If you’re seeking a refreshing escape in the heart of New York—whether to break a sweat, unwind with friends, or simply soak in some sunshine—the list of swimming pools in New York offers plenty of excellent choices. Here’s an engaging dive into some of the best pool spots across the city, each with its own personality and appeal.
1. Astoria Pool (Queens)
Starting strong with one of the city’s crown jewels: Astoria Pool in Queens. This outdoor pool is impressive in size and setting—open air, full of light, and located right between the Robert F. Kennedy and Hell Gate Bridges, giving swimmers spectacular views of the East River and Manhattan skyline. (Secret NYC)
For those who want to combine serious laps with beautiful surroundings, this one ticks the boxes. Plus, after your swim you can explore nearby cafés or beer gardens in Astoria.
2. Highbridge Pool (Washington Heights, Manhattan)
For history + swimming, Highbridge Pool is a standout. Built in the 1930s as part of the WPA pool program, it features a large pool structure overlooking the Harlem River and the old High Bridge Water Tower. (Wikipedia)
It’s got character and views—if you’re looking to feel part of New York’s layered past while you swim, this is a great pick.
3. McCarren Park Pool (Brooklyn)
Over in Brooklyn, McCarren Park Pool is widely loved for its large swim area, great pool-deck space, and prime location bordering Williamsburg & Greenpoint. It’s lively and fun. (Time Out Worldwide)
If you swim there, plan to linger afterwards—maybe grab brunch or coffee in the neighborhood and soak in the Brooklyn vibe.
4. Gottesman Pool (Central Park, Manhattan)
Located at the northern edge of Central Park, Gottesman Pool is a newer facility and a fresh addition to the city’s outdoor pool landscape. It’s massive (hosted up to 1,000 swimmers at one time) and brings a modern vibe into the green flats of the park. (Secret NYC)
It’s a perfect option if you want to pair your swim with a stroll in the park—especially in a less-crowded, more relaxed area of Central Park.
5. Hamilton Fish Pool (Lower East Side, Manhattan)
On Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Hamilton Fish Pool offers solid lap swimming and is family-friendly too, with both large pool and wading pool options for younger swimmers. (Secret NYC)
If you’re staying in Manhattan and want a good mix of convenience + performance, this is the one.
6. Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park Aquatics Complex (Manhattan)
Quick bonus mention: this is a really good option if you’re looking for consistent lap swimming and perhaps prefer an indoor/outdoor hybrid. Located atop a park on the Hudson River, it has strong amenities for serious swim workouts. (Train Daly)
If you’re training or just want fewer crowds, this is worth considering.
Why This “List of Swimming Pools in New York” Matters
When you search for “list of swimming pools in New York,” you’ll find a wide variety from free public outdoor pools to indoor recreation-center pools to rent-by-the-hour private experiences. The key is this: swimming in New York isn’t just about exercise—it’s a slice of urban life. The pools listed above stand out because they combine good swim-space and character of place.
For example, many outdoor pools in NYC open seasonally from late June and run daily hours (typically 11 am–7 pm) until cleaning breaks around mid-afternoon. (Time Out Worldwide) Free access is often part of the deal, especially for outdoor public pools. If you’re planning a visit, arrive early and bring the required padlock for lockers—yes, the rules matter! (AWNY | Australian Women in New York)
Tips for Your Swim Adventure
- Bring the essentials: swimsuit, towel, water bottle, and, for outdoor public pools, a lock for the locker.
- Check opening hours/season: Many outdoor sites only operate summer hours; indoor ones may require membership. (NYC311)
- Pick your mood: Want epic views and skyline backdrop? Go Astoria or Highbridge. Want a more relaxed park-based vibe? Gottesman. Focused on laps and training? Riverbank or Hamilton Fish.
- Plan time after the swim: Many neighbourhoods around these pools are full of cafés, green spaces, and other local life—make it a mini-outing.
- Beat the crowds: Early arrival or weekday swims tend to be less crowded, especially at the popular outdoor pools.
Final Splash
Whether you’re a visitor spending a hot afternoon in the city or a local wanting to cool off and reset, this curated list of swimming pools in New York gives you strong options across boroughs and styles. From historic bathhouses to modern parkside facilities, these pools show that swimming in NYC can be more than just “find a pool”—it can be a memorable part of your urban experience.
Ready to dive in? Let me know if you’d like a map of all the pools, or perhaps a list specifically for indoor/seasonal options.
