The McCarren Park Pool is a standout feature of the 35-acre McCarren Park, which straddles the border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Built in 1936 and now a designated historic landmark, the Olympic-sized pool has served North Brooklyn locals well since its 2012 reopening, especially during the sweltering summer months.
Swimming is back in Central Park, no need to sunbathe half-naked on the grass anymore. The ice rink has transformed into the Gottesman Pool, now open daily 11 AM–7 PM (closed 3–4 PM for cleaning). Admission is free, so dive in while it’s hot! There might be a line, but trust us, it’s worth the wait.
77 Cherokee Pl | UES
Photo: JOHN JAY POOL
The John Jay pool is a hidden gem in the Upper East Side. Located right on the East River, the complex features a 145-foot lap pool, a 60-foot kiddie pool, and even a small diving board. Make sure to get there early because the lines do tend to get long!
19th St & 23rd Dr | Astoria
Photo: Astroia POOL
Tucked between the RFK and Hell Gate Bridges in Astoria, this is NYC’s largest pool, with sweeping city views to match. Once a model project for the Works Progress Administration, it’s now a neighborhood favorite. Not swimming? Grab a seat in the surrounding bleachers and soak up the scene.
Houston St & Pitt St | LES
PHOTO: Hamilton Fish Pool
A true city landmark since the early 1900s, this pool isn’t just part of NYC history; it’s part of Olympic history. In 1952, the U.S. Olympic Team trained here en route to the Helsinki Games. Today, it’s a spacious and underrated spot for serious laps or a chill swim on the LES.
155 Bay St | Red Hook
Photo: RED HOOK POOL
Currently closed due to equipment issues but expected to reopen soon, this 1936 landmark pool is worth the wait. With sprinklers, wading areas, and basketball courts, it’s a neighborhood favorite. Don’t let the idea of traveling to Red Hook taunt you; it’s an easy trip from the IKEA ferry and makes for a perfect summer day of exploring.
Tiffany St & Viele Ave | Hunts Point
Photo: Floating Pool Lady
The only floating pool in the United States, this seven-lane, 82-foot-long barge docks in the Bronx every summer, bringing you as close as possible to swimming in the river without actually diving in. Swim for free on and in the water! Just avoid the daily 3–4 PM cleaning break.
W. 129th St & Amsterdam Ave | Harlem
Photo: Sheltering Arms Pool
Part of the city’s Cool Pools upgrade, Sheltering Arms now features cabana-style seating, greenery, and free drop-in fitness classes. With both a mid-size pool and a wading pool, it’s become a go-to spot in Harlem. Open daily 11 AM–7 PM, closed 3–4 PM for cleaning.
Honorable Mentions:
Asser Levy Pool
390 Asser Levy Pl | Kips Bay
Dumont Ave & Hopkinson Ave | Brownsville
105‑31 172nd St | Jamaica
99th St & 32nd Ave | East Elmhurst
E 124th St | East Harlem
670 Marcy Ave | Clinton Hill
4201 7th Ave | Sunset Park
250 Douglass St | Gowanus
6 Victory Blvd | Tompkinsville
Crotona Park | Bronx
