By Author Jake Hoffman
Posted on Last updated:
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The pool scene in Las Vegas is among the most awe-inspiring in the world, with many complexes boasting amenities like waterfalls, wave pools, lazy rivers, real sand beaches, and unmatched luxury.
While Vegas is home to numerous pools built to impress, others leave guests wanting… more.
It got me thinking – Are you able to use a resort’s pool even if you aren’t staying at the resort?
It depends.
Below, I’ll break down which pools you can access (for free or for a fee) even if you aren’t staying at the property.
Pool policies are fluid and can change – I recommend calling the pool to confirm their current policy before making the trip!
Pools That Are Open To The Public:
Topgolf’s Hideaway Pool: It may not be a resort, but Topgolf’s 2-level pool is open to the public, provided you’re over the age of 21. Note that no purchase is necessary. Just show up, and lounge!
Sahara: The Azilo Ultra Pool is best described as a “miniature Stadium Swim” and offers free entry daily to anyone over the age of 21. A cover charge is required for certain events/holidays – Ensure you check their calendar!
The Moroccan-themed space has a 240-foot TV screen and is more of a party destination, often featuring live DJs.
Palms: Palms’ gorgeous 2-level pool is open to the public, 7 days a week.
Pools That Are Free for Locals
Horseshoe: Not only is Horseshoe’s pool one of the only deep options in Vegas (reaching depths of 12 feet), but they’re also one of the only options on the Strip that allow free entry to locals.
Pools Anyone Can Use for a Fee:
Caesars Properties: Renting a cabana or daybed at your desired pool will guarantee you the ability to enter, even if you aren’t staying at the resort. Cabanas and daybeds can be booked in advance online with your desired property.
Resorts under the Caesars umbrella include Caesars Palace, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Linq, Harrah’s, Cromwell, Horseshoe, and Flamingo.
MGM Resorts Properties: Although no MGM pools offer day passes, the pools are still accessible to those willing to spend up for a cabana or daybed.
I recommend checking out Mandalay Bay’s beach or MGM Grand’s sprawling pool complex. Both come equipped with a lazy river.
Browse cabana rates by resort, here.
Resorts that fall under the MGM umbrella include Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Excalibur, NYNY, Park MGM, Aria, MGM Grand, and Bellagio.
The Mirage: Now owned by Hard Rock International, The Mirage allows anyone who rents a cabana or daybed to access their pool on weekdays only.
Unfortunately, pool access is restricted to resort guests on weekends.
STRAT: The new “Swim & Social” pool is open on STRAT’s 8th-floor rooftop, and non-hotel guests can get in for $15 (kids are $10 and infants are free).
Downtown Grand: Non-resort guests can access Downtown Grand’s rooftop Citrus pool deck with a cabana or table reservation.
Cosmopolitan: A cabana or daybed purchase will unlock access to both the Boulevard and Chelsea pools at Cosmopolitan. The fee you pay up-front is a food & beverage minimum that can then be spent at the pool.
Golden Nugget: The Tank pool deck is again accessible to non-hotel guests for a fee payable at the entrance that varies by day ($20-$40 range).
Circa: Easily qualifying as one of the best pools in Vegas, Stadium Swim is open to the public, provided you pay a cover charge that starts at $20 (but can be more depending on the day).
Red Rock Resort: Anyone can access Red Rock’s stunning Sandbar pool deck for a variable cover charge of $25 ($10 for kids).
Although located away from the Strip, Sandbar offers amenities like poolside gaming, and multiple pools spread across the complex.
Green Valley Ranch: Like Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch offers a beautiful pool complex away from the Strip complete with a real sand beach for a cover of:
- $20 Monday – Friday ($10 for kids)
- $30 Saturday – Sunday ($15 for kids)
- $50 on holidays ($30 for kids)
M Resort: Non-hotel guests can access M Resort’s pool for a cover charge of:
- $15 Monday – Thursday
- $25 Friday – Sunday
- $10 for kids daily
General Pool Entry Tips
Rent a Cabana or Daybed
Non-guests can get into almost any pool in town provided you’re willing to pay up to rent a cabana or daybed.
While cabanas require a food and beverage minimum spend or a flat fee to be paid upfront, ponying up for one will often gain you access to your desired pool.
As always, read the fine print when booking online and/or call the property directly to confirm their non-guest policy.
More on the ins and outs of Las Vegas pool cabanas here.
Gamble Poolside to Gain Access
There are pools both on the Strip and Downtown that offer poolside gaming – As long as you indicate that you’re there to play, the staff must let you in.
I recently showed up at Golden Nugget’s Tank, was asked for a room key, let them know I was going to be playing the tables, and in I went. Easy peasy.
Now, I’d recommend *actually* heading to the tables to play for a bit before disappearing into the pool scene, but I doubt they’ll be keeping tabs on you for long.
Pool season in Las Vegas comes to life in early March and is made better by the fact that there are breathtaking pool complexes that allow for non-guest access or Nevada locals access for free or for a small fee.
See Also: Las Vegas hotels offering poolside hotel rooms, and Vegas suites with a private pool.
Jake Hoffman
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
More about me, here.
