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The Best of New York · Parks and outdoors · Pools and beaches

The best public pools in New York City

Updated September 2026. 13 places.

Summers in New York City can be brutal. In fact, 2022 was the fifth-hottest summer in NYC on record. So where do locals go to escape the blistering heat? Public pools!

Indeed, the concrete jungle has its fair share of swimming pools weaved into the city’s fabric. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation does an admirable job running 79 free public swimming pools, and there’s plenty more private pools in NYC.

Antonina PattizWriter and photographer · how I decide
Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

Best public pools in New York City, 2026

  1. Astoria PoolOther · Queens (Astoria)Unfortunately Astoria Pool is closed during the summer of 2023 for renovations.
  2. Indigo HotelHotel · Williamsburg, BrooklynIt’s not necessarily huge or flashy, but just being on that rooftop has a way of making you feel like a VIP.
  3. Lasker PoolOther · Central ParkThe central location (no pun intended) will make Lasker Pool one of the best public pools in NYC regardless of what it looks like.
  4. McCarren Park PoolOther · Greenpoint, BrooklynLines are to be expected, it’s one of the best public pools in NYC at the end of the day.
  5. Red Hook PoolOther · Red Hook, BrooklynFor these reasons Red Hook Pool is the best public pool in NYC.
  6. Sheltering Arms PoolOther · HarlemIt’s one of the best maintained public pools in NYC that has clean bathrooms and security keeping an eye on the lockers, tables and chairs.
  7. Asphalt GreenOther · Battery Park CitySince it’s one of the best private pools in NYC it does a great job upholding a level of care that public pools in NYC just can’t afford to.
  8. Hamilton Fish PoolOther · Lower East Side
  9. John Jay PoolOther · Upper East SideClean and well-kept it’s one of the best public pools in NYC.
  10. Marcus Garvey Park PoolOther · HarlemThe park is also home to one of the best public pools in NYC.
  11. QCNYOther · Governors IslandAn entry pass will grant you access to the different saunas, steam rooms and of course one of the best public pools in NYC.
  12. Riverbank State Park Aquatic ComplexOther · HarlemThis helps it remain one of the best public pools in NYC for families since you don’t have to break the bank.
  13. Sunset PoolOther · Sunset Park, BrooklynYou might be tempted to hang out under the shade of a tree but trust me, you’re not going to want to miss out on the refreshing fun.

On the map

Where they are

11 neighborhoods, Harlem and Queens (Astoria) most of all.

Harlem

Battery Park City

Central Park

Governors Island

Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Lower East Side

Queens (Astoria)

Red Hook, Brooklyn

Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Upper East Side

Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Best of New York 2026, New York Dearest

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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 Great Public Pools in New York City (To Beat The Heat).