.

A Venetian-style lagoon carved out of coral rock, this historic landmark and swimming pool features caves, stone bridges and waterfalls.

During the summers the Venetian Pool’s 850,000 gallons are drained every night, filtered, and then recycled back into the subterranean Biscayne Aquifer that flows beneath Coral Gables.

Operates year-round. Call for information on rates and hours of operation. Closed Mondays. Children must be at least 38 inches tall or 36 months old and show proof of age to enter facility.

Venetian Pool
2701 DeSoto Blvd.
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
305.460.5356
(Hours may vary, please call ahead)
www.venetianpool.com