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Erin Kuschner is a senior editor at Cheapism who has covered travel, food, and lifestyle. She has over a decade of writing and editing experience, and her work has appeared in Time Out, the Los Angeles Times, Eater Austin, the Boston Globe, and other publications. She's based in North Carolina.
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Booze With a Splash of Water
Floating through crystal-clear water to refresh your margarita at a swim-up bar is no longer limited to private islands and luxury resorts. The concept of the swim-up pool bar started in — where else? — Las Vegas, and many of America's best H2O co*cktail hangouts are still in Sin City. But they're also in Texas, Wisconsin, Ohio, and beyond.
If you're wondering where all the "best pool bars near me" are, take a look at some of America's ultimate achievement in adult leisure culture.
1. Margarita's at Wilderness Resort
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is known for its harsh weather and rugged wilderness, but the Wilderness Resort provides a little slice of the tropics. Inside the resort is Wild Water Dome, an indoor waterpark that's home to a 1,400-square-foot pool that can hold 88 guests, all of whom are welcome to wade, swim, or float up to the tropical-themed swim-up bar any time their glasses get low.
2. The D.I.P. Aqua Bar & Lounge at The Room Mate Grace Hotel
New York City, New York
Sleek, modern, and mood-lit, the D.I.P. Aqua Bar & Loungeis open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week. Even better, you can swim with a smile during the D.I.P.'s daily happy hour, which runs from 5-7 p.m. Want to make it your own for an evening? They host private parties or you can rent the whole thing out for a photo shoot or corporate event right in the heart of the Big Apple.
3. The Cove at the San Luis Resort Spa & Conference Center
Galveston, Texas
Sip drinks and nibble on high-end appetizers at the Cove's tropical pool. Some swim-up bars spend big bucks to try to create an artificial beach atmosphere. The Cove just built their pool next to one. Feast your eyes on swaying palm trees and an endless expanse of blue sea compliments of the surprisingly tropical Gulf of Mexico. If you're feeling extra fancy, poolside spa services are available.
4. Sabino's Pool Bar & Grill at Westin La Paloma Resort
Tucson, Arizona
Have a bite or a burger while you sip a tall frozen drink at the pool at Sabino's. It's just one part of the watery paradise that is the resort's 5-Pool Oasis. When you've had enough of the swim-up bar, take a dip in the mineral pool, which is enriched with salt from the Dead Sea, or take a ride on the SlideWinder waterslide.
Related:Amazing Hotel Pools Across America
5. Pool Bar at Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa & Yacht Club
Lake Ozark, Missouri
The Pool Baris open from May through mid-summer and not only includes great drinks, but entertaining pool games like giant Jenga and cornhole, as well as outrageous activities like frozen T-shirt contests. There's also giant hot tubs, a boardwalk, and stunning lakeside views to take in while you lounge.
Related:Fascinating Facts About Water Parks — and a Few Disturbing Ones
6. Tiki Bar at the Oceanic Hotel
Wildwood, New Jersey
There's only one swim-up bar on the entire island that is the South Jersey Shore destination beach town of Wildwood — the Tiki Bar at the Oceanic Hotel. A Jacuzzi is parked right next to the Tiki Bar, but if you want to get out of the sun without killing your buzz, just walk a few paces to cool off at the Barefoot Bar.
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7. Mud Hut Swim-Up Bar at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
If you get hungry or thirsty at the waterpark in Kalahari Resorts, the good news is, you don't have to leave. There are six dining outlets in the waterpark, both indoor and out — you'll find the Mud Hut at the indoor section. You'll have your choice from a full bar that also cranks out specialty frozen drinks, all while submerged in a heated pool in an indoor park that is immune to the wild Wisconsin weather outside.
8. Tropicana Pool at Tropicana Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Tropicana Poolis beautiful and bright with ambiance that includes towering palm trees, rushing waterfalls, and pristine landscaping. There's also a whirlpool spa and, if you're in the mood, a swim-up bar and blackjack table to keep you busy. It might look like the tropics, but you are, after all, still in Vegas.
9. Mixx Swim-Up Pool Bar at Hotel Blue
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is one of the great East Coast vacation destinations, and if poolside luxury is your thing, Hotel Blue is hard to beat. Mixx Swim-Up Pool Barhas bar stools for you right in the water, a nice selection of both adult and non-alcoholic drinks, and a seasonal food menu if you're feeling hungry. Mixx is just one of many pool-related amenities that continues to beckon visitors to Hotel Blue.
10. Elly Bay at Flannigan's Dublin
Columbus, Ohio
Elly Bayis a little slice of paradise in the Rust Belt. The full-service swim-up bar, complete with water stools, is just a small portion of the resort's aquatic oasis. The 2,000-square-foot pool is constantly kept at a balmy 86 degrees. It's surrounded by 100 sand-and-sun lounge chairs and includes a huge center island for bands and DJs to keep the party going.
11. Dive at Harrah's Resort Southern California
Funner, California
Dive includes a main pool, a lazy river, cabanas, and daybeds, but the real draw is the swim-up bar — the only one of its kind in SoCal. A waterfall hot tub, three regular hot tubs, a firepit, and eight luxury loungers are all within swimming distance.
12. The Grotto at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Not only does this Florida resort have its own resident mermaid, Misty, but it also hosts its very own secluded grotto bar, where guests can swim up and sip on a drink while surrounded by waterfalls. Open seasonally, the bar operates from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and serves tropical beverages like the Malibu Bucket and Island Lemonade.
13. Palm Grove Pool at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
It's no surprise that there are swim-up pool bars to be found in Hawaii, but you may have to splurge a little. One particularly glamorous option can be found at the ritzy Four Seasons Resort Hualalai's Palm Grove Pool, which offers in-pool seating, hammocks, and lounges where you can enjoy drinks and small bites. Take note: The pool is 21 and over, and is open from sunrise to sunset.
14. Fortuna Pool at Caesars Palace
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Garden of the Gods Pool Oasisat Caesars Palace has seven different pool options to choose from, one of which is the Fortuna Pool. Not only can you order a drink from the bar while half-submerged in the pool's glistening blue (and hopefully highly chlorinated) water, but you can also visit the swim-up blackjack tables to test your luck.Afterward, visit some of the other surrounding water attractions, like the Neptune Pool and Jupiter Pool.
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