Beat the Heat at the Best Pools in Boston
They're way better than air-conditioning.
It’s getting hot out there, and you’re probably currently reading this in front of an A/C or a window fan. But why stop there? Boston has a bunch of indoor/outdoor pools available to help you cool off, and you’re probably not making the most of them. From municipal pools that are easy to access to an outdoor oasis atop a luxury hotel, keep reading to find out where you can take a dip in and around the city and make summer a bit more celebratory.
Back Bay
If you’re looking for something chic, look no further than The Colonnade Hotel’s rooftop top aka “RTP.” Atop the luxurious hotel, and set 12-stories high, the rooftop pool offers great sights of the city and even small bites and crafty cocktails when you’re drying off. To get your toes wet, availability is based on a first come, first served basis Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday after 1 pm. Heads up that after 5 pm, pool visitors must be 21+.
Cost: $55 entrance fee
Fenway
The Verb Hotel is not only one of the coolest hotels in Boston, with a rock n’ roll theme and prime location right beyond Fenway Stadium, its year-round outdoor pool is also a perfect spot to cool off (or warm up). Plus, your odds of getting in aren’t too slim—the pool is open everyday from 8 am to 10 pm.
Cost: Day pass available for $40
West End
Boston’s largest outdoor pool belongs to The Clubs at Charles River Park, a fitness club that sits quite literally right across from the Charles. Featuring a children’s outdoor wading pool and on-site café, this is a solid spot for an afternoon swim. To get into the pool, you’ll have to purchase a summer membership, which could be considered pricey unless you plan to go pretty frequently. Pool hours are 11 am to 7 pm Monday through Sunday.
Cost: Adult summer memberships range from $445 to $560
North End
Another super accessible option, Mirabella Pool in the North End is a popular, but worthwhile spot as it provides some great views of the Boston Harbor. In order to get in, visitors must create a free membership through the Boston Center for Youth & Families (BCYF) by registering online. Swim sessions are approximately 90 minutes, with open swim available 12 pm to 7 pm Tuesday through Friday. As a heads up, preference is given to Boston residents, and if you plan to bring the kids, there has to be at least one adult for every three children under 12.
Cost: Free
Downtown
For those rainy days, waterfront luxury hotel InterContinental Boston has a gorgeous 45-foot heated lap pool available to non-hotel guests daily from 7 am to 9 pm. Whether you’re looking to fit in a workout or a much needed dip, this pool is a great choice to add to your list. Plus, as an outside guest, you can also book a service at their top-notch spa.
Cost: Day pass available for $65
East Boston
Another option for less than ideal weather, East Boston’s Paris Street Pool is indoors and available to the public for open swim 8 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday throughout the summer. As part of the BCYF’s network of community centers and pools, in order to access, you’ll have to create a membership and register online.
Cost: Free
Charlestown
If you’re bummed that Charlestown’s Clougherty Pool is still closed for renovations, you can head to the indoor pool within the Charlestown Community Center to get a dip in. As part of the BCYF network (so you know the drill on registering), the pool’s open 1 pm to 9 pm Tuesday through Friday and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday.
Cost: Free
Cambridge
You don’t need to book a stay at the Royal Sonesta Boston to enjoy its stunning indoor pool. Open daily (and year-round) from 6 am to 10 pm, the atrium-style lap pool has a seasonal sundeck to let the light in as well as a salt-based water system to make for a more comfortable swim. Plus the seasonal sundeck is an excellent touch. Talk about an oasis.
Cost: Day pass available for $25
Cambridge
Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool is an Olympic-sized outdoor pool open daily to the public for free from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm. We should also mention that it’s located on Magazine Beach, Cambridge’s second-largest park, so there’s plenty surrounding the pool, including a spray deck, walking trails, softball and soccer field, boating launch dock, and more.
Cost: Free
Cleveland Circle
Brighton’s Reilly Memorial Swimming Pool is free and open to the public everyday throughout the summer from 11:15 am to 6:45 pm, and it’s conveniently located along the green line (hop off at Cleveland Circle, Reservoir or Chestnut Hill Avenue). Chestnut Hill Reservoir is also right there so you can cool off with a quick swim after a few loops around the trail.
Cost: Free