Summer is quickly approaching, and that places a few activities back at the top of your agenda like barbecues, days at the beach, and pool parties. If you're looking for a fun day at the pool, there's no better place to swim and relax than the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables.
The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is not your average public pool by any means. The 820,000 gallon-pool stays filled with fresh spring water from an underground aquifer, and it draws from artesian wells in the summer. With its reliance on natural water sources instead of chemicals like chlorine, the Venetian is as close as you can get to swimming in a hot spring in Miami.
Dating back to 1923, the Venetian is on the National Register of Historic Places, but it's a little known fact that it's the only pool to earn a place on the register. Prior to its transformation in the 1920's, the Venetian Pool was a coral rock quarry, and you can still see the remnants of the coral as the original limestone rocks were used on its borders, making the pool even more of an eye-popping marvel of natural beauty and human creativity.
The Venetian Pool was designed by renowned real estate developer, George Merrick, who envisioned the Venetian being at the center of a verdant, tightly-knit community. Initially, his vision was fulfilled as the Venetian Casino, a gaming center that attracted scores of celebrities and local A-listers. The Venetian Casino eventually became the Venetian Pool in 1989. Nearly 100 years after opening its doors, Merrick's vision appears to have been fulfilled.
Coral Gables is now one of South Florida's idyllic neighborhoods with the Venetian Pool being one of its crown jewels. Visitors travel near and far to congregate, swim, and relax here. Coral Gables residents pay a reduced admission of $5.50 for adults and $4.50 for kids. For those who live outside of the community, admission is $13 and $8 for adults and children, respectively.
If you're looking cool for things to do in Miami like visiting the Venetian Pool, register on 305area and connect to everything in the Miami area for free.
Cover photo courtesy of Flickr
