Matheson Hammock Park Atoll Pool

The Atoll Pool at Matheson Hammock Park is a man-made tidal swimming lagoon at 9610 Old Cutler Rd in Coral Gables, Florida, about 10 miles (16 km) south of downtown Miami. Built in the 1930s from coral rock, it is flushed by the tides of Biscayne Bay, so the water is calm, shallow and a greenish-turquoise rather than the open-ocean blue of the Atlantic beaches. The pool is sheltered from waves and wind, which makes it one of the safest swimming spots in the Miami area for young children and nervous swimmers. The surrounding park combines a small sandy beach, a lagoon, mangroves and tropical hardwood hammock, with views across Biscayne Bay toward the Miami skyline. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-oriented. Visitors are mostly local families, picnickers, kayakers and couples, and it is considerably quieter than the Miami Beach oceanfront. Amenities include lifeguards at the atoll pool, restrooms, showers, a marina and cafe, and picnic areas under shade trees. Parking costs about $7 USD on weekdays and $10 USD on weekends and holidays. Access is by car or rideshare along Old Cutler Road, a scenic road shaded by a canopy of old trees. There is no direct rail or trolley link, so driving or rideshare is the practical choice, and cyclists also use Old Cutler Road to reach the park. The park phone number is 305-665-5475. Because the water level depends on the tide, conditions can change through the day, and the pool is typically at its clearest and fullest around high tide. Weekends can be busy, particularly in summer, so visitors who prefer a calm atmosphere should come on weekday mornings. The adjacent marina and trails make it easy to extend a swim into a longer park visit, with walks through the hammock and views of boats in the harbor.