City Dipping: 8 of the Neatest Places to Cool Off With a Swim
July 20, 2016
Staying in the city this summer and want to stay cool? Well, you could find an open hydrant. Or you could try something a little fresher—like a rooftop pool party, a spring-fed swimming hole or the world’s longest slip-n-slide. (Yes, that’s really a thing.)
Barton Springs Pool, Austin, TX
It takes a stone-cold chill to tame the Texas heat. This place delivers. A man-made dam transforms a spring-fed pool in Austin's Zilker Park into a legit urban oasis. No tile, no chemicals–just three acres of 68-degree water, surrounded by grassy slopes that are perfect for sunbathing. Pretty. Dammed. Cool.
Image courtesy of Ryan Oles on Flickr
Eldorado Swimming Pool, Denver, CO
Dippin' at the Eldorado has been a summer rite for Denverites since 1906. Actually, it's closer to Boulder than downtown Denver. But don't sweat it. With a mountain view worthy of a screen-saver, this spring-fed pool is worth the trip. Start with a hike in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and the artesian waters feel even better.
Oak Street Beach, Chicago, IL
Okay, it's a stretch to call Lake Michigan a "pool". Still, if you've spent the afternoon baking like a deep-dish on the streets of Chicago, this gem of a beach offers the convenience of a muni pool, minus the chlorine. Can't beat the combination of clean sand, cool water, and the Chi-Town skyline.
JIMMY, New York, NY
The James is a high-end Soho hotel that knows how to let its hair down. On weekdays, the rooftop pool with the unparalleled skyline view is for guests only. But on weekends, "JIMMY at the James" welcomes one and all to its Summer Pool Parties, featuring the city's hottest DJs and coolest dance scene. Reservations are recommended, so set a date, grab some friends, and enjoy some JIMMY dipping.
Image courtesy of JIMMY, New York
John C. Argue Swim Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Channel your inner Phelps at this authentic Olympic lap pool. Located alongside the Expo Center in South LA, this 50-meter pool was used in the 1932 Games (and the faux-coliseum facade makes you feel like a world-class athlete). Go for the gold with advanced swimming lessons, or bronze yourself at the smaller family pool.
Sellwood Pool, Portland, OR
Portland's oldest public pool (1910) has an Alpine motif because...well, who cares? It's better than the bathhouse vibe of the place it replaced. Sellwood has a unique slanted oval shape, with the 84-degree water ranging in depth from zero to seven feet. Kids of all sizes and ages (including 21+) dig the drop slide and spray features. Plus: Snow cones!
Image courtesy of Portland Parks and Recreation
Slide the City, multiple locations
This citified slip-n-slide travels like a rock star, touring urban locations across the U.S. and Canada all summer long. And it rocks an entourage, turning each stop into a daylong block party featuring live music. But the headline act is the tricked-out, slicked-down padded vinyl slide. At 1,000 feet long, it puts a serious thrill in your chill. (Check the site for upcoming locations.)
Image courtesy of Slide the City
Venetian Pool, Coral Gables, FL
Since 1924, Miamians have gotten their frosty on at this unique coral-rock pool. An underground aquifer supplies the water; the porticos, bridge, and lookout towers supply a touch of Venice. Waterfalls and caves amp up the overall ambiance to an 11. With its listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Venetian has the kind of old-school cool all those South Beach nightspots wish they had.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
Barton Springs Pool, Austin, TX
It takes a stone-cold chill to tame the Texas heat. This place delivers. A man-made dam transforms a spring-fed pool in Austin's Zilker Park into a legit urban oasis. No tile, no chemicals–just three acres of 68-degree water, surrounded by grassy slopes that are perfect for sunbathing. Pretty. Dammed. Cool.
Image courtesy of Ryan Oles on Flickr
Eldorado Swimming Pool, Denver, CO
Dippin' at the Eldorado has been a summer rite for Denverites since 1906. Actually, it's closer to Boulder than downtown Denver. But don't sweat it. With a mountain view worthy of a screen-saver, this spring-fed pool is worth the trip. Start with a hike in Eldorado Canyon State Park, and the artesian waters feel even better.
Oak Street Beach, Chicago, IL
Okay, it's a stretch to call Lake Michigan a "pool". Still, if you've spent the afternoon baking like a deep-dish on the streets of Chicago, this gem of a beach offers the convenience of a muni pool, minus the chlorine. Can't beat the combination of clean sand, cool water, and the Chi-Town skyline.
JIMMY, New York, NY
The James is a high-end Soho hotel that knows how to let its hair down. On weekdays, the rooftop pool with the unparalleled skyline view is for guests only. But on weekends, "JIMMY at the James" welcomes one and all to its Summer Pool Parties, featuring the city's hottest DJs and coolest dance scene. Reservations are recommended, so set a date, grab some friends, and enjoy some JIMMY dipping.
Image courtesy of JIMMY, New York
John C. Argue Swim Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Channel your inner Phelps at this authentic Olympic lap pool. Located alongside the Expo Center in South LA, this 50-meter pool was used in the 1932 Games (and the faux-coliseum facade makes you feel like a world-class athlete). Go for the gold with advanced swimming lessons, or bronze yourself at the smaller family pool.
Sellwood Pool, Portland, OR
Portland's oldest public pool (1910) has an Alpine motif because...well, who cares? It's better than the bathhouse vibe of the place it replaced. Sellwood has a unique slanted oval shape, with the 84-degree water ranging in depth from zero to seven feet. Kids of all sizes and ages (including 21+) dig the drop slide and spray features. Plus: Snow cones!
Image courtesy of Portland Parks and Recreation
Slide the City, multiple locations
This citified slip-n-slide travels like a rock star, touring urban locations across the U.S. and Canada all summer long. And it rocks an entourage, turning each stop into a daylong block party featuring live music. But the headline act is the tricked-out, slicked-down padded vinyl slide. At 1,000 feet long, it puts a serious thrill in your chill. (Check the site for upcoming locations.)
Image courtesy of Slide the City
Venetian Pool, Coral Gables, FL
Since 1924, Miamians have gotten their frosty on at this unique coral-rock pool. An underground aquifer supplies the water; the porticos, bridge, and lookout towers supply a touch of Venice. Waterfalls and caves amp up the overall ambiance to an 11. With its listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Venetian has the kind of old-school cool all those South Beach nightspots wish they had.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
