5 of the Coolest Swimming Spots in the South

Summers across much of America are known for their long, sun-drenched days—if not for occasionally sweltering temperatures. Especially in the sizzling South, if you can’t get to the beach, swimming pools and natural watering holes offer a refreshing escape.  

Luckily, the region boasts a bevy of water oases that bring more than just relief. Many also come with standout features that elevate the entire experience. From one-of-a-kind hotel pools to hidden springs surrounded by nature, these Southern aquatic havens are worth a visit. Some are tucked within hotel properties and require an overnight stay, while others welcome the public for a small fee.

Horseshoe Bay Resort, Texas

At the AAA Four Diamond Horseshoe Bay Resort, just outside Austin, the air hums with excitement thanks to its unique waterfront floating pool. Opened in May 2024, it’s the first floating pool in the US, inspired by the iconic swim spots of Italy’s Lake Como. It offers the novelty of swimming on the lake without actually being in lake water. 

While this popular pool is reserved exclusively for resort guests, it’s worth booking a stay to experience it—along with the resort’s many other amenities. A short bridge connects the 70,000-gallon pool, which floats at lake-level on Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (commonly known as Lake LBJ), to the shore, where a sandy beach invites volleyball games and sandcastle building.

Guests can relax in a poolside lounge chair or reserve a daybed for an additional fee, complete with food and beverage service delivered right to your spot. Ice-water stations surround the pool, and a curated playlist provides a soundtrack for lounging. With water just 4 feet deep, the pool is ideal for a wide range of guests—from families with children to groups of golfers winding down after a day on the greens.

Fins Up Water Park, Georgia

Bringing a touch of ocean to the lake, the Wild Waves Pool at Fins Up Water Park offers a refreshing escape for families looking to cool off. The wave pool mimics the motions of the sea, inviting you to ride the waves or simply float along in a tube.

Located about 45 miles northeast of Atlanta, the water park is part of Margaritaville at Lanier Islands—an expansive resort that includes seven restaurants and various lodging options, from lakeside cabins to camping. But you don’t need to be an overnight guest to enjoy the fun. With the purchase of a day pass, you can access 13 waterslides and four adrenaline-pumping attractions, including the wave pool that delivers serious ocean vibes right in the heart of Georgia.

Rosewood Washington, D.C.

The indoor-outdoor infinity pool atop the AAA Four Diamond Rosewood Washington, D.C. is one of the city’s under-the-radar gems. Perched along Georgetown’s historic C&O Canal, the hotel is home to CUT Above, a classy rooftop venue. Just beyond it lies the exclusive guest-only pool.

With its minimalist design and calming atmosphere, the quiet pool reflects the hotel’s wellness-forward philosophy. A flickering fireplace adds a cozy touch, perfect for lingering on cooler evenings. But the real showstopper is the exhilarating view: From the water, enjoy sweeping vistas of Georgetown, the Potomac River, and the Washington Monument. It’s especially stunning at sunset, making it one of the most scenic hotel pools in the Nation’s Capital.

Blue Hole Falls, Tennessee

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the refreshing escape offered by this beloved spring-fed swimming hole tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains near Elizabethton in Carter County (elevation 2,240 feet). A natural gem, Blue Hole Falls is the third in a series of four cascading waterfalls in the area, and its vibrant sapphire-blue pool invites a cool dip on a hot day. 

Located near the Appalachian Trail and surrounded by the lush, wooded scenery of Cherokee National Forest, the pool is about 15 feet deep at its center. With pretty wildflowers in spring and vibrant foliage in fall, it’s a scenic spot for hikers, photographers, and families alike. It’s a less than half-mile hike from Panhandle Road, where a small gravel lot provides convenient parking.

National Hotel Miami Beach, Florida 

The adults-only, AAA Four Diamond National Hotel Miami Beach shimmers with elegance. It’s also home to what’s widely considered the longest infinity pool in South Beach. Measuring a whopping 205 feet, the pool’s sheer scale creates a surprising sense of intimacy, as guests can spread out along its length in peace and comfort.

The feel-good vibes at this fashionable Art Deco hotel—set along Miami’s iconic boardwalk—are enhanced by swaying palm trees and attentive service, with staff offering fresh towels and colorful cocktails. With soulful views of water seemingly melting into the horizon, you may find it hard to tear yourself away—even for a stroll to the property’s private beach, just steps away.

Not a hotel guest? No problem. Day passes are available, offering access to this unforgettable oasis for those craving a stylish and restorative escape.

Whether you're a traveler or a local, these top swimming spots in the South offer cool relief with character—making each dip refreshingly fun.