San Francisco is not a pool city. The temperatures are rarely warm enough to sit by a pool, let alone swim in it. That’s why the majority of SF’s big name hotels—like The Palace, The Four Seasons, and Hotel Nikko—all have indoor swimming pools. In fact, there are only a handful of outdoor pools in SF. Luckily, outside of the city in places like Napa and Sonoma, the weather heats up and there are plenty of luxurious pools to swim in and lounge by. Here we share our favorite ones with you. Happy swimming!
Photo Credit: Phoenix Hotel
Phoenix Hotel
Good for: The one day of the year when temperatures rise above 75°F in San Francisco.
The 411: The pool is for hotel guests only, so you’ll have to book a room for the night in order to enjoy the courtyard oasis and 85°F waters. On Saturday mornings, poolside yoga takes place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is open to the public. Brunch is served at the hotel’s restaurant Chambers, which is directly next to the pool, on weekends.
Recommended poolside beverage: Grapefruit Mimosa bottle service—you are going to stay all day, so might as well get the whole bottle.
Photo Credit: St. Regis
St. Regis
Good for: A relaxing spa day.
The 411: Although you might not think the word elegant is appropriate to describe an indoor pool, that is the case for the pretty and posh pool at the St. Regis San Francisco. Book an appointment at the hotel’s spa, Reméde, and you’ll be granted access to the warm pool that has gorgeous cityscape views.
Recommended poolside beverage: A glass of Champagne—it’s complimentary with a spa treatment.
Photo Credit: Solage
Solage
Good for: Romantic weekend getaway with that special someone.
The 411: The pool at the Solage is the largest and best pool in Napa. Access to the 130-foot rectangular pool is for hotel guests and Club Solage members only. Locals who love the pool can become a club member by paying an initiation fee followed by monthly dues. Club Solage invites members to special events, fitness classes, and exclusive discounts.
Recommended poolside beverage: Frozen beer made with Kirin Ichiban. Solage was the first resort in the U.S. to serve this frothy concoction that’s made with a patented technology in which air is blown into the beer as it is continuously stirred and chilled.
Photo Credit: Indian Springs
Indian Springs
Good for: Any day of the year.
The 411: The historic pools (the current main pool was built in 1913) at Indian Springs resort in Calistoga are for hotel and spa guests —for an additional fee. The pools are naturally heated from nearby geysers and the temperature ranges from 92-102°F. We prefer to visit the springs on cooler days, which makes the water feel exceptionally warm and soothing. The great thing about Indian Springs is there are two pools and one is for adults only.
Recommended poolside beverage: Sam’s Social Club’s Cannonball Blonde. Indian Spring’s superb restaurant, Sam’s Social Club, brews its own seasonal ales with locally grown organic hops.
Photo Credit: Carneros Resort and Spa
Carneros Resort and Spa
Good for: Families
The 411: Carneros offers two distinct pool experiences. There is a family-oriented pool next to the resort’s gym and another adult only pool at the top of the resort with stunning views. It’s ideal for families traveling together. Adults can take turns watching the kiddos at the child-friendly pool, then swap out and have some quiet time to themselves at the relaxing adults pool.
Recommended poolside beverage: A craft cocktail. Carneros has an excellent cocktail program and grow lavender, citrus, and herbs on the property to use in cocktails. Choose a peach mule muddled with fresh mint, lavender lemonade with gin and pomegranate syrup, or a blackberry mojito.
Photo Credit: Fairmont
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa
Good for: When you want to get out of the city just for the day.
The 411: The Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa’s pool is one of the few hotel pools that is open to the public. Anyone can purchase a day pass to the pool for $49 (Monday-Friday) which includes access to the Willow Stream Spa. The spa sits atop an ancient thermal mineral spring, has two outdoor pools, indoor soaking mineral baths, a cold plunge area, relaxation lounge, and inviting fireplace. On weekends, a spa treatment gets you access to the pools.
Recommended poolside beverage: A crisp cool glass of white wine. There are six different whites on the menu, all locally made in nearby Russian River, Moon Mountain, or Carneros appellations.
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