Charlotte is heating up—and we’ve got just the list to help you stay cool. Whether you're craving a relaxing beach day or looking for family-friendly spraygrounds and pools, there's no shortage of splash-worthy fun around the Queen City this summer.
From neighborhood favorites to hidden gems worth the drive, here's your ultimate guide to swimming spots in and around Charlotte for summer 2025.
Free Swim Lessons in Charlotte
Outdoor Pools in Charlotte
Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center
2014 Statesville Ave.
Features a zero-depth entry, splash features, and a slide.
Opens weekends starting May 24; expands to full schedule June 12
Entry: $2/person
Cordelia Pool
2100 N. Davidson St.
Includes a 50-yard pool, dive well, and slide.
Opens weekends May 24; full schedule begins June 11
Entry: $2/person
Indoor Pools for Rainy Days (or Year-Round Fun)
Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center
800 E. MLK Jr. Blvd | 980-314-3483
Olympic-sized pool, diving well, hot tub, and more.
Ray’s Splash Planet
215 N. Sycamore St. | 980-314-4729
Indoor water park meets pool with slides, lazy river, vortex, and splash zones.
Eastway Regional Rec Center
3150 Eastway Park Dr. | 980-314-3772
Lap pool and zero-entry kid zone with lazy river and slides.
Marion Diehl Rec Center
2219 Tyvola Rd. | 980-314-1300
Fitness center and full indoor pool.
Northern Regional Rec Center
18121 Old Statesville Rd., Cornelius | 980-314-6772
Leisure pool, water slide, lazy river, gym, and indoor track.
Pricing ranges: $8–$15 for day passes (less for youth/seniors)
Free Spraygrounds in Charlotte
Cool off without diving in. These spraygrounds are open daily 10 AM–8 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and yes—they’re totally free:
Clarks Creek Community Park – 5435 Hucks Rd.
Cordelia Park – 600 E. 24th St.
First Ward Park – 309 E. Seventh St.
Latta Park – 601 E. Park Ave.
Nevin Park – 6100 Statesville Rd.
Veterans Park – 2136 Central Ave.
West Charlotte Rec Center – 2401 Kendall Dr.
Lakes, Beaches & Hidden Swim Spots Worth the Drive
Ramsey Creek Beach (Lake Norman)
Cornelius, NC
Charlotte’s go-to lakeside beach with picnic areas, trails, volleyball courts, and boat access.
Open weekends from May 24, weekdays begin June 13
Entry varies: $5–$15 per car (walk-ins $3–$5)
Cane Creek Park (Waxhaw)
5213 Harkey Rd.
Lake swimming, pedal boats, mini-golf.
Swim: $2 | All Day Pass: $5
Lake Norman State Park (Troutman)
759 State Park Rd.
Sandy beach with lifeguards on duty.
$4–$6 per person (only charged when lifeguards are present)
Beatty’s Ford Park (Denver, NC)
8335 Shipley Ln.
Brand-new swim beach in 2025 with splash pad, pier, and trails.
$2–$6 (cash only)
Ebenezer Park (Rock Hill, SC)
4490 Boatshore Rd.
Expanded swim beach on Lake Wylie with new queuing system for busy weekends.
$1–$6/person (resident & non-resident rates apply)
Rock Hill Park (SC)
4037 India Hook Rd.
Quiet sand beach with kayak launch and restrooms. Free entry.
South Point Access (Belmont, NC)
175 Boat Launch Rd.
Free beach access (entrance fee coming soon). Open Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Carrigan Farms Quarry (Mooresville)
1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy
Scenic private quarry with rope swings and deep water swimming.
Opens May 17 | Reservations required
$23–$40 + $5 voucher reservation
YMCA Pools Around Charlotte
Access to YMCA pools comes with membership and includes beautiful locations like:
Lake Norman YMCA
...and more. Perfect for families or lap swimmers alike.
More info: YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Bonus: Spraygrounds in Kannapolis
Village Park and the Atrium Health Ballpark each have spraygrounds just a short drive north—and they’re surrounded by a carousel, miniature train rides, and charming revitalized downtown attractions.
Whether you’re staying close to home or road-tripping for a daycation, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the sun and cool down around Charlotte this summer.
Looking for a new home with a pool? Or maybe one near your favorite splash spot? We know the best neighborhoods to keep your summer plans effortless and fun.
Let us know how we can help!