Cool off at the best swimming pools in Miami

Ian Schrager’s Miami Beach masterpiece has two separate pools, but we’re fans of the landmark Sundial Pool, part of the original property. The towering, Art Deco diving board from the 1950s has also been preserved and is now flanked by flowering bougainvilleas, rows of loungers and the pool’s namesake bar. Sadly, only those who stay at the Edition have access to the pool and its amenities. Open daily sunrise–sunset.

Retro, woven lounge chairs in sunny yellow line this hip pool that overlooks the bay. It’s exclusive: If you’re not a guest or member you must purchase a spa service with a value of at least $125 Monday through Thursday or at least $225 Friday through Sunday in order to gain access to the pool. But with an absolutely beautiful view of Biscayne Bay, great music and tasty food and drinks, it’s kind of worth it. Open Mon–Thu, Sun 8am–10pm, Fri–Sat 8am–midnight.

The Fontainebleau is one of Miami Beach’s most historic hotels. Rows upon rows of lounge chairs line the oceanfront poolscape, as do luxury cabanas. Splash around in the signature bow-tie pool or one of the other ten pools, most of which are shallow enough to stand in and sip cocktails. With a pool area this big, you can either chill out and tan or party at the adults-only Arkadia Day Club pool. Open daily sunrise–sunset. $50, available to purchase via the pool hut.

Coral Gables developer George Merrick built the Venetian Pool out of a coral rock quarry back in the 1920s. Since then, it’s been host to pageants, the Miami Symphony and throngs of people looking to splash around in the country’s largest freshwater pool. There’s something for everyone: a sandy area for sunbathers, a waterfall, a grotto and several shallow areas for kids. Hours vary by season. Tickets for non-residents start at $16. Check the website for details.

The Confidante is a super pretty little Art Deco paradise. Both pools are heated, located side by side and identical in size. Rent a private cabana if you want to ball out or just grab a day pass ($10–$55 depending on the day of the week). All that swimming is going to work up an appetite, and the Confidante’s poolside restaurant, The Backyard, serves some of the city’s best truffle mac and cheese via a collaboration with local favorite House of Mac. Open daily sunrise–sunset.

Though it technically has two pools, the National’s iconic infinity pool is arguably its most famous—namely for its use in everything from fashion shows during Miami Swim Week to Art Basel Miami Beach installations. For $45, nonguests can get access to both pools (the second is a heated leisure pool) and towel service. At 205 feet, this is the longest infinity pool in Miami Beach. Open daily sunrise–sunset.

Dubbed Strawberry Moon, the pool (it’s actually two parallel pools) at Pharrell and LIV founder David Grutman’s pastel-hued wonderland the Goodtime Hotel hosts festive day parties where the cocktails flow and the music is always on point. Shell out for an adorable pink day bed or cabana, or keep things more casual with a day pass for $75. There’s an all-day Mediterranean-inspired food menu, too. Open Mon–Thu 11am–sunset; Fri–Sun noon–sunset.

You'll need to be a guest of EAST, Miami to make use of its four swimming pools. Once in, you'll get to lounge beneath brightly colored cabanas and lounge chairs, order poolside snacks and drinks from the property's Uruguayan restaurant Quinto La Huella and soak up some rays high above Downtown. One of Miami’s best rooftop bars, Sugar, is just a short elevator ride away. Open daily sunrise–sunset.

Guests of the historic Biltmore Hotel won’t find a more relaxing oasis in the city than this. The storied locale was a favorite of “Hollywood Mermaid” Esther Williams, who frequently performed water shows at the hotel, and was where the original Tarzan served as a lifeguard. It’ll take you, like, 45-minutes to swim from end to end in this 23,000-square-foot monster pool. Open daily 6:30am–8pm.

The pool experience at this coveted wellness resort is already a pretty great sell: On the breezy rooftop deck, shades of blue and white blend seamlessly into sprawling views of the Atlantic over a quieter northern stretch of Miami Beach. A $99 day pass here also includes access to the whirlpool and the full thermal experience at the spa (think steam rooms, rain showers and Miami’s only igloo). When you want to zen out, there’s simply no better place to go. Open daily Sunrise–Sunset.

The Mondrian’s crescent-shaped pool sits on the edge of Biscayne Bay and offers a stunning westward view of downtown Miami. There is no shortage of comfy white lounge chairs from which you can gaze out over the water. Expect a DJ and an Insta-ready, rosé-slurping crowd on Saturday and Sunday when the trendy new Baia Beach Club fills up. Day passes are subject to availability and cost $50–$100 depending on the day of the week. We’ll take Mondrian’s lovely bay view during sunset over a beach view any day. Open daily sunrise–sunset.