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 7 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.
Address: 1430 Rhode Island Avenue North West, Northwest, Washington, DC 20005
Availability: Pool only available to guests at the hotel
On top of The Ven at Embassy Row, you find a DC rooftop pool with lots of activities. Sunrise yoga, Sunday liquid brunch, pool party's and chilled bar hang out. From morning to late evening. The heated rooftop pool is open from 9am to 5pm every day of the week, while the adjacent Tag 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.
Free for guests staying at the hotel, but outside visitors can also enjoy elevated swims above Whasington with a day pass, starting at around $60. For an extra special day, book one of the cabanas. And during summer nights, tropical and refreshing house-made cocktails, signature spritzers, and tasty poolside bites are available to all at the rooftop bar.
Address: 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.
Address: 415 New Jersey Avenue Northwest, Northwest, Washington, DC 20001
Availability: Guests at the hotel / Cabana rentals
Opening May 2024, Vida Fitness in Reston is a 50,000 square foot wellness club, featuring two restaurant concepts, a full-service bar, gym, spa, salon, and best of all: a fantastic rooftop pool and lounge.
Conveniently located in Reston Station, within walking distance from the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, the 14th floor Penthouse Pool & Lounge does not only hold a glittering pool, but also 20 sun loungers and six day beds, perfect to enjoy a life in luxury.
From May to September, members and their guests can enjoy swims, views, fresh and seasonal menu items, a full-service bar, and VIDA signature smoothies.
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.
Address: 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.
Penthouse Pool & Lounge The Yards is found on the Southwest Waterfront, right between the Canal Park and the Yard Park. This is an excluisve DC rooftop pool and fitness center, only available to members and their guests.
Chic and stylish in setting, and surrounded with amazing views, this is a fantastic spot to enjoy a slice of LA above the US capital. The refreshing rooftop pool is complemented with comfy and luxurious day beds, which can accommodate a member and up to three guests.
In between the dips and the relaxation, you can also enjoy a fresh and seasonal food and beverage menu.
Open daily, from May through September, Penthouse Pool & Lounge The Yards is truly an elevated DC oasis.
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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