Where to Cool Off in NYC: Pools, Rooftops, Ferries & Air-Conditioned Escapes

27.05.26

New York City is always a popular summer vacation destination with tons of outdoor markets, free outdoor entertainment, music and art festivals, plenty of sunny weather, and outdoor drinking and dining, but it’s important to know where you can beat the heat. As daytime highs average between 85-83°F (29-28°C) during the months of July and August, we’ve got a guide of the best places to keep cool: free public pools, rooftop oases, waterside parks, scenic ferry rides, and reliably air-conditioned destinations.

WHAT TO PACK FOR JULY AND AUGUST IN NYC

Sun protection is an absolute must for peak summer visits to New York City, so don’t forget the sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. If you need to grab some sunscreen during your trip, you’ll be able to find it at any pharmacy and most grocery stores and bodegas as well. For clothes, focus on light layers and breathable fabrics, and make sure any shoes you bring are going to be comfortable enough to walk a full day in.

View of Central Park outdoor pool in NYC during summer.

OUTDOOR PUBLIC POOLS

New York City has more than 15 public pools in Manhattan alone, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to enjoy a refreshing dip during hot summer days. Just remember, NYC public pools require you to leave the electronics at home. Most also require you to bring a combination lock, don’t allow alcohol, and enforce dress codes, so it’s best to check over your chosen pool’s rules before planning your outing.

Gottesman Pool: Opened in June 2025, this new Olympic-size oval pool that can accommodate up to 1,000 swimmers sits right in the middle of Central Park. Access is free, and there are lockers, restrooms, and picnic tables available on site. Daily hours are 11:00 am-7:00pm.
Hamilton Fish Park: Another Olympic-sized pool, this East Village favourite is anchored by a landmarked Beaux-Arts bathhouse built in 1898. Hamilton Fish can be less crowded than Gottesman, and it has some handy amenities like Citibike stations, loungers, and changing rooms.
Asser Levy Pool: Although a little smaller than Gottesman and Hamilton Fish, there’s still an outdoor wading pool and substantial outdoor intermediate pool at this free-to-access Gramercy Park recreation center.
Dry Dock Pool: Loungers, umbrellas, and cabana-style shaded seating areas are available at this pool that sports a vintage vibe. An intermediate pool and wading pool are on site along with a playground.

A refreshing watermelon cocktail from a rooftop bar in NYC, one of the best ways to beat the New York summer heat.

ROOFTOP POOLS & SUMMER TERRACES

PAID MANHATTAN ROOFTOP POOLS & TERRACES

Top of the Rock: An under 20-minute walk from either of our Fitzpatrick hotels, the Rockefeller Plaza rooftop treats visitors to 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline. On the 67th story, you can find sky-high drinks and light bites at The Weather Room.
Virgin Hotels New York City Pool Club: Daytime pool reservations are available for this energetic rooftop oasis, and you’ll be able to enjoy towel service, loungers, live music, complimentary Wi-Fi, and poolside food and drinks. The Pool Club is open from 8 am-8 pm each day.
Manhattan Park Pool Club: If you want an excuse to explore Roosevelt Island, you can book a day pass for this playful pool club that features a 60-foot-long swimming pool and a colourful, artistic pool deck designed by Amir Diop. The pool sits right along the East River and boasts unbeatable views over Manhattan.

BROOKLYN ROOFTOP POOLS AND TERRACES

Arlo Williamsburg Hotel Pool: This ultra-chic rooftop getaway at the Arlo hotel has a full poolside menu, pitchers of cocktails to share with a group, private cabanas and plush loungers that face Manhattan across the river. You can book a slot to enjoy the rooftop and pool on Resortpass.
Westlight: Brooklyn’s buzzy Westlight rooftop bar serves up fancy cocktails, light bites and more 5 days a week. Make sure to book a reservation in advance as spots can fill up during summer.
The William Vale: Poolside dining, covered daybeds and cabanas await you at Brooklyn’s Vale Pool. Day pass reservations for the Vale Pool can be made on Resortpass.

WATERFRONT COOLING SPOTS

Hudson River Park: The piers along the Tribeca Upland section of this welcoming green space have excellent skyline views, and the park has well-maintained boardwalks, flower gardens, and shaded seating areas where you enjoy the riverside breeze.
Gansevoort Peninsula: You may be surprised to find a stretch of sandy beach right in the heart of Manhattan, but this park across from the Whitney Museum of Art offers the chance to relax under an umbrella while lounging in an Adirondack-style chair. Misting stations are available to keep you cool and even sand-free after your visit.
Roosevelt Island: This 2-mile (3.22 km) long island is one of the city’s most unique summer destinations and has some of the most overlooked NYC waterfront space. Take the Roosevelt Island Tramway over the East River for bird’s eye views of the city, or enjoy multiple parks and green spaces like the 19th-century Lighthouse Park and walk the perimeter promenade.
Little Island: Art lovers won’t want to miss this artificial island park with futuristic, sci-fi appeal. Located between Chelsea and the Meatpacking District in Manhattan, this buzzy waterfront hangout even includes a few food and drink options.

AIR-CONDITIONED ESCAPES

MoMA: The Museum of Modern Art is a great place to drop in during the middle of the afternoon when the summer sun is at its peak. July exhibitions include a look at Tokyo’s famous Nakagin Capsule Tower with a fully restored capsule, Ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination, a Marcel Duchamp retrospective, and a selection of works from groundbreaking Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
The Met: With more than 2 million square feet of total floor space to explore, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the city’s favourite destinations for a little bit of air-conditioned culture and relaxation. July exhibitions include a broad look at Costume Art, Orientalism: Between Fact and Fantasy, Creatures of Myth and Imagination: Europe and the Americas, and Musical Bodies.
American Museum of Natural History: The museum is hosting World Cup, World Cultures: Celebrating the Community and Science of Sport which presents a series of special soccer and sports science events and exhibitions in tandem with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelsea Market: With 44 different food and drink vendors, 20 different shops and boutiques, plus art galleries and more, this trendy indoor marketplace is reliably air conditioned and serves up cooling treats like gelato. You’ll even get extra time to explore and sample food from June 11 until July 19 as Chelsea Market will be open until 1:00 am to accommodate World Cup watch parties.
Cinemas: Americans love to flock to the movies in the summer for a couple hours of air conditioning and ice cold sodas. For independent cinemas showing more artistic films, check out IFC Center or Film at Lincoln Center, and AMC Lincoln Square or Regal Times Square for the big blockbusters.

An NYC Ferry passing by a row of skyscrapers in Manhattan on sunny day.

NYC FERRIES AND BOAT TOURS

New York City Ferry: At under $5 for a one-way ticket, the NYC ferries are one of the most economical ways to explore the city’s waterways, and it’s easy to get to Brooklyn hotspots like Greenpoint and Williamsburg or even to Rockaway Beach. NYC ferries are equipped with contactless snack bars, restrooms, tables and charging ports to make your journey extra comfortable. With 6 different routes to explore, a ferry ride is one of the best family-friendly summer activities in NYC.
Staten Island Ferry: One of the best free things to do in NYC in the summer is to take a 25-minute journey on the bright orange Staten Island Ferry. The ferries depart from the Whitehall Terminal in lower Manhattan and sail into St. George Terminal every half hour year-round, and once you land in Staten Island, you can soak in the views of Manhattan or have a bite at the famous Nonnas of the World restaurant.
Circle Line Tours: If you prefer a guided boat tour, the Circle Line cruises are an excellent way to see some of New York City’s biggest landmarks. Departing from Pier 83 in Midtown, cruises include a 2.5-hour full tour of Manhattan, an up-close view of the Brooklyn Bridge, a trip around the Statue of Liberty, and even sails during sunset.

HOW TO GET AROUND THE CITY IN SUMMER

Peak summer in New York City means lots of sun and hot weather, so it’s a great time to be outside exploring all of what the city has to offer, but it’s important to build in breaks so you can cool off and stay hydrated. With more than 15 free public pools to choose from across Manhattan, paid day passes for swanky rooftop swim clubs, waterfront parks, ferries and boat tours, and air-conditioned museums for an afternoon of art and relaxation, there are plenty of ways to beat the New York summer heat in style.

Our Fitzpatrick Manhattan and Fitzpatrick Grand Central Midtown Manhattan hotels are great choices for travellers who want the convenience of being near all of Midtown’s best NYC summer activities, like more than 3 public pools all accessible in under 30 minutes via subway and air-conditioned art exploration at MoMA in under 20 minutes on foot.

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