Summer is almost here. Grab a bathing suit, sunscreen, and some friends, but don’t worry about anything else—these pools have more than lounge chairs and chlorine. We’re talking bottle service, full menus, craft cocktails, grown-up pool parties, happy hours. Heck, there’s even a weekly “dive-in” movie series. Find your favorite pool vibes—for day or night, relaxation or raucousness—right here.
The Lafayette Hotel
Jump in with the hip crowd at the 25 meter long Weissmuller Olympic Pool open every day 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This historic North Park destination can be upgraded with private cabanas. Their Summer Pool Party makes a splash on Sunday, June 10 ($40; starts at noon). You may as well just make planning your summer simpler by getting a 6-month swim club membership for $350.
Pearl Hotel
Soak up the midcentury vibes—and weekly movies shown on the 10-by-13-foot poolside projection screen at this Point Loma favorite. “Dive-in theater” movies tend toward cult classics, shown every Wednesday at 8 p.m. Still to show this month are Grease, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and Space Balls. Work up an appetite with all those cannonballs? See what Charles and Dinorah is whipping up.
The Rooftop by STK at Andaz San Diego
The reflections of downtown high rises sparkle on the surface of the Seventh Floor pool at this swanky boutique hotel. There’s no need to go anywhere for food, as the adjoining restaurant can take of that. Or to seek nightlife, because the club vibes come to you on the outdoor deck with Sol Sundays; $10 for the public. Happy hour is Sunday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego
The Level Four Pool Deck & Lounge sports 7,000 square feet of lounge space to enjoy small bites, cocktails, and summer weekends full of DJ sets and live bands. Bring your game face for Saturday Jenga and corn hole showdowns, plus happy hour tacos; Sundays are for chilling with umbrella drinks and relaxing tunes.
The Pool House at the Pendry
This rooftop lounge in the Gaslamp Quarter features daybeds, cabanas, and an indoor/outdoor space in case the sun gets a tad too hot. Every Sunday at 1 p.m., Pool House Sunday pops off with specialty cocktails, fresh juice, DJ sets, and pop-up events. The lounge is free and open to the public. Weekday happy hour is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
5 Hot San Diego Pools That Are Open to the Public
Lafayette Hotel | Photo: Found Creative Studio
