Every kid’s first burning question when told there’s an upcoming family vacation: “Will there be a pool?” Sure, the location of your getaway is important, but the action when you get there counts, too. The best vacation destinations have something for the whole family: adventure, a comfy stay, and water play.
Whether you’re looking for an infinity pool, lazy river, or rope swings, we’ve got you covered on all the amazing resort and hotel pools. Here are our picks for the best resort pools, from east to west.
It’s hard to imagine a better way to start your morning than with waffles and an oceanfront view. At Carolinian Beach Resort, you’re treated to both. It tops our chart for one of the best pool resorts in Myrtle Beach, offering a lazy river, hot tub, outdoor pool, and smaller kiddie pool for little ones.
The Woods Resort and Spa looks like the perfect oasis for parents to indulge in, but don’t worry, there’s fun for the kids, too. This stunning indoor pool has a cool theater dome ceiling and plenty of room for kids to race and roam. The pool space also features hot tubs nestled in the corner for parents to supervise from, or sink into relaxation.
Book your stay at Splash Resort and enjoy undoubtedly one of the best resort pools in Florida. Splash Resort’s water park caters to every kid’s dream, including a dive-in movie theater, poolside BBQs, water slides, a lazy river, a splash pad, and heated swimming pools and hot tubs for the adults. Split the day between sandy beaches and swimming pools—it’s not a bad way to live.
Family friendly is what Waterscape Resort does best. At their awesome outdoor pools, you’ll find a rope bridge, a meandering lazy river, a 10-foot waterfall, three pools, a hot tub, a splash pad, and outdoor grills. Have an entire day of fun planned without ever leaving the pool.
Out in the deserts of Zion, you’ll find your own water park oasis at Paradise Village. The family pool includes a kids’ cove of waterslides, lazy river, hot tub, and concession stand. Along with the other amenities the village has to offer, endless fun at the pool ranks #1.
Powderhorn Lodge is an all-season hotspot. Along with a recreation room with games and air hockey, kids will love the hot tub, outdoor pool, and waterslide. Seek out your peace and quiet in Solitude, Utah.
If you’re looking for a poolside paradise, look no further. Your little ones will love stepping into the family pools, surrounded by tropical jungle greenery and a rock-face waterfall. If a dip in the pool isn’t enough, step just outside the gates for lava tubes and ancient Hawaiian fish ponds.
Make the most of your Maui vacation and find one of the best resort pools at Honua Kai Resort. Have your pick of three outdoor pools and five hot tubs, with additional amenities like a lazy river, water slide, waterfall and fountain features, and kiddie pool. (Did we mention a spa and poolside bar?)
Many resorts are pet-friendly—to narrow your search, browse our pet-friendly vacation rentals. Under “dog-friendly resorts and private communities,” you’ll find getaways at Patricia Grand, Blue Mountain Resort, Vistoso Resort Casitas, and more. Check the vacation rental description for pet-friendly policies and fees.
A couple of our best ski resort swimming pools are Powderhorn Lodge, The Inn At Aspen, and Lion Square Lodge, where you can have the best of both swimming and skiing.