For a place which sits in the middle of the desert, much of Las Vegas remains resolutely defined by water. Sure, much of that is metaphorical; pouring your money down the drain and drinking like a fish both come to mind, but geographically and architecturally, many of the highlights here revolve around h2o.
To think, the famous Fountains of Bellagio, the Caesars Palace Water Show, the gondola rides along the canals of the Venetian, and even the nearby Hoover Dam, all rely on water’s flow.
In a place where the hottest months see temperatures regularly reach 40°C and days with no rain, you’re going to need somewhere to cool off, away from the strip and tables. Fortunately, we’re now well into pool season in Vegas, with most major pools having opened in early March. The perfect time to enjoy these aquatic oases is upon us. These are those; our 7 of the best swimming pools in Las Vegas.
The Tank – The Golden Nugget
Ideal for swimming with sharks…
2025 Season Update: The Golden Nugget got an early start this year, opening The Tank on February 6, 2025, making it one of the first major pools to open for the season. By now, it’s been delighting guests for over three months!
If you’ve always fancied getting up close and personal with a fearsome shark but couldn’t quite face the whole cage diving experience, then the Tank at the Golden Nugget, Las Vegas, might be the one for you. Here, guests and swimmers share a swimming space (separated by glass, of course) with a 200,000 gallon shark tank and aquarium, replete with several huge, sharp-toothed specimens alongside schools of gorgeous fish.
While you rub gills with the sharks in the Tank’s shallow end, which connects to the aquarium, the real thrill here is found when taking the pool’s 30 foot water slide, which runs straight through the shark tank!
While ”Only in Vegas” springs to mind, interestingly this concept do actually exist elsewhere, including at Aquaventure, on Nassau Paradise Island. But still…
The pool complex also features the adult-only Hideout Pool for those 21+ seeking a quieter experience away from the excitement of the shark tank.
The Pool – Bellagio
Ideal for the adults looking to escape the ‘Spring Break’ vibes of some of the other iconic Vegas pools…
2025 Season Update: The Bellagio actually keeps at least one pool open year-round, but their full 2025 pool season officially began on March 1st. The adults-only Cypress Pool is now open, offering an even more refined experience.
Whilst we’d love to go frolic in the spray of the Bellagio’s record breaking fountain show, it’s generally frowned upon, so we’ll instead make do with cooling off in the resort’s Pool. Don’t let the austere name fool you; this is a swimming pool of class and sophistication, make no mistake.
What sets it apart, we think, is the laid back energy here; the music is set to ‘chill’, the conversation rakish not raucous, and there’s a distinct lack of splashing and lashing. If you want to ramp up the privacy, consider hiring out one of the Bellagio pool’s private cabanas.
The pool complex features five pools total, including two heated lap pools that maintain comfortable temperatures even during the cooler months. The recently renovated Pool Café serves fresh cuisine and cocktails throughout the day.
Beach – Mandalay Bay
Ideal for desert based beach time…
2025 Season Update: Mandalay Bay Beach is now in peak season mode this May, with all attractions fully operational including the wave pool and lazy river.
One of the world’s foremost famous aquatic playgrounds, Mandalay Bay Beach sits on 11 acres of prime Vegas real-estate, and is a mini-manmade city made of water.
There are eight different pools in total, including a 1.6 million gallon wave pool which can generate waves up to 6ft; try riding one of those after an all-you-can-eat buffet. For a slower pace, there’s a lazy river with a mellow current where you can gently float along on a rubber ring. Oh, and there’s also a beach with 2700 tons of real Californian sand – yep it is quite literally a beach in the middle of a desert; a weird concept, perhaps, but this is Vegas, after all.
This remains one of the most popular family-friendly pool complexes on the Strip, especially during these warm May days.
Garden Of The Gods Pool – Caesars Palace
Ideal for playing blackjack in a pool…
2025 Season Update: Caesars Palace kicked off their 2025 pool season on Saturday, March 1st, so by now in late May, the Garden of the Gods is in full swing with all seven pools operational.
Firstly, know that Las Vegas does have a winter of sorts, between November and February, when temperatures drop and outdoor pools aren’t open. For the rest of year, and peaking in August, you’ll find fun and frolics aplenty under the Vegas sun.
Let’s start in the Garden of the Gods pool, at the world famous Caesars Palace. Actually seven interconnected pools each with their own exclusive ‘cabana’ available for hire, and each rendered in a different style and level of boisterousness, the narrative thread is the Roman architecture; all pillars, statues of the Gods and other motifs of opulence.
In the Fortuna Pool, you can play blackjack poolside, with swim-up tables (complete with table service, of course) meaning you never have to leave the pool to have a punt and a pint. This one gives ‘card washing’ a whole new meaning, we think. Of all the big time gaming casinos on the strip and beyond, this is perhaps the most frivolous you’ll feel, even when the chips are down. It’s not as immediate as on fast withdrawal betting sites, sure, as you’ll have to leave the pool to cash out, but that’s all part of the fun, don’t you think?
The Venus Pool offers an exclusive 21+ European-style retreat for those seeking a more sophisticated poolside experience.
Boulevard Pool – Cosmopolitan
Ideal for meeting new friends…
2025 Season Update: The Cosmopolitan opened the Boulevard Pool for the 2025 season on March 7th, and it’s now at its liveliest as we head into summer. The Chelsea Pool served as the year-round option during the off-season but is now also fully operational.
On the fourth floor of The Cosmopolitan sits the sprawling, sociable Boulevard Pool, rendered as BLVD in text form. Boasting some of the finest views of the strip you’ll find while wet, BLVD is most well known for its hugely convivial atmosphere, where beautiful people come to mingle, make new friends and maybe even do a bit of networking, if that’s your jam.
During the summer, movies are shown on the marquee, and sometimes even huge concerts are held here, with the likes of Kendrick Lamar and the 1975 having graced the stage recently. The vast deck can hold up to 3,000 people, so if you’re looking for a party with fantastic energy, the Boulevard is your spot.
The Cosmopolitan actually offers three distinct pool experiences as part of their Pool District, including the more tranquil Chelsea Pool and the dayclub atmosphere of Marquee.
Encore Beach Club – Encore at Wynn
Ideal for the ultimate dayclub experience…
2025 Season Update: Encore Beach Club reopened for the 2025 season in early March and is now hosting its world-famous pool parties every weekend with top-tier DJs.
If you’re looking for the quintessential Vegas pool party experience, Encore Beach Club delivers in spades. This isn’t just a pool; it’s a 60,000-square-foot dayclub featuring multiple pools, daybeds, cabanas, and bungalows surrounding a main stage where world-class DJs like David Guetta, The Chainsmokers, and Diplo regularly perform.
The European-style bathing experience features three tiered pools that cascade into one another, creating a visually stunning aquatic playground. VIP bungalows come with their own private pools and dedicated staff, while the party atmosphere is electric from opening until sunset.
Be prepared for crowds and high energy – this is where Vegas comes to see and be seen during pool season. Dress to impress, as there’s a strict dress code, and consider booking a daybed or cabana in advance, especially on weekends.
MGM Grand Pool Complex – MGM Grand
Ideal for families and lazy river enthusiasts…
2025 Season Update: The MGM Grand Pool Complex opened all four pools and the lazy river for the 2025 season in mid-March, with extended hours now through May.
The MGM Grand Pool Complex spans 6.5 acres and offers something for everyone, making it one of the best family-friendly options on the Strip. The crown jewel is the 1,000-foot lazy river that winds through the complex – grab a tube and float your worries away as you drift past waterfalls, fountains, and lush landscaping.
Four large pools provide plenty of space for swimming and lounging, while private cabanas offer respite from the desert sun. The complex also features multiple hot tubs, a poolside bar and grill, and even a section dedicated to those seeking a more adult atmosphere away from the family crowds.What makes this pool complex special is its versatility – whether you’re traveling with kids who want to splash around, teenagers who want to float the lazy river, or adults who want to relax with a cocktail, everyone finds their perfect spot here. The tropical landscaping creates an oasis feel that helps you forget you’re in the middle of the Mojave Desert. But then again, why would you want to forget a thing like that?
