Venetian Pool, Coral Gables, Miami-Dade - Public Pool on Register of Historic Places

Venetian Pool, Coral Gables, Miami-Dade

Venetian Pool, in Coral Gables, with its palm trees, a Venetian-style bridge and mooring posts and waterfalls, is a beautiful alternative to the beach or a crowded hotel pool.

Originally called Venetian Casino, it was created in 1924 from an abandoned quarry, and was a venue for concerts, dances and celebrity parties.

The pool has even been drained to allow Miami Symphony Orchestra to perform there.

Gondolas in the Pool
In its early days there were gondolas, and an island where they docked, but the island was removed and the gondolas are long gone.

Dancing and Jazz
At open-air poolside dances, music was provided by orchestras such as that of of Paul Whiteman, described by Duke Ellington and others as “the King of Jazz.”

Tarzan and Jane Swam Here
Johnny Weissmuller, the sixth and best-known movie actor to play the part of Tarzan, swam here. He was also an Olympic swimming gold medalist.

The Jane who swam at Venetian Pool was Esther Jane Williams, another competitive swimmer and movie actor, whose films included synchronised swimming and diving. In the film Million Dollar Mermaid, released in the UK as The One Piece Bathing Suit, she played Australian swimming star Annette Kellerman.

One-piece Swimsuits
“Bathing beauties” in one-piece swimsuits posed for photos by the pool, and while their 1920s swimming costumes now seem just a little old-fashioned, in those days they were comparatively daring. Less then two decades earlier Annette Kellerman had been charged with indecent exposure during a visit to the USA because her swimsuit revealed her arms, legs and neck.

Diving Platform Removed
A high, three-level diving platform can be seen in old photos, but this has been removed.

A Place for a Quiet Swim
Nowadays the pool is a just a pleasant place for a quiet swim followed by a leisurely sunbathing session. The minimum depth of the pool is four feet, increasing to eight feet by the cascading waterfall.

Young Children Not Admitted
Very young children are not admitted. A child must be three years old and 38 inches tall, and a birth certificate may be requested if there is any doubt.

Venetian Pool Hours and Prices
Opening hours vary according to the time of the year, but are generally late morning till late afternoon. The pool is closed on Mondays and some public holidays. For more information phone: 305-460-5306 or 305-460-5357.

Admission for non-residents of Coral Gables is $11, children (3 – 12) $7.35.

No Alcohol or Glass Containers
Alcohol, glass containers and coolers are not allowed.

Snacks and Drinks
Hot and cold drinks and snacks may be available, depending on the time of year.

Walking from Miracle Mile
Located on De Soto Boulevard, in a leafy residential district of Coral Gables, Venetian Pool is a 20-minute walk from the shops and restaurants of Miracle Mile.

Rather than taking the route given in Google Transit (see the link in right-hand sidebar of this blog), I suggest a more straightforward one, along Andalusia Avenue, which is a minute or two from the Starbucks at the corner of Miracle Mile and Ponce de Leon Boulevard. (Walking from Starbucks, turn right onto Andalusia Avenue from Ponce de Leon Boulevard.)

Public Transport to Venetian Pool
The number 24 bus from Aragon Avenue, off Ponce de Leon Boulevard, will get you to Toledo Street, near the pool, then it's a short walk to Venetian Pool. But this could take as long as walking all the way if you have to wait for a bus.

From South Beach it's a long, trundling journey by bus, lasting at least an hour and a half, or maybe longer if the traffic is bad.

Directions to Venetian Pool in Google Transit
Click on the Google Transit link in the right-hand sidebar of this blog for directions by bus, car or walking, and for tips on using Google Transit see the following post: Directions in Miami - Walking, Driving, Bike, Buses & Trains.

On National Register of Historic Places
Even if you don't want to swim, it's definitely worth having a look at Venetian Pool should you happen to be in Coral Gables, as it's on the US National Register of Historic Places.

You can get a good view of the pool through the gates and railings even when it's closed.