When visiting the capital of United States, the first thing you think about may not be swimming pools. But the fact is that there are quite a few nice rooftop pools in Washington DC.
A Washington DC rooftop pool can be a saviour when the hot summer days arrive, allowing you to stay refreshed while taking in the beautiful city from a bird's eye view. Many of the DC rooftop pools are located at hotels, with a sophisticated, exclusive and relaxed atmosphere. But there are also some rooftop pools DC has to offer with a cool party feeling.
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Here’s our list of the 6 best rooftop pools in Washington DC
An urban oasis, perched on top of the modern boutique hotel Viceroy Washington DC in Logan Circle. This magnificent roof terrace offers the hotel guests lounging sessions, a lovely rooftop swimming pool and dazzling views over the DC skyline.
Exclusive during daytime, but after 5pm the rooftop bar opens up to the public, where you are welcome to enjoy classic cocktails in a party friendly atmosphere.
This rooftop can also be rented for private events and such. One of the most popular rooftop pools Washington DC has to offer.
Adress: 1430 Rhode Island Avenue North West, Northwest, Washington, DC 20005
Availability: Pool only available to guests at the hotel
A rooftop pool in Washington with a lot of activities. Sunrise yoga, Sunday liquid brunch and chilled bar hang out. From early morning to late evening. The heated rooftop pool is open from 7am to 6pm every day of the week, while the adjacent rooftop bar is open later in the evening.
Set among all the historic embassies, the rooftop terrace is both stylish and colorful. Up here you get some lovely views over the DC rooftops.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, the hungry ones can enjoy poolside barbeque beginning from 5pm. A daily pass at The Ven at Embassy Row rooftop costs about $30 and includes a lot of nice amenities.
Adress: 2015 Massachusetts Avenue NorthWest, Northwest, Washington, DC 20036
Availability: Free for guests at the hotel / Day Pass non-guests
Capitol Hill’s only open-air rooftop bar and the largest rooftop pool in Washington. Yotel Washington DC truly has a lot to brag about. The pool is open from late May through early September.
Stylish, lush and modern in setting, the rooftop terrace is a relaxing oasis, right in the heart of the city. For the hungry and thirsty ones, the rooftop bar serves drinks and tasty bar bites such as classic sandwiches and more dessert like dishes.
Like many other DC rooftop pools, Yotel Washington DC offers private cabanas for $150 - $250. Perfect if you want to get extra comfy and luxurious.
Adress: 415 New Jersey Avenue Northwest, Northwest, Washington, DC 20001
Availability: Guests at the hotel / Cabana rentals
This is a DC rooftop pool and fitness center only available for members. Or actually two rooftop pools, similar in setting but with two different locations. Penthouse Pool & Lounge U Street is located in the center of Washington, while Penthouse Pool & Lounge The Yards is found on the Southwest Waterfront, right between the Canal Park and the Yard Park.
Chic and stylish in setting, both locations offer a slice of LA to the US capital. The refreshing rooftop pools are complemented with luxurious private cabans. These can be rented for $250, and comes with HDTV.
The rooftop bar serves healthy food, with focus on fresh berries and fruits, along with refreshing drinks. Grab a frozen cocktail, put your feet in the rooftop pool and just relax.
Adress:
U STREET - 1612 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
THE YARDS - 1212 4th Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Availability: Members / Cabana rentals
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the fantastic rooftop pool at Hotel Zena is in full swing. The rooftop swimming pool is quite small, but still very luxurious. And it is complemented with stylish and comfy sun loungers and some really cool views over Washington DC.
One of the most classic and most popular rooftop pools in Washington DC, but with a recent refurb and new name (used to be the Donovan Hotel). The pool and rooftop is open from early morning to late night, and during daytime it is an exclusive oasis for guests staying at the hotel.
Adress: 1155 14th Street Northwest, Northwest, Washington, DC 20005
Availability: Only guests at the hotel
This hot and trendy InterContinental hotel is situated along the equally hot and trendy The Warf district. Here you find a dual rooftop setting, with both the stylish 12 Stories rooftop bar, and the rooftop pool & bar WAVES.
While 12 Stories is available to all, WAWES is exclusive for in-house hotel guests to enjoy both swimming and dining with amazing views over the Potomac River.
Open during the summer season, here you can spend a full day swimming above the river and lounging under the DC sun, or visit at night for poolside bites and signature cocktails, served with a side of sunset views.
Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.
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