The best swimming pools in Miami for a break from the beach

Ian Schrager’s Miami Beach masterpiece has two separate pools, but we’re fans of the landmark Sundial Pool, part of the original property. The towering, Art Deco diving board from the 1950s has also been preserved and is now flanked by flowering bougainvilleas, rows of loungers and the pool’s namesake bar. Sadly, only those who stay at the Edition have access to the pool and its amenities. Open daily sunrise–sunset.

Retro, woven lounge chairs in sunny yellow line this hip pool that overlooks the bay. It’s exclusive: If you’re not a guest or member you must purchase a spa service with a value of at least $125 Monday through Thursday or at least $225 Friday through Sunday in order to gain access to the pool. (Day pass options are also available starting at $200 via ResortPass). But with an absolutely beautiful view of Biscayne Bay, great music and tasty food and drinks, it’s worth it. Open daily 9am–sunset.

The Fontainebleau is one of Miami Beach’s most historic hotels. Rows upon rows of lounge chairs line the oceanfront poolscape, as do luxury cabanas. Splash around in the signature bow-tie pool or one of the other ten pools, most of which are shallow enough to stand in and sip cocktails. With a pool area this big, you can either chill out and tan or party at the adults-only Arkadia Day Club pool. Open daily sunrise–sunset. For non-hotel guests, day bed passes are available to purchase starting at $300.

The Mondrian’s crescent-shaped pool sits on the edge of Biscayne Bay and offers a stunning westward view of downtown Miami. There is no shortage of comfy white lounge chairs from which you can gaze out over the water. Expect a DJ and an Insta-ready, rosé-slurping crowd on Saturday and Sunday when the trendy Baia Beach Club fills up. Day passes are subject to availability and start at $100 via ResortPass. We’ll take Mondrian’s lovely bay view during sunset over a beach view any day. Open daily 11am–sunset.

The Aventura property was majorly upgraded at the start of 2019, debuting its very own water park, Tidal Cove, as part of the extensive renovations. Among thousands of square feet of space you’ll find a 60-foot tower with seven water slides, a lazy river, a 4,000-square-foot kids pool, a VIP adult pool area and what’s being called the first-ever FlowRider Triple surf simulation pool in the entire country. Guests of the resort will have access to it all. For single-day access, become a resort day member or reserve a cabana.

Coral Gables developer George Merrick built the Venetian Pool out of a coral rock quarry back in the 1920s. Since then, it’s been host to pageants, the Miami Symphony and throngs of people looking to splash around in the country’s largest freshwater pool. There’s something for everyone: a sandy area for sunbathers, a waterfall, a grotto and several shallow areas for kids. Days and hours vary by season. Tickets for non-residents start at $17 for children and $22 for adults. Check the website for details.

The rooftop pool at this recently remodeled historic enclave in Coconut Grove is an ideal perch to take in the hotel's iconic architecture and the neighborhood's leafy skyline. An added bonus is poolside service from the SipSip rooftop Calypso Rum Bar, helmed by the acclaimed Lost Boy & Co. team. Highlights from the menu include potent cocktails like the frozen Blue Hawaiian, large format punches and classic snacks like conch fritters and smoked fish dip. Starting at $40 per person via ResortPass

If you're on a Four Seasons budget, choose from the Surf Club's two incredibly tranquil heated pools, both just steps away from the ocean. Lined with coconut palms, plush loungers and private cabanas prettier than most people's homes, the shady poolside oasis also hosts unique events, like nighttime orchestra performances serviced by the hotel's Lido Restaurant. Open daily 9am–6pm.

Though it technically has two pools, the National’s iconic infinity pool is arguably its most famous—namely for its use in everything from fashion shows during Miami Swim Week to Art Basel Miami Beach installations. For $45 via ResortPass, nonguests can get access to both pools (the second is a heated leisure pool) and towel service. At 205 feet, this is the longest infinity pool in Miami Beach. Open daily 10am–sunset.

Dubbed Strawberry Moon, the pool (it’s actually two parallel pools) at Pharrell and LIV founder David Grutman’s pastel-hued wonderland the Goodtime Hotel hosts festive day parties where the cocktails flow and the music is always on point. Shell out for an adorable pink day bed or cabana, or keep things more casual with a day pass for $50 via ResortPass. There’s an all-day Mediterranean-inspired food menu, too. Open Mon–Thu 12am–sunset; Fri–Sun noon–sunset.

Unlike the Surf Club, this Four Seasons property located in the heart of Brickell has a gorgeous pool that's accessible to the public (ResortPasses start at $100). The sprawling, two-acre pool deck up on the seventh floor was recently renovated and includes a main pool, a kids' wading pool and a very chill Palm Grove pool with swaying hammocks hovering above the water, among other luxe amenities. Open daily 9am–6pm.