This summer in New Orleans, we can expect to have about 20 days out of each month that average at or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (don't forget to average in our humidity). In other words: it's hot. Like, real steamin' hot.
If we are being frank, the only true way one can completely cool off in such atrocious heat is by completely submerging themselves in water. We don't really have oceans to dive into or anything, but we do have unique and accessible pools to cool off around the city.
Best New Orleans Pools
1. Cool Zoo
6500 Magazine St., (504) 581-4629
audubonnatureinstitute.org
Though it's not a pool, head down to Audubon Zoo, where the kiddies can run around and cool off. The Cool Zoo can best be described as a mini, animal-themed water park.
It includes a 750-foot lazy river ride, water-spitting snakes, spider monkey soakers, lion-head water cannons, and a giant alligator slide that dumps 400 gallons of water. Pool access is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Non-members can buy day passes for $38 (includes admission to the zoo) and member passes are just $10.
2. The Country Club
634 Louisa St., (504) 945-0742
thecountryclubneworleans.com
Wanna feel like a local? Find this secret gem. Located in the Bywater, The Country Club is known for its beautifully landscaped pool full of color, its Creole-Southern restaurant, and its award-winning drinks. You will find a historic cottage where yummy cocktails are mixed and served, as well as a cabana bar.
The pool hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Friday, as well as 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Happy hour is from 4-7 p.m, but if it's raining, the bright side is that they will then run happy hour all day. There are drag brunches and LGBTQIA+ festivities too. A day pass is $20, and all attendees must be 21 and older.
3. Above the Grid in the NOPSI Hotel
317 Baronne St., (504) 962-6500
nopsihotel.com
Located on the rooftop of the NOPSI Hotel overlooking the French Quarter, Above the Grid is a rooftop pool and bar. The pool area offers a variety of seating options available for reservation including VIP sofas, day beds, and causal lounge chairs. Food and drinks are available poolside, ensuring your relaxation while you enjoy the views and entertainment.
The pool is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. with food service from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. The rooftop also offers a happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
4. The Blackbird Hotel
1612 Prytania St., (504) 383-7500
theblackbirdnola.com
Offering an oasis in the middle of this energized city, the Blackbird Hotel's courtyard, featuring a pool and bar, is open year round. Heated in the winter and cool in the summer, the pool sits in a gorgeous courtyard with plenty of lounge space and gorgeous greenery. Limited day passes are available at the front desk on a walk-in basis daily, with potentially limited seating.
Handcraft cocktails and small bites are served at the pool bar daily from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering a space of enjoyment, delight, and relaxation.
5. Le Méridien Hotel
333 Poydras St., (504) 525-9444
lemeridienneworleanshotel.com
Le Méridien New Orleans spruced up its rooftop deck and its pool and rooftop bar, which are open to those 21 and older on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. At the Le Méridien, you can also rent a cozy cabana equipped with a TV, couch, and lounge chair.
Visit Teddy's Cafe for a refreshing treat Sunday to Thursday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sit back and relax at this rooftop pool in a tranquil, lush environment in the heart of New Orleans.
6. Maidstone New Orleans
3522 Tulane Ave., (504) 503-1060
themaidstoneneworleans.com
Head down to The Maidstone New Orleans in Mid-City for a dip in their recently renovated saltwater pool. It's just a quick stroll through the vibrantly decorated lounge to the backyard, where you'll find their pool and bathing deck decorated with lounge chairs and potted plants.
Featuring a green and white striped fountain, the Maidstone is a relaxing and vibrant space, offering craft cocktails and small food bites from local partners.
7. The Barnett Hotel High-Five Rooftop Pool & Bar
600 Carondelet St., (504) 900-1180
thebarnett.com
Do you like rooftop bars? High-Five is located on the rooftop of the Barnett Hotel on Carondelet Street. Soar in the clouds on top of the ninth floor and watch the New Orleans sunset from a cool pool. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with food service available between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
At this rooftop garden, delicious cocktails and small plates can be ordered at the bar and all attendees must be 21 and older. For children to attend the pool, they must be residing at the hotel.
8. The Pool Club at The Virgin Hotel
550 Baronne St., (504) 603-8000
virginhotels.com
Lounge atop the sun-kissed rooftop of the Virgin Hotels' The Pool Club and sunbathe to vibrant live music and entertainment. In the heart of Downtown New Orleans, float around enjoying refreshments, such as their signature herbal cocktails, and small bites alongside the charming views of the New Orleans skyline.
Mingle with friends at the indoor/outdoor bar and relax. Day passes are $40 on the weekdays and $60 on the weekends. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
9. Garden District Hotel
1525 Prytania St., (504) 383-9500
gdhnola.com
Recently announced, the Garden District Hotel will soon open a heated saltwater pool with the only swim-up bar in New Orleans. This stylish hotel pool offers shade cabanas, lawn games, and poolside events to ensure a balance of fun and relaxation.
Enjoy tropical cocktails and creative small bites in this up and coming paradise as you gather with friends for a special day by the pool.
10. Dew Drop Inn
2836 LaSalle St., (504) 948-3002
dewdropinnnola.com
Want to feel like a princess? Enjoy the reopened Dew Drop Inn. The historic and luxury inn offers an intimate music venue and boutique-style environment.
The renewed pool has a $20 pool-day pass, alongside the Haven patio. Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Drop in for a dip at the legendary hotel to escape the mayhem and heat.
