For part 3 of Miami’s Hidden Gem Series, I’m taking you out in your swimmies! The Venetian Pool is tucked away in the Coral Gables neighborhood and it’s one of the coolest spots in Miami.
Created in 1923, the Venetian Pool has become one of the main tourist attractions for those visiting Coral Gables. The pool is made from a coral rock quarry. Parts of the original coral rock was used to border and further accentuate the pool.
When you walk in to the pools premises it looks like you are being whisked away to the Mediterranean!
I admit the Venetian Pool is not so “hidden,” but I personally had never been… that is until I discovered it for this post.
Overall, I was awestruck by the fountains and the natural surroundings. It truly is a peaceful place especially if you visit in off hours.
The Venetian Pool was part of the vision of George Merrick’s grand plan for the city of Coral Gables, to create a sense of hometown living.
George Merrick envisioned creating a city with Mediterranean features such as grand entrances, plazas, and Mediterranean style homes. As you drive through the Gables you can see influences of his plan sprawling across the various streets.
The limestone taken from the Venetian Pool quarry pit was also used to create some of the original neighboring buildings.
The pool itself is about 40 times the size of a large home pool.
The 820,000 gallon pool is fed with spring water from an underground aquifer. In the spring and summer seasons, the pool is filled and drained daily!
But don’t worry, in 1998 environmentalists and historians devised a solution to drain the water back into the aquifer, using natural ground filtration. This recycles the water resource, while allowing the pool to maintain its fresh, clear water.
::phew::
Of course the aquifer is not the only feature that enhances a visitor’s experience. There are two waterfalls that provide a scenic backdrop as well as the cave-like grottos which provide a fun experience for swimmers.
The Venetian Pool’s beauty is further accentuated by its loggias, porticos, palm trees and signature bridge.
It also has two large lookout towers with a top view of the city.
Ahoy matey!
Strolling through the Venetian Pools entrance area, there are historical photos of the Pool and if you ask, a staff member will take you on a mini tour so you can learn more about the history.
Back in it’s heyday, the pool was a site for orchestrated concerts. To make this happen pool keepers would empty the pool and the orchestra would perform in the empty pit.
Pretty cool right?!
This “Venetian Casino” was the destination for many celebrities, including movie stars like Johnny Weismuller and Esther Williams… and now Brickellista. haha.
What’s so special about the Venetian Pool?
George Merrick, artist Denman Fink, and architect Phineas Paist, transformed the pool into a paradise. And today it is included in the National Register of Historic Places, the only swimming pool to have such a designation.
This is incredible as there are so many historic landmarks in Miami which are from this era of development.
The Venetian Pool is located at:
2701 De Soto Blvd.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
I suggest checking their website prior to visiting to see if they are open to the public and the current admission rate.
High Waist Bikini // Long White Skirt // White Comfy AF Sandals (also loving this pair) // Head Scarf // Purse (loving this straw option) // Earrings // Bracelets ON SALE! (similar)
For this post, I wanted to wear something to pay homage to the Mediterranean style of the Venetian Pool and also to the many decades of its existence. Comfy sandals are always a MUST in the heat… hello feet swelling!
This high waisted bikini is not only perfect for the theme, but also for my constant over-indulgence of tacos and donuts.
For après pool, I grabbed a matching white skirt and clutch to meet the girls after for brunch.
Listen, a girl has to eat… not gonna deprive myself of nutrients just because I’m doing a poolside post!
+ See more of Miami’s Hidden Gems with Part 1 + Part 2
+ And check out these Brickell Historical Spots
XO
EV
As one of Miami’s top bloggers, Evelyn Torres has become one of the leading voices in fitness, fashion, and Miami. Brickellista started as a Twitter alias in 2009 and has expanded to become a lifestyle blog capturing a Miami girl’s perspective. Evelyn is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, brand ambassador and on the pulse of the Miami social scene.
Today as founder and Managing Director of BrickellistaFiles.com, Evelyn is not only the face of BrickellistaFiles, but oversees the strategy and direction. She is the driving force behind the brand and has built the go-to site for everything Miami.
