Glenn Lindgren: As a guy from the north – they like to call me "el hombre blanco del norte" – I enjoy the beach in summer. But the water is so warm – like bath water! You just don't feel refreshed.
Raúl Musibay: That's the way Cubans like their swimming. Warm, NOT cold.
Glenn Lindgren: Yes, and I have gotten used to that. However, there is a great place to cool off in Miami. When it gets really hot in the summer you'll see many people there...
Jorge Castillo: ...even many Cubans.
Glenn Lindgren: This Hot Cuban Hangout is the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables.
Raúl Musibay: It is a very beautiful pool!
Glenn Lindgren: Part of the great architectural history of Coral Gables, the Venetian Pool was created from a rock quarry.
Jorge Castillo: They used the natural coral limestone from the quarry to build many of the fine homes along Coral Way in Coral Gables.
Raúl Musibay: And when they were done, they were left with one BIG hole in the ground.
Jorge Castillo: That's right Raúl, so they decided to make a huge pool.
Glenn Lindgren: Huge yes. More than 820,000 gallons! Best of all, the water flows from a natural spring so it is always cool and refreshing (about 76 to 78 degrees year 'round). It's also very clean and chemical free.
Glenn Lindgren: Don't forget the royal and coconut palms.
Raúl Musibay: They have a nice white sand beach for sunbathing.
Jorge Castillo: Our kids love exploring the caves at the edge of the pool and the two waterfalls.
Glenn Lindgren: The little kids aren't left out with a very large two-foot deep wading pool. My youngest spent a lot of time there before she "graduated" to the big pool. However, please note: Children under 3 are NOT admitted.
Jorge Castillo: The Pool also has a small café where you can choose from a selection of appetizers, salads, main dishes, and desserts.
Glenn Lindgren: The food is good, but not great. And being so close to Bird Road and dozens of Cuban restaurants and cafes...
Jorge Castillo: ...we frequently smuggle, er bring our own treats in from outside.
Glenn Lindgren: During the winter months, Northern-born guys like me can enjoy a nearly empty pool.
Jorge Castillo: He means empty of people, not water.
Glenn Lindgren: Right! Most of the locals stay away because they think it is too cold. Your only competition for pool space in the winter is from the occasional photo shoot or wedding photography.
Raúl Musibay: Winter or summer, even if you don't want to swim, stop by and take a quick tour of the pool.
Jorge Castillo: It's very beautiful by day and even prettier at night when the many Venetian lanterns are lighted.
ATMOSPHERE: Casual
HOURS: The pool is open 7 days a week 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day only.
February 1 through April 3: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
April 4 through May 28: Tuesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The pool is closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Call ahead to make sure that they're open.
Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year round
ADMISSION: Adults (13 & older) $11.00 Child (3 - 12) $7.35 (Discount for residents of Coral Gables)
Children under 3 not admitted. (If your child looks younger than 3 but isn't, bring a birth certificate!)
CREDIT CARDS: VISA and Mastercard
WEBSITE: coralgablesvenetianpool.com
During summer months, workers completely drain and refill the pool each night. The casino does not offer gambling, it is a casino in the original Italian sense, a small country house that includes the ticket office, changing rooms, and a small informal restaurant.
The Venetian Pool is located at the Intersection of Granada, DeSoto, Toledo, and Almeria.
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