The summer heat is no joke but luckily there are tons of great places to cool off in the Triangle. Below, you’ll find a list of some great places to swim and enjoy the outdoors.

Public Pools

There are plenty of public pools throughout the Triangle, both indoor and outdoor. WRAL has compiled a complete list of public pools in the area, check the link here. Open pool hours vary by location and some charge an entry fee.

 

Lake Johnson Pool, Raleigh

 

Long Meadow Pool, Durham

 

A. D. Clark Outdoor Pool, Chapel Hill

 

Natural Swimming Areas and More

Eno River Quarry

The now flooded quarry is a picturesque and wild sort of place. While no longer as secluded as it was not too many years ago it is still a nice place to combine nature and a relaxing dip. Or not so relaxing if you choose to plunge off the cliff and into the deep water. Keep in mind this is a place where you swim at your own risk. The water is deep and there are no lifeguards. It’s a great idea to bring something to float on, strong swimmer or not. Getting to the quarry involves a short hike through Eno River State park and the quarry itself is of course free.

 

Museum of Life and Science: Into the Mist

Not quite a place to go swimming but definitely a way to cool off. Featuring several wild mist installations, the exhibit is one of many (outdoor and indoor) that the museum has to offer. Check out some of the other exhibits, ride the train and then cool off in the mist.

 

Falls Lake

Falls Lake has 5 beaches for swimming and plenty of hiking trails, including a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Boating for motor, sail and paddle boats is all welcome as is fishing. The 12,000 acre reserve lies north of Raleigh and east of Durham.

 

Jordan Lake

Lying west of Raleigh and south of Chapel Hill, Jordan Lake is a great place for all sorts of aquatic activities. The lake is open to boating, fishing, swimming and more. There are seven swimming beaches open to the public and almost 14 miles of hiking trails. It’s a great place to go for a long walk in the woods and then cool off with a nice dip in the water. There are also several different options for camping for those that want to stay a while.

 

Day Trips

Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe

Emerald Pointe is a ton of fun. The water park in nearby Greensboro is any easy day trip from the Triangle. The venue is constantly being improved and has something for everyone. Attractions range from the relaxing lazy river to the adrenaline pumping Dare Devil Drop and everything in between. Great for big groups or a day with the family or a couple friends.

 

Tucker Lake

Tucker Lake is spring-fed with white-sand beaches, featuring a giant slide, an “aquaglide challenge course” and more. Less than an hour from Raleigh, Tucker Lake is right off of I-40 on the way to Wilmington and a great way to escape the heat.