CORAL GABLES, Fla. — Just minutes outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Miami, you’ll find the quiet suburbs of Coral Gables. 

The soft rush of a waterfall and the crystal clear blue waters makes this long-time Miami resident Teri Spiegel's favorite spot. 

“When it’s hot out it’s an awesome place to cool down. The water is a constant 77 degrees," Teri said. 

She should know too, Teri has visited the historic Venetian Pools almost every day since she was just a girl. 

And she doesn’t forget much, as the pool has stood the test time since constructed in the early 1920s. 


A visitor jumps into the Venetian Pool, in this historic photo. (Courtesy of Coral Gables)

“The waterfalls, I remember we used to be able to dive off of them. I would stand on my hands and flip over into the water, it was great," Teri said. 

While times have changed a bit since those days, the beautiful Venetian architecture hasn’t. 

Once an abandoned coral rock quarry, founder George Merrick transformed it into the beautiful Venetian pool you’ll see today. 

The architecture is all done in the classic Mediterranean style of Venice, Italy. 

And they say this is some of the cleanliest water you’ll be able to swim in, because each night they drain and refill the entire pool, meaning every time you get in it’s fresh, clean water. 

“Because we empty and fill it up constantly, we don’t add as many chemicals and it’s something you really feel when you get in. There is less chlorine here than in your tap water," Aquatic supervisor Jose Vilar said. 


Looking out onto the Venetian Pool and its Mediterranean architecture from one of the grottos. (Courtesy of Coral Gables)

You’ll want to take the day to explore this massive pool, swimming under the waterfalls, even checking out the grotto, a cave that stretches nearly 12 feet back into the hillside. 

And regardless of where you live, there are no excuses not to check out this little slice of heaven. 

“It’s paradise, are you kidding? The little waterfalls and caves, it’s just so restful and fantastic," Teri said.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

The Venetian Pools are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NOTE: The pool will be closed from December to February for renovations. 

RATES:

  • Age 13 and up: $15 for non-Coral Gables residents
  • Child 3 to 12 years old: $10 for non-Coral Gables residents
  • No children under the age of 3 are permitted

Between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, prices rise to $20 for non resident adults and $15 for non-resident children. 

Find more details on rates and rules on the Venetian Pool website.