The Best Spots For Outdoor Swimming In Miami FL

It doesn’t have to be summer for Miamians to crave a respite from the sticky, humid weather of the tropics. So, from hotel pools to public parks, we’ve rounded up the best spots to go for a soak in Miami. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Freehand Miami

It doesn’t get more Miami than a dip in a hotel pool with a cocktail in hand, and the Freehand Miami provides just that. The pool at the Freehand hotel in South Beach may be unimpressive, but it’s a hot hangout spot due to its proximity to the local Broken Shaker bar that produces the most delicious craft cocktails. Drink, swim, and enjoy a little Miami sunshine.

Biltmore Hotel

The historic Biltmore Hotel, built in the 1920s and located in Coral Gables, features one of the largest swimming pools in the country. Roomy enough for a few laps, the sprawling 23,000-square-foot (2,137sqm) pool is done in polished marble and holds 600,000 gallons (2,271,247.07 liters) of water. Enjoy a swim in the glorious pool lined with classic statues and columns fit for a Roman consul.

Venetian Pool

Go for a swim underneath waterfalls and exotic cave grottoes at the Mediterranean-style Venetian Pool, located in the suburbs of scenic Coral Gables. The historic Venetian Pool, built in 1923, boasts Italian architecture made of coral rock and is fed from a spring that pumps 820,000 gallons (3,104,037.66 liters) of water into the pool daily.

McDonald Water Park

Float along the 1,000-foot (305km) Lazy River at the McDonald Water Park in Hialeah. The perfect antidote to the humid and hot Miami weather, visitors can plop on a floatie or enjoy a refreshing soak to cool down in the heat. The water park also boasts a wave pool with three different wave variations to keep things fun, as well as a water playground for kids.

Oleta River State Park

After kayaking along the Oleta River, put your paddles aside and venture to the park’s beach to enjoy a swim in the salty water. The 1,200-foot (366m) beach is set among the tropical forested area that also boasts mangroves, exotic plants and wildlife. Visitors can even book a stay in an air-conditioned cabin to enjoy a weekend of camping in the great outdoors without roughing it.

Rapids Water Park

With 35 water slides, a giant wave pool and a lazy river, you’ll probably end up with your ears clogged with buckets of water, but you won’t regret visiting. The largest water park in South Florida is a bit of a drive from Miami, but it’s worth it for a whole day spent tunneling through slides and soaking in pools.

Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground

Just adjacent to the Zoo Miami, this park encompasses 270 acres (109ha) of South Florida woodland and is home to a freshwater lake with a beach where visitors can swim. There are also hiking trails, bike trails and campsites for RVs.

The Raleigh Miami Beach

For those in the mood for a swim with a side of a raucous party, head to the Raleigh Hotel Miami Beach. Due to its stunning pool and party atmosphere, this oceanfront hotel is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Order cocktails from the pool bar, and relax in style with a delicious mojito.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.