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.
And 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.
10 New Orleans Pools to Enjoy
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-member price is $13.
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, Creole-Southern restaurant, and 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...and bohemian.
3. The W New Orleans—French Quarter
316 Chartres St., (504) 581-1200
wfrenchquarter.com
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, one can enjoy a relaxing daycation by the W Hotel's courtyard pool oasis for $45 per person. This price also goes towards food and beverages.
The W occasionally hosts monthly "Dive-In" movie showings with complimentary popcorn. Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
4. The Roosevelt Hotel
130 Roosevelt Way, (504) 648-1200
therooseveltneworleans.com
Enjoy a day at the Roosevelt's rooftop pool that is open year-round. Take in the rays with the beautiful Waldorf Astoria garden as your scenery.
You can enjoy signature cocktails and frozen concoctions or grab a little something to eat at their seasonal bar (opens each March). While you're there, you can even rent a lush cabana that can fit up to six people. Adults $65, children $35, infants free. Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m daily.
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 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. The Drifter Hotel
3522 Tulane Ave., (504) 605-4644
thedrifterhotel.com
In more of a "pool party" type of mood? Head down to The Drifter Hotel in Mid-City. It's just a quick stroll through the modern and hip, decorated lounge to the backyard, where you'll find their saltwater pool decorated with lounge chairs and potted plants.
Fill your ears with hype beats when DJs are there on weekends to add to the fun. When the weather takes a turn and it rains, drink specials include house wines and beer-and-shot specials for $5. Don't forget, at the Drifter, tops are optional. Let me say it again...it is a topless bar.
7. Alto Rooftop Bar & Pool
600 Carondelet St., (504) 900-1180
acehotel.com/new-orleans
Do you like rooftop bars? Alto is located on the rooftop of Ace Hotel on Carondelet Street. Soar in the clouds on top of the ninth floor. It is open daily, Sunday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., as well as Friday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
At this rooftop garden, you can enjoy the pool as well as order tasty small plates to snack on and delicious cocktails. Happy hour is 3-7 p.m. All attendees are 21 and older, children must reside at the hotel. Only $10 per person.
8. The Virgin Hotel
550 Baronne St., (504) 603-8000
virginhotels.com
Lounge atop the sun-kissed rooftop of the Virgin Hotel and sunbathe to vibrant live music and entertainment. In the heart of Downtown New Orleans, float around enjoying refreshments, like 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. The Chloe
4125 St. Charles Ave., (504) 541-5500
thechloenola.com
Feel fancy, carefree, and romantic at this century-old historic boutique hotel. Enjoy their classic bar, sanctuary, and enchanting atmosphere. The Chloe will give you a feel for the antiquated New Orleans, as it will catapult you to the 19th century.
Located in Uptown New Orleans, have some festive drinks and bites as you splash in the pool. Catch some live music on the weekends too. The pool is open from 11 a.m to 9 p.m. and reservations start at 8 a.m. Prices are $25 per person.
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.
Audubon Zoo is hosting a themed 21+ Sip+Dip evening celebration at the Cool Zoo and Gator Run Lazy River every other Friday night. Featuring specialty cocktails, DJ Liz Owen, poolside bites, cabana rentals, and exciting games, adults can float the night away at this local summer getaway event.
