If you’ve got a long stay in NYC during the summer, think about spending an afternoon poolside. It’s not an obvious New York flex but you’ve got real options at every price point, from free to “treat yo self.” Here are our favorites and what you need to know before you go.

The most NEW YORK/Local vibe: public pools

All of NYC’s outdoor public pools are free and open through September 13, 2026, daily from 11am to 7pm, with a 3pm to 4pm break every day for cleaning. Here are three worth knowing:

Astoria Pool is the closest one to us, a quick ride away in Astoria Park. It’s a real lap pool with real depth, less chill energy and more actually swim.

McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg runs 11am to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm daily, same cleaning break as everywhere else. Fun fact: this pool was closed for many years and ran a series of indie concerts in the aughts. You can easily get to McCarren Park Pool by taking the G train from Court Square three stops to Nassau. Did one of your favorite bands happen to play here?

Gottesman Pool (most people still call it Lasker) sits inside Central Park near the Harlem Meer, same free admission, same daily schedule. It can get a little scene-y on the weekends but feels like a secret treat on weekdays.

Before you go, know the rules, because NYC Parks enforces them:

• Bring a combination padlock. You’ll need it for a locker, no lock means no way to secure your stuff, and there isn’t always one to borrow.
• Men need actual swim trunks with a mesh liner. Basketball shorts or cutoffs generally don’t fly.
• No phones, food, glass, or newspapers on the pool deck. Anything like that has to stay locked up in your locker.
• No bags, chairs, strollers, blankets, or beach balls on deck, and no sneakers deck-side either.
• Everyone showers before getting in.

Hours and specifics can shift over the course of the summer, so it’s worth a quick check of the official pool rules page before you head out.

The private way: day passes at hotels or spas

If you want fewer people and more amenities, day passes to private pools are the way to go.

ResortPass is the easiest way in: it’s a platform for booking day access to hotel pools, spas, and lounges without staying overnight. Passes in New York start around $25. You search by city on their site, pick a hotel, book a time slot, and check in at the front desk when you arrive. What you actually get, pool only versus pool plus gym and spa, depends entirely on which hotel you book, so read the listing before you buy.

Two spots worth the splurge:

Bathhouse Williamsburg has the largest rooftop pool in the city, with skyline views to match. Day passes start around $39 to $40 depending on the day and time, booked directly through their site, first-come first-served, or reserve a daybed or lounge chair if you want guaranteed seating.

QC NY on Governors Island is the full production: an outdoor infinity spa with harbor views, a short ferry ride from Manhattan. Day passes start around $98 on weekdays and can run up to $178 on weekends, and the ticket includes your round-trip ferry.

When all else fails

Grab a chair on our rooftop, buy yourself a misting spray bottle, and enjoy the view of the Queensboro Bridge!