Summer in New York is magical—people are picnicking in the park, taking day trips to the beach, enjoying sunset concerts, and sailing through New York Harbor. But we're also melting from the heat and sticking to the subway seats. When the crowds and humidity get a little too intense, it's time to plan a pool day.

Thankfully, NYC comes through with no shortage of swimming holes to take a dip in. The city's public pools are always free and will open on June 29 this year. Most spots have showers and lockers available; just make sure you bring your own lock with you! If you're looking for a quieter spot, there are plenty of bookable pools in the city, too.

From sprawling swimming facilities to swanky rooftop beach clubs, we’ve put together the ultimate list of spots to relax by the pool this summer in NYC. Don't forget the sunscreen!

 

15 Outdoor Pools to Visit in NYC This Summer

Coda Beach Club

Paid Reservation Required

This lovely pool serves as a relaxing retreat right in the middle of Williamsburg on the edge of McCarren Park. It’s actually the largest heated pool in New York City, which means you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and relax. Grab a non-hotel guest day pass for $100—we promise it’s well worth it for the mini-retreat!

Where: 160 N 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY
Hours: Opens May 22–September 14, 2023, 10 am–6 pm daily
More information.

 

The Manhattan Park Pool at Roosevelt Island

Membership or Paid Reservation Required

The pool club at Manhattan Park is one of the hottest (or coolest!) spots in the summer. The colorful locale gets a makeover annually from top artists like Hot Tea, Technodrome1, or Greg Faris, and the 8,000-sqft pool has a full view of the East River across to Manhattan. To use it, you can either purchase a monthly or seasonal membership or reserve a slot for a day for a small fee.

Where: 36 River Rd, New York, NY
Hours: Monday–Friday 9:15 am–7:45 pm; weekends and holidays 10:15 am–7:45 pm
More information.

 

The Riverbank State Park Pool

Pay a Fee

This huge athletic complex has a lot of fun in the sun to offer! Between their wading pool, lap pool, and water play area with sprinklers, there are plenty of ways to cool off on a hot New York summer day. The fee is only $2 for adults and $1 for children, and with admission comes gorgeous views of the Hudson River, the Palisades, and the George Washington Bridge.

Where: 679 Riverside Drive, New York, NY
Hours: July 4–September 4, 2023, 9 am–8 pm daily
More information.

 

Somewhere Nowhere Rooftop Pool

Reservation and Purchase Minimum Required

This showstopping pool atop the Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel is the highest pool in NYC and also has some of the coolest Wonderland-themed vibes. In order to hang out at this pool, you need to make a reservation online and agree to a $100 minimum spend per person, excluding service fees, taxes, and gratuity.

Where: 112 West 25th Street, New York, NY
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 4 pm–12 am; Friday, 2 pm–12 am; Saturday–Sunday, 12 pm–12 am
More information.

 

Floating Pool at Barretto Point Park

Free

Believe it or not, this is the only floating pool in America! The unique landmark is actually a barge retrofitted to be a floating pool. It sits on the East River and offers some amazing views and a very memorable experience. The best part is that it won’t cost you a thing—since it’s a city pool, it’s free for anyone to use.

Where: Tiffany St, Bronx, NY
Hours: 11 am–7 pm daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3 pm and 4 pm
More information.

 

QC NY Spa on Governors Island

Paid Reservation Required

Head out to Governors Island for a blissful day of rest and relaxation at the QC NY Spa. Your entrance fee (starting at $88) gets you a day of saunas, foot baths, incredible city views, and multiple outdoor pools once they open later this season. Make a reservation online to snag your spot!

Where: 112 Andes Road, Governors Island, New York, NY
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 10 am–10 pm; Friday–Saturday, 10 am–11 pm
More information.

 

The TWA Hotel Pool

Paid Reservation Required

This pool offers an experience like no other! Located right off the tarmac at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport, you can watch the planes come and go from the comfort of the shallow end. Reservations are for an hour and 45 minutes in the summer and cost $50 for non-hotel guests.

Where: John F. Kennedy International Airport, One, JFK Access Road, Idlewild Dr, Queens, NY
Hours: Open May–October, 7 am–11 pm daily
More information.

 

Highbridge Park Pool

Free

Make your way to Upper Manhattan and spend an afternoon poolside in Washington Heights. Highbridge Park was once a reservoir but is now home to an Olympic-sized pool and shallow wading area. It also has up-close views of the iconic High Bridge Water Tower and was featured in Lin Manuel-Miranda's In The Heights.

Where: Amsterdam Ave. and W. 173rd Street, New York, NY
Hours: 11 am–7 pm daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3 pm and 4 pm
More information.

 

The William Vale Pool

Paid Reservation Required

The William Vale has one of the most gorgeous rooftop pools in the city—between the view, the ambiance, and the beautiful heated water, you’ll want to stay all day! If you’re not a hotel guest, you can book a time slot to enjoy a morning or afternoon by the pool starting at $150, with options to upgrade to a daybed or cabana.

Where: 111 N 12th St, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY
Hours: 8 am–8 pm daily
More information.

 

SoJo Spa Club Pool

Paid Reservation Required

The possibilities are endless at the vast SoJo Spa Club! They are one of the few places with heated outdoor pools and baths that are open year-round, and they also have an incredible view of the NYC skyline. To soak it all in—plus the saunas, steam rooms, ice room, and many other amenities—simply make a reservation and pay the day fee, starting at $85.

Where: 660 River Rd., Edgewater, NJ
Hours: 9 am–9:30 pm daily
More information.

 

Hamilton Fish Pool

Free

You'd never know there was an Olympic-sized pool tucked away in the bustling Lower East Side, but Hamilton Fish Pool is just that. As one of the largest pools downtown, there's plenty of space for lap swimming, splashing around, or laying out in the sun (lounge chairs are provided!). There's also a shallow wading pool for little ones and an annual five-borough swim competition that takes place during the summer.

Where: Pitt Street and Houston Street, New York, NY
Hours: 11 am–7 pm daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3 pm and 4 pm
More information.

 

McCarren Park Pool

Free

This Olympic-sized swimming pool is the perfect place to chill in the summer, whether you’re there for fitness or just to relax! You can swim laps in the morning or evening, and the park offers free swimming lessons for all ages all summer long.

Where: 776 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY
Hours: 11 am–7 pm daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3 pm and 4 pm
More information.

 

The Beach at Dream Downtown

Paid Reservation Required

There aren’t many beaches in the middle of New York City, but The Beach at Dream Downtown is an exception. This stunning rooftop offers a glass-bottom pool, a sandy beach, and a full-service bar. To access this unique experience, you’ll need a reservation starting at $150, and entry is 21+ only.

Where: 355 W 16th St, New York, NY 10011
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11 am–6 pm
More information.

 

Jackie Robinson Pool

Free

Believe it or not, this large swimming space in Harlem has been around since 1936! While it's since been updated, the Jackie Robinson Pool remains a summertime staple in the city. With a length of 235 feet, a diving area, and a kids' splash zone, it's a perfect place to cool off during the dog days of summer.

Where: Bradhurst Avenue and W. 146th Street, New York, NY
Hours: 11 am–7 pm daily, with a break for pool cleaning between 3 pm and 4 pm
More information.

 

Astoria Park Pool

Free

The massive Astoria Park pool sits just off the East River in Queens and offers an incredible view of the grand Robert F. Kennedy Bridge. Cool off and take in the fun energy of the area with a free day at the pool.

Where: 19 19th St, Astoria, NY
Hours: Closed for repairs for Summer 2023.
More information.

 

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