Now that we’re well into the dog days of summer, here are five of the hottest places to relax poolside in D.C.
The pool and lounge are open May through September and are strictly 21+. There are weekend, weekday and evening passes as well as cabana and day bed rentals. The pool is located on the roof of the U Street Vida Fitness. Expect to see lots of typical poolside fare, like chips and guacamole, hummus and pita or a burger and beer. There are also boozy milkshakes, daquiris and margaritas. In addition to the U Street location, there’s a sister locale at the Yards. 1612 U St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-939-2577
Overlook the newly transformed Wharf neighborhood at the Intercontinental rooftop pool. There’s ample seating around the pool, which offers sweeping views of the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials and planes coming in at Reagan. The rooftop bar WAVES offers refreshing cocktails to sip poolside as you soak up the sun. The pool is open daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., weather permitting. To access the pool, Washingtonians would need to take a weekend staycation and book a night or two at the hotel, as it is for guests only. 801 Wharf St. SW, Washington, D.C., 202-800-0844
The Liaison Capitol Hill’s rooftop got a bit of a makeover in 2018, including a new lounge, cabanas and even a brand-new pool. As of this year, a new adult swim was added from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the rooftop is for those over 21 after 8 p.m. daily. There are day passes and cabana rentals available and bar service runs until close (food service ends at 9 p.m. every day). 415 New Jersey Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-393-7777
While hotel guests are only allowed at the cozy rooftop pool during the day, the pool opens at 4 p.m. weekdays and Saturday and 12 noon for Sunday brunch. Late night revelers can hang out poolside until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. There’s refreshing cocktails like the “Shrubbery Swing,” a gin-based drink, and flavorful eats like DC Mumbo wings and mahi mahi tacos. 1155 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-737-1200
Book a long weekend and stay a night or two at this 14th Street corridor hotel. Their rooftop space is the ultimate in relaxation, with gorgeous DC skyline views and cocktails from the hotel’s bar. The bar, named Radiator, is an homage to 14th Street, which was once home to many auto repair shops. 1430 Rhode Island Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 202-742-3100
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