Brooklyn Swim Guide: Best Beaches, Public Pools & Gyms

Summer is finally almost here! As temperatures rise and all of us in Brooklyn shed our layers, NYC’s beaches, community pools and recreation centers become the go-to spots for cooling off. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing dip, a swim lesson or a scenic beach day, Brooklyn offers a variety of options to suit your needs.

Brooklyn Beaches

Our coastline is home to several beaches, each with its unique charm. If you’re stumped on which beach to choose, this fun quiz might point you in the right direction. Here are a few of our favorites:

Coney Island

Unless you’re new to the area, you’ve probably heard of Coney Island, a historic amusement district that combines beach fun with attractions like the wooden Cyclone roller coaster, famous wooden boardwalk and carnival-style games. It’s lively, iconic and great for people-watching—or grabbing a Nathan’s hot dog. Just off the boardwalk, you can also visit the New York Aquarium, where you can explore marine life and enjoy seasonal exhibits like Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, featuring a 40-foot coral reef tunnel, or watch sea lions and penguins in action.

Brighton Beach

Just down the boardwalk from Coney Island, Brighton Beach offers a more laid-back vibe with plenty of local flavor. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a sandy stretch with easy subway access, calmer crowds and lots of spots nearby like Tatiana Restaurant for a post-swim bite. It’s also fun to explore the neighborhood’s Russian grocery stores—perfect for discovering unique treats and grabbing something delicious to-go.

Manhattan Beach

For a more relaxed choice east of Brighton, try Manhattan Beach. This quiet, family-friendly spot offers a park-like setting with shaded picnic areas, barbecue grills, and sports courts for basketball and handball. It’s an ideal place to bring a blanket, bask in the sun, and enjoy the calm waters—without the crowds and noise of nearby boardwalk beaches.

Jacob Riis Park

Technically in Queens, but just over the bridge, Jacob Riis is worth the trip. You’ll find a wide stretch of beach, plenty of room to spread out, plus a relaxed vibe that’s hard to beat. The art deco bathhouse plaza hosts seasonal food vendors, making it easy to grab a bite without leaving the sand. It’s peaceful and expansive—you won’t be bumping elbows here.

It’s always a good idea to check water conditions on the NYC Health website before heading to the beach. You can text BEACH to 55676 for real-time updates on water quality and beach openings.

Free Public Pools

If the beach isn’t your thing, our borough is full of public pools, including some offering the city’s Adaptive Swim program. NYC Parks also offers free swim lessons in the summer that cater to all levels. Get the details here. And if you’d rather just dip your toes in the water, you can do that too.

Here are some pools you might want to check out:

McCarren Park Pool

Located in Williamsburg, this outdoor Olympic-size pool is a favorite among locals during the summer months. You will find lap lanes and various swimming programs here too. Nearby, you’ll find McCarren Park itself, a large green space perfect for picnics, jogging and outdoor sports. The park also features tennis courts, basketball courts and a dog run. Just a short walk away, you can explore the vibrant neighborhood with its trendy cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as the scenic waterfront at the East River State Park, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

McCarren Park Pool
Lorimer & Bayard Streets
Brooklyn, NY 11222

Red Hook Pool

On the site of Red Hook Recreation Center, you’ll find both Olympic-size and wading pools, along with the chance to play handball, basketball or soccer, or jog around the track. After your workout or swim, pop into Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies for a unique treat. Known for its fresh, handmade key lime pies and signature Swingle (a frozen key lime pie on a stick dipped in dark chocolate), it’s the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth while enjoying the scenic views of the waterfront.

Red Hook Pool
155 Bay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231

Kosciuszko Pool

Situated in Bed-Stuy, the complex has two outdoor pools, one Olympic-size and one lap, so you can enjoy both recreational swimming and wading. Nearby, you’ll find Kosciuszko Park, a spacious green area perfect for picnics, sports and relaxing. The park also has playgrounds, basketball courts and a baseball field. For a taste of local history, head to the nearby Billie Holiday Theatre, a cultural institution.

Kosciuszko Pool
Marcy & DeKalb Avenues
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Jesse Owens Playground Mini Pool

Also in Bed-Stuy, this mini pool offers the opportunity to lounge in the sun or wade—perhaps with the kids. Head to Kosciuszko Pool about 1 mile away if you prefer swimming in a larger pool. The nearby Herbert Von King Park offers outdoor space for sports and a cultural arts center, perfect for a post-swim outing.

Jesse Owens Playground Mini Pool
117 Stuyvesant Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11221

Bushwick Playground Pool

Because it’s on the smaller side, this spot can feel a bit crowded, but it does offer an intermediate and wading pool, so it’s worth checking out. Bushwick is also known for its vibrant street art scene, so be sure to explore the colorful murals and graffiti before or after your swim!

Bushwick Playground Pool
Homboldt Street, Flushing & Bushwick Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11206

PS 20 Playground Pool

Another mini pool, this Fort Greene one is part of Albert J Parham Playground, which also has ball courts. The pool is open daily from 11AM-7PM, with a cleaning break from 3-4PM. Nearby, Fort Greene Park offers a variety of amenities, including tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds and open lawns. The park also hosts seasonal events like movie nights and concerts.

PS 20 Playground Pool
165 Clermont Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

Double D Pool

Found in Gowanus, the Douglass and DeGraw (aka Double D) pool is another outdoor spot that features both an intermediate pool and a wading one. It’s part of Thomas Greene Playground, which offers additional amenities like basketball and handball courts, picnic tables and a children’s play area.

Double D Pool
250 Douglass Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Howard Pool

Situated in Brownsville, Howard Pool offers both intermediate and wading pools. And since it’s part of Howard Playground, you will find ball courts there too.

Howard Pool
E New York Avenue & Mother Gaston Boulevard
Brooklyn, NY 11212

Lindower Park Pool

This Mill Basin mini size pool is good for wading or taking a quick dip. It’s part of Lindower Park, which also features baseball fields, basketball and handball courts, and a children’s playground.

Lindower Park Pool
E 60th Street & Mill Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11234

Sunset Park Pool

Enjoy Manhattan skyline views from Sunset Park and stop by this outdoor Olympic-size pool to cool off or swim laps. The pool, part of the historic Sunset Play Center, was constructed in the 1930s and is a designated New York City landmark. The surrounding park offers green lawns, walking paths and recreational facilities.

Sunset Park Pool
44th Street & 7th Avenue
Sunset Park, Brooklyn 11232

Betsy Head Pool

Located in Brownsville, this Olympic-size pool is set within historic Betsy Head Park where you can play basketball, jog around the track or have a picnic alongside your swim. The facility also includes a bathhouse with locker rooms and a rooftop observation deck.

Betsy Head Pool
694 Thomas S Boyland Street
Brooklyn, NY 11212

Commodore Barry Pool

Located near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, this spot features both an intermediate and wading pool for chilling and getting some vitamin D. The pool is situated within Commodore Barry Park, Brooklyn’s oldest park, established in 1836.

Commodore Barry Pool
19 N Elliott Place & Flushing Street
Brooklyn, NY 11205

David Fox/PS 251 Mini Pool

A small pool in Flatlands, this one’s more for lounging than swimming laps. It’s located within Fox Playground, where you will find also find ball courts.

David Fox/PS 251 Mini Pool
E 54th Street & Avenue H
Brooklyn, NY 11234

Glenwood Houses Pool

Another mini pool, this time in Flatlands, within Glenwood Playground, where you will also find ball courts and a picnic area.

Glenwood House Pool
Ralph Avenue & Farragut Road
Brooklyn, NY 11234

Gyms/Recreation Centers

For those who prefer indoor swimming or fitness facilities, Brooklyn has several options, some of which have indoor pools. Remember to check each facility’s schedule and membership requirements before visiting.

Your Local YMCA

Each YMCA has different offerings but check your local one to see if there’s an indoor pool and to find out which fitness classes and family programs they offer.

Metropolitan Recreation Center

Located in Williamsburg, this center features an intermediate indoor pool and gym facilities, as well as a fitness room, cardio room, arts & crafts and computer resources center.

Metropolitan Pool
261 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11211

St. John’s Recreation Center

Situated in Crown Heights, this center offers an intermediate indoor pool, along with basketball and other community programs.

St. John’s Pool
1251 Prospect Place
Brooklyn, NY 11213

Major R. Owens Health & Wellness Community Center

This modern facility in Crown Heights offers an indoor pool, gym and a variety of wellness programs.

Carey Gabay Recreation Center
1561 Bedford Avenue
Brookyln, NY 11225

Brownsville Recreation Center

Here you’ll find an intermediate indoor pool as well as a variety of fitness and recreational activities for all ages. The center has recently undergone reconstruction so check the NYC Parks site for updates.

Brownsville Pool
1555 Linden Boulevard
Brooklyn, NY 11212

Post-Swimming

With Brooklyn’s diverse array of swimming spots, everyone can find their perfect place to beat the heat this summer. Whether you’re doing laps in a public pool, lounging on the beach or taking your first swim class, there’s something for every water enthusiast here in Brooklyn.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go afterwards, explore our posts on Brooklyn mocktail bars, 10 summer things to do or 5 Brooklyn picnic spots. And don’t forget to check out our Summer in Brooklyn playlist too.

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