The Largest Pool in America Is a Massive Tropical Paradise (Bigger than 10 Football Fields!)

Yellow pool float, ring floating in a refreshing blue swimming pool
© StacieStauffSmith Photos/Shutterstock.com

Written by Jaydee Williams

Updated: September 13, 2023

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The Mirada Lagoon in San Antonio, FL, is the largest pool in America. It is over 15 acres in size and full of fun activities for the whole family. There are tons of activities at the lagoon including a giant waterslide, swim-up bar, paddleboarding, and more. The lagoon is also located near a bunch of other tourist attractions because it’s just outside of Tampa. If you’re looking to visit the largest pool in America, keep reading to learn about all of the fun you can have.

Countless fun amenities are awaiting visitors to Mirada Lagoon, the largest manmade lagoon in the U.S.

How Big Is the Largest Pool in America?

The Mirada Lagoon is 15 acres or 653,400 square feet. It has an average depth of 8 feet but is 15 feet deep at the deepest parts. There are lots of exciting activities to do on and around its waters.

The largest man-made pool spans 15 acres and is located outside of Tampa in Florida.

Things to Do at the Mirada Lagoon

The main entry ticket into the Mirada Lagoon comes with a few awesome perks. Not only will you get an entire day of access to the crystal-blue waters for swimming and playing, but there are a few other exciting activities included. A day pass includes access to multiple water slides and an obstacle course at the lagoon. The slides are a fun activity for kids and adults to enjoy. The pass also includes the swim-up bar at the lagoon. The bar is called the Cabana Cove, and they serve tropical drinks in a beach-like atmosphere. If all of this isn’t enough for you, there are multiple add-ons that you can purchase while you’re at the lagoon.

different types of tropical cocktails, summer style tiki bar drinks

Have a cocktail at the swim-up bar.

©Mateusz Gzik/Shutterstock.com

More Fun at the Largest Pool in America

Your ticket will get you a lot of fun at the Mirada Lagoon, but if you’re wanting more, there are plenty of opportunities. The water obstacle course pass gives you access to a floating obstacle course that can challenge all skill levels. The bumper boats pass lets you bump around with friends to travel across the lagoon in style. You can also rent single or double kayaks to travel around in for the day. If you’re wanting to try something new, give stand-up paddleboarding a shot and see how well your balance is in a fun environment. The Splash Pass is noted as the best offer for the lagoon because it includes all of the activities above. If you’re looking to elevate your experience right off the bat, purchase a Splash Pass for ultimate fun.

Adult Fun at the Largest Pool

Cabana Cove is a 21-and-up private pool and bar with VIP area seating for those who purchase a pass. But the fun doesn’t stop at the entrance to Cabana Cove. There are a ton more fun packages that you can add on for the ultimate experience. You can rent an aquabana, which is a floating raft in Cabana Cove with seating for eight adults. If you’d rather sit by the water instead of on the water, check out the Premium Cabana rentals. A Premium Cabana includes seating for 12 guests with full cabana service and cold bottled water for everyone. A regular cabana rental offers space for 8 guests as well as full cabana service and cold water. If you’re going solo, check out the premium seating option. Premium seating will get you a reserved lounger in the Cabana Cove VIP area and bar service.

Fun for Everyone at Mirada Lagoon

Love the idea of a floating aquabana, but have guests under 21? There are family aquabana rentals in the main area of Mirada Lagoon. You can also rent an adventure tiki. An adventure tiki is a beachfront tiki with shade-covered seating for up to 15 people. It’s a great rental for birthday parties or other events. If you don’t need that much seating, there are also mini tiki huts that offer seating for 4. An adventure cabana is also available for rent with shady seating for 6 guests. If you’re just looking for some shade, consider renting a beach umbrella.

Tiki Hut Roof with Sky

Rent a tiki hut to enjoy a shady spot.

©Chris H_F/Shutterstock.com

Eating and Drinking at the Largest Pool

The Reef Cafe is the main dining area. It offers indoor and outdoor seating and a wide variety of meals. You can get chicken fingers, burgers, salads, pizza, and much more. The Sandbar is a full liquor swim-up bar inside the lagoon. There is also a food truck at the lagoon that serves tacos and a few other small meals. There is another bar inside the Cabana Cove VIP area with fun, water-themed specialty drinks.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit?

Tickets range in price depending on the day and the season. It’s cheapest if you buy your ticket in advance online. You can save a minimum of $2 by booking this way. If you’re looking to go spontaneously, keep in mind that you can also purchase tickets at the front. There is a limited capacity, so it’s best to purchase in advance if possible. All-day passes range from $20 to $45 and children 3 and under are free. Late-day passes are available after 3 p.m. and range from $15 to $40. A Splash Pass is $14 to $16 and gives you access to the water obstacle course, bumper boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. You can also purchase tickets for those activities separately, but the Splash Pass gives you the biggest bang for your buck. 

Floating aquabana rentals at Cabana Cove range from $229 to $279. Family aquabanas range from $114 to $334. The tiki huts range from $59 to $139 depending on size and selection.

Where to Stay When Visiting the Mirada Lagoon

There are a couple of hotels near the Mirada Lagoon that partner to offer discounted rates for travelers. The Hilton Garden Inn is just minutes away and offers quite a few amenities. It has pet-friendly rooms, free parking, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center for guests. You can also book connecting rooms if you’ll be traveling as a group or large family. The Residence Inn by Marriott is also partnered with the Epperson Lagoon to offer lowered rates. The Residence Inn has a 4.4 rating and offers free high-speed internet and free breakfast. 

Nearby Attractions

While you’re staying in Tampa, take some time to view other local attractions. Busch Gardens is an extremely popular theme park with huge rollercoasters and fun for the whole family. The park has over 50 awesome rides! If you want to learn while you’re in the area, check out MOSI — the Museum of Science and Industry. The Florida Aquarium is also in Tampa, where you can learn about and view some amazing aquatic animals. If you want to see more wildlife, check out ZooTampa at Lowry Park, where you can see elephants up close. Catch a game at the Amalie Arena nearby or watch a show at the Tampa Theatre. Learn more about Florida’s 18th-largest metropolitan area at the Tampa Bay History Center. For a free and fun adventure, take a walk down the Tampa Riverwalk. The riverwalk offers beautiful views of the water and great local shopping and eateries. 

Tampa, Florida, USA downtown skyline on the Hillsborough River.

Check out all the attractions that the nearby city of Tampa has to offer.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Where Is the Largest Pool in America Located?

The largest pool in America, the Mirada Lagoon, is located in San Antonio, Florida, and is part of a large residential community. The 15-acre pool and waterpark lies just 31 miles northeast of the city of Tampa.


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About the Author

Jaydee Williams is a writer at AZ Animals where her primary focus is on gardening, mammals, and travel. She has over 5 years of experience in writing and researching and holds a Master's Degree in English from the American College of Education, which she earned in 2019. A central Florida native, Jaydee loves being on the water, playing music, and petting her cat, Beans.

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