POOLS IN DC—WHERE TO SWIM DAY PASSES

I grew up thinking I was Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Personally, when I travel, I want to know where I can swim, when is it open, how many meters it is, can I do normal human being laps or is it a pool for babies, how much does it cost, and most importantly, —-Can I sneak in for free. The answers to all these questions are below (except the last one—for that for me to know… and you to find out—another day in another blog)

The Hilton Washington on Embassy Row (2015 Massachusetts Ave., NW; 202-265-1600) is half a block away from the Dupont Circle Metro station. The Hilton offers day passes for $10 to its rooftop pool. The pool is open from 9 am until 8 pm and has ample seating and a skyline view of the city.

Marriott Wardman Park (2660 Woodley Rd., NW; 202-328-2000) near Woodley Park offers a $10 day pass for all-day poolside comfort. The pool is open from 6 am to 10 pm.

Courtyard Marriott (1900 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202-332-9300) has a long outdoor pool—ideal for swimming laps—surrounded by lounge chairs. A day pass is $15. The pool is open from 11 am to 8 pm weekdays, 10 to 9 on weekends.

The Marriott Key Bridge Hotel in Arlington (1401 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA; 703-524-6400) has an indoor and an outdoor pool. It’s $10 per person to use either pool; passes can be purchased at the front desk. Pool hours are 6 am to 11 pm.

Pools in the District of Columbia are free for residents (bring your drivers’ license) and are open from June 16 until September 1. The Department of Parks and Recreation divides the pools into three categories: indoor, outdoor, and walk-to-learn outdoor pools—essentially neighborhood children’s pools.