We call them swimming pools, but really, how often have you seen someone actually swimming in one outside of the local gym? Still, everybody wants one. We like to lay out in the sun beside them. They are the #1 feature every kid wants in a hotel stay (if video games are not available). Travel companies show them off during TV commercials. Annoying influencers pose in front of them. They’re elegant and inviting. We love them.

According to BonusFinder.com, searches for “Outdoor Pools” on Google have increased by 256% in recent weeks. They did their own searching for the most picturesque pools in the country from coast to coast. A list of 60+ pools mentioned in travel articles from Conde Nast, TimeOut, CNN, Thrillist and various other articles were used. Each was given a score based on how many hashtags or mentions used for each post on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

It is no surprise that many of the pools to make the list come from Las Vegas. Mandalay Bay Beach took the #1 spot. The picture-perfect pool at the world-famous casino is set across 11 acres including a 1.6-million-gallon wave pool to give that authentic beach feel where no natural beach exists. However, other spectacular pools can be found from coast to coast with some in less obvious locations like New Jersey. Here are the top 10 ten pools worth checking out on your next trip.

1. Mandalay Bay Beach

Mandalay Bay Beach at MGM’s Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, NV is amazing. It is the luxury resort’s 11-acre tropical oasis. Over 2,700 tons of sand was brought in from California to make up the “beach” which sits next to the 1.6-million-gallon wave pool. There is also a lazy river and lagoon. There are lots of options to unwind and relax as well including padded lounge chairs, round daybeds, shaded cabanas and the larger gazebos.

2. The Mirage Pool

Hard Rock International calls The Mirage Pool at Las Vegas’ The Mirage is one of the “favorite backyards on the entire strip.” It is another tropical-themed pool that winds around palm trees and waterfalls. Lots of premium seating around here as well.

3. Neptune Pool

Sadly, this is not one pool that you can actually swim in. Lined with Vermont marble and heated with an oil-burning system, the 104-foot long Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle in San Simeon, CA is one of a kind. Styled to mirror the Ancient Roman and Greek temples and featuring stunning colonnades, pavilions and Italian sculptures, the pool is worth visiting just for its architectural beauty.

4. Barton Springs Pool

Situated within Zilker Park in Austin, TX, the Barton Springs Pool is perfect for year-round swimming. Three acres in size and a depth of 18’, the outdoor pool is filled entirely with water from underground natural springs with water temperatures averaging 68 to 70 degrees. The beautiful pool is surrounded by tree-covered grassy areas as well.

5. The Tank

This one gets my vote. The Tank at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, NV is unique as it is situated next to a 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium which serves as a backdrop. It also has a waterslide that goes through the tank. Relax by the side with lounge chairs that actually sit in the water. The award-winning pool also features three floors of 17 private cabanas.

6. Glenwood Hot Springs

Glenwood Hot Springs in Glenwood Colorado is the largest hot springs pool in the world and may offer more bang for your bucks. The mineral-filled water is said to help relieve aches and pains, eliminate toxins and provide multiple other health benefits. Surrounded by the magical view of the Rocky Mountains, Glenwood Springs is open all year.

7. Sandbar Pool

Red Rock Casino, Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, NV considers its Sandbar Pool as the resort’s centerpiece. Covering three acres, the main pool includes and interactive fountain. Eight smaller, wading pools and two hot tubs encircle it. (Only the main pool is heated and open year-round.) The pool is also just feet away from Sandbar Grille for easy snack access.

8. Stadium Swim

Okay, this one is just nuts. The Stadium Swim, located at Circa Resort in Las Vegas, NV is not one pool, but six located on three different levels above the casino. Opened in 2020, up to 4,000 people can lounge here at one time watching their favorite game up on the 40-foot tall screen. The spot also contains 337 chaise lounges, 30 cabanas and 38 day beds. Open 365 days a year, the resort’s website says that it take 115 staff members to run this place.

9. Encore Beach Club

Encore Beach Club, located at Wynn Las Vegas, is a 55,000-square foot pool complex which connects to a nightclub known as Surrender. Not exactly the quietest pool on the strip, but it sure looks good with scenic gardens and fully-equipped poolside cabanas.

10. The Water Club

Located on the rooftop the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey, The Water Club features a 3,200-square-foot Roman-style pool. The pool is for guests 21 and over, so it is probably pretty peaceful during the day.

Runner Ups:

11. Caesar’s Palace – Las Vegas, NV
12. Harrah’s Resort Hotel & Casino – Atlantic City, NJ
13. Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas, NV
14. The Joule Dallas – Dallas, TX
15. Venetian Pool – Coral Gables, FL
16. The Cosmopolitan – Las Vegas, NV
17. Sagamore Pendry Baltimore – Baltimore, MD
18. Marriott Marquis Houston – Houston, TX
19. Sheraton Waikiki – Honolulu, HI
20. Caesars Atlantic City – Atlantic City, NJ
21. The Venetian – Las Vegas, NV
22. Loes Sapphire Falls – Orlando, FL
23. The Resort at Pelican Hill – Newport Beach, CA
24. Harrah’s Ak-Chin – Maricopa, AZ