The most beautiful swimming pools in the world are housed in upscale, ultra-luxury hotels. I’m sorry to tell you, my friend, but a dip in the finest freshwater pools will cost you a pretty penny. If not an arm and a leg.
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But I grew up in Missouri, where floating in lazy rivers and swimming in manmade lakes is common. I’m convinced that one popular watering hole, once a mine, is one of the finest places to attempt a backstroke in the world. It closed last summer after three decades of operation because, beautiful as it was, the owners didn’t install any safety equipment.
Here’s my point: Gorgeous swimming pools and watering holes abound, but you might not know where to find them, especially if you’re not staying at a swanky hotel with a rooftop pool. (If you’re after those, go to Miami! You can access many with a day pass.)
In honor of every human’s inner mermaid, let’s take a closer look at some of the coolest swimming pools in the country—that the average traveler has a chance to take a dip in. Remember, I’m not ranking pools based solely on beauty, but also on that cool factor.
Coolest swimming pools in the United States
Roman Pool in Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA
The coolest swimming pool in the United States is located inside Hearst Castle, called the Room Pool. (You can visit the entire mansion on a tour.) The exterior has a grand Neptune Pool that also fits the Roman theme, but it’s the interior Roman Pool, modeled after an ancient Roman bath, that steals the show.
Built from 1927-1934, it’s a lush, tiled pool with eight statues of famous Roman gods and heroes throughout. The small square 1-inch tiles create a menagerie of colorful displays that crawl up the walls and layer the ceiling. These tiles, called smalti, are infused with gold inside, giving them a literal glow that creates an unforgettably mermaid-esque feeling.
Unfortunately, the Roman Pool is usually closed to the public. You can book the space for private gatherings, but it’ll cost an arm and a leg. I’ve included this pool here purely for wanderlust. Now, onto the spots you can swim in more easily.
The Easton Rooftop Pool and Lounge in Fort Lauderdale, FL
What makes The Easton Rooftop Pool and Lounge in Fort Lauderdale so special, especially when Miami has a long list of enviable rooftop pools? The programming. The venue puts on weekly events that regularly draw in the ‘right’ crowd. As in, you won’t feel out of place, even if you’ve never been to a rooftop pool party before.
Aside from day passes for swimming and DJ sets for a little post-sundown dancing, The Easton also puts on yoga classes with a killer view of the downtown area and the ocean. Just a heads up: the swimming pool is saltwater.
The Tank at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas has some of the best rooftop pools and lagoon-style pools in the country. There’s one in every mega-casino, if not five or six. The Tank at the Golden Nugget isn’t the swankiest or the newest concept on the Strip, but it is the coolest thanks to one unbeatable feature. They’ve got live sharks, baby.
The pool complex has a 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium is housed right in the middle of the pool complex, letting you swim alongside the predators with a thick pane of glass between you. There’s also a slide that winds through the aquarium, if you’re feeling really brave. Plus, you can find a semi-hidden bar located on the third floor of the pool complex, aptly named the Hideaway Bar.
Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, CA
Post Ranch Inn is one of California’s most premier five-star lodgings. It’s located in Big Sur and overlooks the Pacific Ocean from a high, rugged cliff. On the cliff’s ledge, there’s an infinity pool that looks like it disappears into the Pacific’s deep blue horizon. While I’m trying to keep this list as accessible as possible, know that the Post Ranch Inn is a very pricey stay—but one that I think is well worth the price, if you’re in a position to splurge.
Sheraton Waikiki Beach in Maui, HI
Speaking of drool-worthy infinity pools, the Sheraton Waikiki Beach also has a famous swimming hole—one that doesn’t come with the same premium price tag as the Post Ranch Inn. This swimming pool has taken home awards for its simple, elegant design. It’s best enjoyed during sunset, where the pool’s water almost perfectly matches the ocean’s color.
The Peninsula Chicago, IL
Care to take a dip while staring at skyscrapers? The Peninsula Chicago is a five-star hotel that has a swanky indoor pool that’s located on the 19th floor. You’re basically at ‘eye-level’ with other major landmark buildings. The real cherry on top is the 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re living a Bruce Wayne dream.
Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, CA
The City of Santa Monica has a community pool and beach house that’s open to tourists. The Annenberg Community Beach House is located right on the beach and includes plenty of cabanas that you don’t need to pay for or rent. There’s also a splash pad, beach courts, a playground, and community programming that you can join. It’s easily one of the coolest swimming pools in a community center anywhere in the country.
Mountain Lodge in Telluride, CO
A heated pool at a ski resort in Telluride? That’s a hard-to-beat setup, as it is. However, the Mountain Lodge in Telluride doesn’t just have an outdoor swimming pool that’s heated throughout winter—it has dramatic views of the Rockies, letting you do the backstroke with mountain views as the gondolas pass by. Plus, the outdoor pool deck also has two hot tubs, in case you’d rather veg out.
Aire in New York City, NY
Aire is a spa that recreates ancient baths with stone-hewn pools and facades. I’m a huge fan of the spa and visit my local Aire in Barcelona often. (I was there last Friday night, in fact.) Though Aire’s NYC location doesn’t offer traditional swimming pools (they’re soaking pools), the moody, atmospheric setup is a must for anyone who wants to splurge a bit in the Big Apple.
You can choose from their Upper East Side and Tribeca locations. You can book access to the pools, along with other optional services, like hair treatments or massages. It’s the perfect place for a romantic retreat.
TWA Hotel in New York City, NY
Meet one of the coolest swimming pools in New England—one that comes with views of the JFK runway. If you haven’t heard, TWA Hotel is a retro-style hotel that’s located inside a defunct JFK terminal. It’s popular for anyone who likes kitschy ideas and/or wants to spend the night close to the airport. Or take a dip in a rooftop pool while watching the planes taxi.
