Best Pools in Las Vegas - Lazy Rivers, Wave Pools & More!

A key resort amenity, pool quality is oftentimes more important to visitors than the casino, guestrooms, dining options, or other ancillary entertainment.

While many come to Las Vegas to test their luck and rabble-rouse, others look forward to relaxing and soaking in the desert sun.

With that group of people in mind, I wanted to create a guide to help you identify the best pools in Las Vegas, both on the Strip and on Fremont Street - After all, booking a resort with a tiny, shaded, or dated pool scene could be a tragic miscalculation.

Although there isn't a "best" pool in Vegas (in my humble opinion), there are several solid contenders for that distinction.

Below are pools that I consider to be in the upper echelon.

See Also: Las Vegas Pools Open to the Public - For Free or a fee.

On The Strip

Mandalay Bay's Beach

Mandalay Bay's Beach pool complex has firmly entrenched itself among the best on the Strip. Why? How much time do you have?

What makes Mandalay Bay's pool spectacular is the diversity of experiences it offers. The 11-acre complex boasts a 1.6 million-gallon wave pool that churns out 6-foot-tall waves, a real sand beach, a jogging path, a lazy river, and 4 swimming pools.

Nothing beats a relaxing float on a lazy river the day after you "overindulged".

MGM Grand

Like Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand ranks among the top pools in Vegas thanks to the diversity of amenities spread across a sprawling 6.5-acre complex.

Notably, MGM's pool is open to the public, although there is a cover charge.

Encompassed within MGM Grand's pool deck are a 1,000-foot-long lazy river, 3 whirlpools, and 4 pools complete with waterfalls.

The environment has a tropical feel thanks to the abundance of palm trees and plant life, which serve as a privacy barrier and segment the pool deck into smaller sections.

Caesars Palace Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace spans 5 acres with pools on 3 levels.

The pool at Caesars Palace is open to the public and is free. Anyone can walk in and enjoy it.

Comprised of 8 total pools spread across the complex, you're sure to find space to stretch out and absorb some rays.

Like others on the list of top pools, Caesars earns mention not only for the expansive nature of its pool deck but for the sights your eyes feast on while lounging.

Nestled between hotel towers, Caesars does a fantastic job extending the resort's Roman theme and decor to the pool, creating a unique and differentiated experience.

Uniquely, guests have the opportunity to play swim-up blackjack in the shaded Fortuna Pool. Yes, it only pays 6:5 on a blackjack (Boo!), but being able to test your luck while being partially submerged is worth the trade-off.

Bellagio

Consistently recognized as one of the most luxurious resorts in Vegas, Bellagio's pool is also highly regarded.

With 5 pools and 4 hot tubs in a Mediterranean-themed pool deck, Bellagio offers a relaxing place to rest and rejuvenate before tackling the day ahead.

Although expansive, the pool deck is divided into several separate courtyards, creating a more intimate vibe.

Flamingo's GoPool

Flamingo's brand-new GoPool incorporates a waterfall and lagoons into a visually appealing complex that sits on the "rowdier" side of the "relaxation/party spectrum."

What I mean by that is... the music is loud AF.

My biggest knock against the new design is that there seems to be less water, and free seating is nearly impossible to find.

Smaller ancillary pools surround the main one, but those are reserved for folks who rented cabanas.

I didn't realize that and was promptly booted.

I didn't even try to dip my dogs into this one. It's also exclusively for cabana holders.

While "untz seekers" are sure to enjoy the GoPool, those who prefer a quiet, relaxing experience may want to look at other options, like Flamingo's "Family Pool", which is separated from the GoPool's chaos.

Anyone 21+ can get into the pool, even if you're not staying at the hotel.

Cosmopolitan

As one of the nicest hotel properties in Las Vegas, a top-tier pool experience is expected, and Cosmopolitan delivers with two distinct pool scenes.

Cosmopolitan's Boulevard Pool sits on the rooftop near the front of the property, providing views of surrounding resorts.

Boulevard is billed as Cosmopolitan's "upbeat" pool, featuring music and a festive atmosphere.

Adding to the pool's uniqueness, loungers sit on various levels around the pool, so guests can find the perfect amount of seclusion, sun, or shade.

Complete with a poolside bar and a jacuzzi big enough to fit about 25 people, Cosmo's Boulevard Pool is among my favorites in Vegas.

Uniquely, the pool deck transforms into a movie-viewing venue on select summer evenings.

Cosmopolitan's Chelsea Pool sits on the south side of the property and is designed as a quiet place to relax, free from the constant bass thumping.

"Chill" is the best way to describe Chelsea, which also remains open year-round.

Wynn

As you would expect, one of the most luxurious properties in Las Vegas also has one of the best pool experiences on the Strip.

Absent are the wave pools, lazy rivers, and sand beaches that draw the masses to other top pools in Vegas; Wynn excels at quiet, relaxing elegance.

Their main pool is shaped like a long barbell and is surrounded by privacy-enhancing greenery. It's just freaking nice.

Resorts World

Perched atop Resorts World's roof, the pool deck offers views of resorts like Wynn, Encore, TI, Palazzo, and The Venetian.

The 5.5-acre complex features 9 pools, ranging from shallow options designed for families to an infinity pool overlooking the Strip.

They even offer a kid-friendly pool with splash pad features.

Like other top pools in Vegas, Resorts World's pool area is spread out, separated by trees and cabanas, offering a more private, intimate experience.

Unique amenities include yard games like cornhole, submerged loungers, and even hammocks.

Fontainebleau

The newest resort on the Strip boasts an impressive 6-acre rooftop pool deck with a gaming area, 4 bars, 2 restaurants, and 7 separate pools. It's a classy scene.

Like The Cosmopolitan, Fontainebleau screens family-friendly movies like "Despicable Me 4" and "Avengers: Endgame" among others throughout the summer.

The show starts at 8pm, and non-hotel guests pay $15.

In the winter, the space transforms into the 8,000 sq. ft. Oasis Ice Rink, which offers fire pit rentals, photo opportunities, food, and cocktails.

The Venetian & Palazzo

With a combined 7 pools that match the level of quality guests have come to expect at Venetian and Palazzo, this combined rooftop pool deck ranks among the best in Vegas.

In addition to your "run-of-the-mill" pools, Venetian boasts 3 infinity pools and a splash pad. Palazzo offers a 1-foot-deep lounge pool. Both pools include several hot tubs and their own bar.

With a variety of seating options, you're sure to find the perfect mix of sun and privacy.

On Fremont Street

Circa's Stadium Swim

Circa's Stadium Swim has easily earned the title of being the best pool on Fremont Street, boasting a 143-foot screen that displays live betting lines and sporting events.

Although the screen steals the show, the pool itself is no slouch with 6 separate pools, 2 jacuzzis, and 2 swim-up bars.

Every one of Circa's 330+ loungers, 30 cabanas, and 38 daybeds all point toward the screen, so you'll never miss a minute of the action.

Circa keeps the water heated to a balmy 86 degrees year-round, so you can enjoy this haven while most resorts have their pools shuttered.

Although Circa, The D, and Golden Gate hotel guests have complimentary access to the pool deck, non-guests can access Stadium Swim for a small cover charge (typically $20, but it can be more during peak times/special events).

The Tank at Golden Nugget

Although recently dethroned as the top option on Fremont Street by Circa, Golden Nugget's Tank still packs a punch.

The pool itself is built around a 200,000-gallon aquarium that houses an array of tropical aquatic life, including sharks.

A clear tube waterslide juts through the middle of the aquarium, letting riders get up close and personal with the sharks.

You can get in, even if not staying at the Nugget, by paying a cover charge, usually $30-$40.

One of my favorite aspects of The Tank, however, is the poolside gaming. My wife and I have spent numerous late nights at their craps table, which is usually offered at a $5 minimum.

You can get in for free, even if not staying at the hotel, to gamble poolside.

If booking a hotel with an upper-echelon pool is a priority, you'll have a difficult time going wrong with any of the above resort options. Have a great time in Vegas, and enjoy your poolside relaxation!