Sometimes it seems everything in Las Vegas is a showpiece, and the pools on the strip (and even some that are off-strip) are no exception. They offer a place to cool off when temperatures spike above 100 degrees and a chance to keep last night’s party going, thanks to inventive cocktails and ever-present DJs. Whether you want to people-watch while sipping frosé, catch a (manufactured) wave, or watch the game on a 40-foot-tall TV, these Vegas pools have your needs covered. Some things have changed in the last year—some people may be a bit more cautious than they were before the pandemic—but the Vegas tradition of getting wet and wild (appropriately) is still strong. Without further delay, these are the best pools in Las Vegas.
Encore Beach Club
You don’t come to Encore Beach Club for a quiet afternoon in the sun. (If you want that, the main pools at Encore and Wynn are plenty peaceful.) Only head here if you want to partake in one of the best pool parties in Las Vegas, which are well worth the time, money—and inevitable hangover. Not only are the three tiered pools surrounded by towering palm trees and sexy daybeds, but the place also has world-class DJs performing during summer, guaranteeing you a bumping scene.
Mandalay Bay
Only in Las Vegas will you find an 11-acre artificial oasis in the middle of the Mojave Desert. The tropical-inspired complex at Mandalay Bay Resort, called Mandalay Bay Beach, is like a mini water city with every pool scene imaginable. Whether you’re looking for chill vibes, party pads, an exclusive hideout, or family-friendly fun, you’ll find it among the eight pools, three-story casino, lazy river, and white-sand beach.
Caesars Palace
The seven pools at Caesars Palace may have Romanesque architectural details, but the vibes are uniquely Vegas. Looking to play blackjack at a swim-up table? Try your luck at Fortuna Pool. Get an al fresco massage? Book Qua Bath & Spa’s poolside cabana. Tan topless? Mix and mingle with Euro types at Venus Pool. Totally chillax? Stick to Jupiter Pool. If you want to visit Bacchus Pool, though, you may be out of luck—the exclusive spot is only for high-rollers and celebs.
Boulevard Pool, The Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan has three pool areas that are among Vegas’ best, and Boulevard Pool, exclusively for hotel guests, is the largest. The multi-level pool has unobstructed fourth-story views of The Strip, along with cabanas, daybeds, bars, and poolside noshes. The public space is, in normal times, programmed to the hilt, offering fun brunches, evening film screenings, and even concerts that transform the pool deck into a raucous venue.
Park MGM
Much like the rest of the Park MGM Hotel—which is a boutique-inspired concept in what was formerly the Monte Carlo Las Vegas Resort and Casino—the pool scene is intimate and low-key, with greater emphasis on sophisticated sunning than debauchery. Three different pools each strike a different vibe: The North pool is for socializing, thanks to the poolside DJ and private cabanas; the East pool has an exclusive VIP section and dedicated lounge bar; while the South pool is the place to go for sophisticated pool fare like Acai bowls, spicy tuna poke, Impossible Burgers and of course, cocktails.