Places To Take A Dip: Dive into the City’s Swim Spots
It’s about to get hot…I mean, really, really hot! And when the mercury climbs to scorching heights in Houston, Texas, seeking refuge from the relentless summer sun becomes a top priority. While air conditioning is undeniably delightful, sometimes you must leave the house and venture outside. As an avid urban explorer and a connoisseur of offbeat adventures, I’ve scoured our concrete metropolis to uncover a few refreshing places to take a dip. Join me as I embark on a watery exploration of Houston and its nearby swim spots that will make you forget the sweltering summer and dive right into bliss.
Hotels with Pool Day Pass
If you’re looking to cool off in inner-city Houston by swimming in a freshwater lake, you’re out of luck. But don’t worry; these hotels have some of the most fantastic pools in the city!
If you’re searching for an elevated swimming experience, your quest ends at the Omni Houston Hotel Galleria in Uptown. This exquisite destination boasts not just one but two outdoor pools, offering a touch of luxury to your aquatic endeavors. To enhance your indulgence, the Birdies Café and Bar serve delightful cocktails and delectable cuisine poolside.
Rates:
Adult day pass $50
VIP day pass $150.
Known for its Texas-shaped lazy river rooftop infinity pool and whirlpool, the pool at Marriott Marquis is a stunning oasis in the heart of the city. Located on the sixth floor, this rooftop pool offers breathtaking views of downtown Houston while providing a serene and luxurious atmosphere for guests to relax and unwind. It’s first come, first serve, so come early.
Rate:
Adult day pass: $75
- Heights Hotel
The Heights Hotel offers a unique vintage charm and a trendy hipster atmosphere. While not the fanciest of the hotel pools on the list, the hotel’s bar and restaurant, Space Cowboy, serves up refreshing tropical cocktails and mouthwatering island bites that will make up for it’s tiny size. The hotel’s ground-floor courtyard features a fantastic pool surrounded by cozy cabanas and a small patio with lush green spaces and comfortable lounge furniture. To top it off, a lovely canopy area provides covered outdoor seating. The best part? Typically, a day pass costs $20, but they’re currently running an exciting promotion until the end of June, allowing you to enjoy all these amenities for free.
Rates:
Free- In June
July and beyond $20
Relax at Four Seasons Houston’s rooftop pool, offering breathtaking views of Downtown skyscrapers. Enjoy hot tub access and food service from Pool Deck Cafe. Upgrade to Cabana Suite (up to 4 people) with private poolside suite, patio, bed, and bathroom from 10am to 6pm.
Rates:
$50 for ages 3 and up, free for ages under 3.
Cabana Suite: $350
The 24th-floor indoor infinity pool at Hilton Americas offers skyline views and is perfect for lap swimming enthusiasts. It’s the ideal year-round option, even on rainy or scorching hot days. Just $30 for the day pass, providing access to the oversized whirlpool, steam room, sauna, fitness center, and outdoor terrace from 9 am to 7 pm daily!
Rate:
Adult Day pass $30
Fun with the Kids
If you’re in Houston and looking to keep your kids entertained in a pool without breaking the bank, why not skip the expenses and visit one of Houston’s free public pools? The City of Houston has recently unveiled its summer pool schedule for 2023, perfectly timed for one of the hottest weekends we’ve experienced this year
When the Texas sun is at its fiercest, a water park may be just the ticket for an exhilarating aquatic adventure. Welcome to SplashTown Houston, the city’s beloved water playground. Embrace your inner child as you zip down thrilling slides, brave raging wave pools, or float lazily along the lazy river. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a relaxing float, SplashTown promises a day filled with laughter, wetness, and endless splashes of joy.
A Short Drive Away
Just 60 miles west of downtown Houston in Huntsville lies the Blue Lagoon, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The crystal-clear turquoise waters make you question if you’ve been transported to a tropical paradise. Soak up the sun, dive into the invigorating waters, and let your worries drift away. It only allows a limited amount of people in a day, with divers getting the first priority, so come early.
Entry fee
Rates for Divers — $25.00 per person
Rates for Non Divers – $30.00 per person (10 years and up)
Rates for children – $10.00 per person (9 years and under)
- Sylvan Beach Park:
Escape the concrete jungle and venture southeast to La Porte, where Sylvan Beach Park awaits. Situated on the shores of Galveston Bay, this beachfront park offers a sandy respite with calm waters for swimming. Dip your toes in the warm Gulf Coast waves or take a leisurely swim while enjoying views of passing ships and the vast expanse of the bay. A beach day here is a nostalgic journey to simpler times, where the worries of everyday life melt away with each gentle splash.
Although there may be better destinations for avid swimmers, Peach Creek at Lake Houston Wilderness Park offers a refreshing escape from the heat (despite any skepticism regarding its inclusion on a list of Houston area swimming spots). The shallow waters of Peach Creek provide a pleasant environment for cooling off, while kids can enjoy the thrill of splashing around and swinging from the tree swings scattered along the creek.
Entry fee
$3 for ages 13 and up.
Whether you’re looking to stay in Houston or take a short drive, there are many great swimming options. With incredible hotel pools and spots specifically catered to families with young children, it’s easy to find the perfect place to take a dip. If you decide to check out any swim spots, let me know if you enjoyed them or would like to add something to the list.
