Dive Into These 21 Best Places To Swim Near Raleigh (Lakes, Pools, Parks & Beaches)

Good news for Raleigh locals this summer; you don’t need to venture too far for cool waters to gain respite from the scorching heat! It turns out, there are several places to swim in Raleigh. When summer comes around, we all know how the temperatures soar and the humidity rises, which is why we all need a refreshing escape.

From serene lakes to lively water parks to sandy beaches (yes, you read that right), there are plenty of ways you can make a splash this summer. So, grab your swimsuit, inflatables and towel, and let’s dive into the top aquatic hotspots in the Triangle area.

Swimming Pools, Gyms, and Aquatic Centers

Raleigh’s swimming scene is making waves, and it’s largely due to the plethora of swimming pools on offer. From indoor pools to outdoor pools, private pools to public pools, there is no shortage of swimming pools to dive into this summer in Raleigh.

YMCA Membership

Public swimming pools are few and far between in Raleigh (unfortunately), and private pools tend to come with a hefty price tag or a monthly membership, which is why I’m going to begin with our top tip for Raleigh locals looking for a place to swim without burning a hole in their pocket.

The best place to find a swimming pool in the summer period can be at your neighborhood gym! There are loads of fitness centers throughout the city that have a private, onsite swimming pool as part of their facilities, but our personal favorite is the YMCA of the Triangle. They have lap lanes, toddler pools, zero-entry pools, water slides and splash pads, and lifeguards (check your local one).

Not to mention, generous deck space, plenty of chairs and even shade. Your membership gives you access to any of their locations in Raleigh with outdoor pools. While you do need a membership, you can sign up for a family membership, which works out better if you have kids like us, and you can also check your health insurance policy to see if you can get a discounted rate. It offers a 7-day free trial for indoor pools and gyms, so you can test it out first, but not for outdoor pools.

Here are some of the notable YMCA locations in Raleigh with pools:

• The Taylor Family in Cary has a much-loved state-of-the-art retractable enclosure over our outdoor pool (so also great for winter) Comes with a fun slide for kids too!
• Southeast Raleigh YMCA has both an indoor and outdoor pool, both with lane swimming as well as a free-swim section. The outdoor pool has a water slide for kids.
• Kraft Family YMCA in Apex has a lovely outdoor pool area with slides. They often have family game nights at the pool.
• The only downside to the YMCA in Raleigh is that the Sunday hours are quite short, which may not be ideal if you’re looking for something to do this weekend.

Lake Johnson Pool

Looking for a pool to take young kids? Lake Johnson Pool is a good choice. This outdoor pool opens from May 23rd until August 16th and features a large spray ground and splash pad, plus a shallow wade pool for toddlers to paddle in. What’s more is that children under the age of 12 can swim for as little as $2, and prices for adults are between $5 and $8 depending on whether you’re a resident, making it an affordable day out for the whole family. There’s also a large recreation pool with separate lap lanes for adults. And it’s near our favorite Lake Johnson should you want to include paddle or a walk around the lake.

• Address: 5863 Jaguar Park Dr
• Website: raleighnc.gov

Life Time Gym

Another gym that has great family-friendly pool amenities is Life Time Gym, which has an outdoor pool with water slides and an indoor pool. They have dedicated times for families and “adults only” swim times, so if you want to avoid kids you can go outside these times. This is more of an upmarket gym membership, so expect a more resort type feel at their swimming pools. No reason you shouldn’t be able to take a staycation at your local gym!

They are also open very early until very late for gym facilities (4.00am-midnight most days) but the outdoor pool is open from sunrise to sunset and the indoor pool from 10am – 8pm for family swim, and 4am – 11.50pm for adult open swim. Click here for the full swimming timetable. Life Time also has a location in Cary and Apex.

• Address: 8515 Falls of Neuse Rd
• Website: my.lifetime.life

Ridge Road Pool

Ridge Road Pool is a large, outdoor swimming pool with a 12-foot-deep end that’s perfect for practicing your dives, cannon balls, and belly flops! If you have young children, there’s also a spray ground and wade pool, plus a water slide into the main pool, to further add to the excitement. The changing rooms and showers are clean and well-maintained, and there’s a concession stand for snacks and refreshments. 

• Address: 1709 Ridge Rd
• Website: raleighnc.gov

Longview Pool

Longview Pool is a simple and clean outdoor swimming pool with a large main pool and a separate shallow wade pool. It has both lane swimming and free swimming, plus a basketball goal in the big pool to play with. 

• Address: 321 Bertie Drive
• Website: raleighnc.gov

Millbrook Exchange Pool

Located inside Millbrook Exchange Park, Millbrook Exchange Pool is both an indoor pool that’s open year-round, and a seasonal outdoor wade pool. The indoor pool has 25 yards of lane swimming and is perfect for those looking for somewhere to swim for fitness. If you have kids, the outdoor wade pool is the perfect place for playing in shallow waters during the summer season.

• Address: 1905 Spring Forest Rd
• Website: raleighnc.gov

Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center

Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center is both a pool and water playground with a 3-story waterslide, a current channel, and a water vortex. There are lap lanes for adults, and a tot-sized play around with water tumble buckets and water curtain for toddlers. There’s also a toddler-sized slide. Like Lake Johnson Pool, Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center is extremely cheap at just $4 for resident children and $8 for adults. Although, if you think you’ll be coming back, a multi-day pass or annual pass may be worth it (see here for more details). Because of its affordability and attractions designed for all ages, it’s one of the best aquatic centers in Raleigh for families.

• Address: Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center
• Website: raleighnc.gov

Seven Oaks Swim and Racquet Club

Combine a trip to the swimming pool with a game of tennis at Seven Oaks Swim and Racquet Club. The club features three 10-lane swimming pools, including one baby pool and one adults-only pool. There is a large, family-friendly pool with a water slide and diving boards, as well as movie nights and float nights for families looking for something a bit more fun than just a day of swimming.

• Address: 2500 Howard Rd
• Website: sevenoaksraleigh.com

Holding Park Pool, Wake Forest

A great outdoor pool and play area that kids will love is Holding Park Pool in Wake Forest. It features a small, six-lane lap pool plus an aquatic playground with sprays and fountains and a climbing frame. The highlight of the facility is not the pool, but the two large water slides that curve into a plunge pool below. Open from May 23rd until Labor Day.

• Address: 133 W Owen Ave, Wake Forest
• Website: wakeforestnc.gov

Aqua Parks

Wibit Inflatable Water Park at Fantasy Lake Adventure Park

Fantasy Lake Adventure Park is the perfect way to cool off and get your thrills at the same time. This former quarry-turned natural oasis is located in the lush, forested surroundings of Wake Forest, just 30-minute drive from downtown Raleigh. The park has two key activities you can try; scuba diving, and the Wibit Inflatable Water Park, which is a large inflatable obstacle course with slides and climbing structures covering the expanse of the manmade lake. The park provides all the necessary equipment such as life jackets and inflatables for kids, and you can also rent kayaks. 

There are also on-site amenities such as cabanas for shade, a beach to relax on, and showers and restrooms. There’s also a snack bar which has basic cold drinks and snacks, but you can bring a picnic with you as long as there’s no alcohol. Unfortunately, there are no changing rooms so wear your swimwear under your clothes before visiting. (You can change in the restroom though!)

We visited with Savannah and her friend – they are begging us to go back! Craig and I had just as much fun as them! The obstacle courses are fun, the water refreshing, and the scenery gorgeous. Grab a lounge chair or cabana if you can (but they’re expensive). It is not cheap though at $45 for a two-hour pass or $89.99 for an entire day. It may be a once-a-season cooling off event. They now offer a smaller and cheaper Kid Zone ($25). Read our guide to Downtown Wake Forest to explore after!

• Address: 3601 Quarry Rd, Wake Forest
• Website: gofantasylake.com

Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

One of our favorite theme parks near Raleigh is Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park in Greensboro. Since our kids have turned into tween and teenage, they need a bit more adventure than just a swimming pool, and the water slides at Wet ‘n Wild are the perfect way to get your thrills. I prefer the lazy river or relaxing under the cabanas by the lagoons.

With over 40 rides and attractions, from flooms, drop rides, wave pools, and more, there is something the whole family can enjoy here. If you have toddlers, there’s also a shallow paddling pool, splash pads, and leisure lagoons for little ones. You can learn more about the best rides and what to do at Wet N Wild in our complete guide here.

• Address: 3910 S Holden Rd, Greensboro
• Website: emeraldpointe.com

Lakes and Rivers

Raleigh has an abundance of lakes, but most of them are protected so you can’t swim in them. The bodies of water within the city limits have restrictions, so you usually have to go outside to find fresh water spots to cool off in. However, there are a few that allow swimming in and around Raleigh. Here are some lakes in Raleigh that allow swimming…

Jordan Lake (Ebenezer Beach)

Lake Jordan is probably the most well-known lake near Raleigh that allows swimming, and has the closest beach to Raleigh, even if it is a lakeside beach. Although many people swim in Jordan Lake, over the years the lake has been subject to many contamination problems, so swimming is only advised at your own discretion. The lake is beautiful though, and it’s also home to the bald eagle, which lives in the treetops around the lake in the summer. You can also find an observation platform where it’s easier to spot the U.S. National Bird in its nest.

It’s also a popular boating and paddle boarding spot, and many people launch their own motorized boats from several access points around the lake, so if you do decide to swim, be sure to visit one of the designated swimming spots to avoid the boats!

• Address: 920 Beaver Creek Rd, Apex
• Website: ncparks.gov/jordan-lake

Falls Lake

Falls Lake is another lake close to Raleigh that allows swimming. However, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should – it’s well known to us locals to be polluted. We prefer to go standup paddleboarding here so we can still get out on the water but without dunking our bodies in it. Falls Lake is beautiful and its home to the rare migrating monarch butterfly, which appears here in the spring and fall seasons. There are seven access points to Falls Lake, but our favorite one is Beaverdam, because there’s a great launch point for our stand-up paddleboards. Rolling View and Sandling Beach are two other popular launch points.

• Address: 14600 Creedmoor Rd, Wake Forest
• Website: ncparks.gov/state-parks/falls-lake

Raleigh Beach

So this is a hidden-gem spot. This sandy beach on the shores of the Neuse River is a nice place to bring a few camping chairs and towels and enjoy a paddle in the river. We wouldn’t recommend putting your head under, but for dipping your toes in and cooling down, it’s a good place for a picnic and paddle. It’s free to visit, since you can park at the parking area for the Neuse River Greenway Trail, and there are plenty of trees and grassy areas you can lay on to escape from the sun’s rays.

The river has gentle rapids here, plus some shallow sections that make for great places to paddle. Just be careful when walking on the rocks as they can be slippery. NOTE: On our recent Neuse River Greenway eBike tour, we learned that the Neuse River is one of the most polluted in the country. I did find this handy site, which measures the water quality each week and at the moment it’s meeting standards! Be careful with water levels along the river though as there have been several drownings! Address: Parking Area for Neuse River Greenway Trail

Eno River Rock Quarry, Eno River State Park

One of our favorite day trips from Raleigh is to Eno River State Park, which is only a 45-minute drive from downtown Raleigh. A great place to swim in the park is Eno Rock Quarry, a former quarry turned into a man-made, 4-acre lake. There’s a short 800-meter walk from the parking lot to the lake, and the car park is quite small so we recommend getting there early to avoid having to park further away.

The lake is surrounded by mature trees and grassy areas where you can relax between swims. You’ll see signs saying “swimming is not recommended” but it is allowed – this is because the lake is 60 feet deep, so it is not advised for unassured swimmers. We loved swimming here and took our girls when they were ten and six. It’s a good idea to take some noodles or floaties for them because treading water is tiresome!

The Eno does have other swimming holes. Sennett’s hole (otherwise known as Turtle’s Hole) in West Point on Eno Park and Bobbitt’s Hole near the Cole Mill access.

• Address: 4950 Howe St, Durham
• Website: ncparks.gov/state-parks/eno-river

Kerr Lake

Kerr Lake is a huge 200 km² lake that spans the border between North Carolina and Virginia and can be reached within an hour from Raleigh. Although it is possible to visit in a day, we recommend making a weekend camping trip of it because it’s simply stunning and relaxing. We love Kerr Lake – it’s normally a regular summer bucket list for us!

There are hundreds of campsites around the lake and seven access points with boat ramps, but we prefer the access point from Satterwhite Point Marina because it’s close to Raleigh and beautiful. Just be careful when swimming, as this is a popular lake for boating and has motorized boats. You can read more about our experience camping at Kerr Lake here.

• Address: 6254 Satterwhite Point Rd, Henderson
• Website: ncparks.gov/kerr-lake

Tucker Lake, Benson

A 30-minute drive from Raleigh and popular for those living in Johnston County is Tucker Lake in Benson. It’s been a hotspot for summer fun and chillaxation since 1990. The students I taught in Johnston County told me any stories of their summer adventures swimming at Tucker Lake. This spring-fed clear 30 acre lake has white sandy beaches, a 167 ft waterslide, and places to picnic, grill, or play volleyball. There is also an RV campground here if you want to extend your summer fun. Ages 3-11 are $15 and 12 and older are $20.

• Address: 3025 Allens Crossroads Rd., Benson
• Website: tuckerslake.com

Beaches

Full disclosure here for anyone unfamiliar with where Raleigh is, just know that Raleigh is not near the beach. The closest beach to Raleigh is about 2 hours away! And since we grew up on the beach in Australia, we first thought it was insanely strange to drive two hours to the beach, but now we don’t hesitate. Here are some beaches near Raleigh that are within around a 2-3hour drive and can be visited on a day trip.

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is a popular destination for a beach day from Raleigh, located just two hours away by car. It’s known for laid-back coastal living and has a clean and beautiful coastline, making it a perfect place for swimming and other water activities. The beach is known for its clear blue waters and soft, sandy shores, plus it’s a popular spot for surfers with consistent waves and designated surfing areas. In fact, it’s recognized as the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina.

Wrightsville Beach has many facilities that make it ideal for a beach day out, including public restrooms, showers, and ample parking. There are also plenty of beachfront restaurants and shops where you can retreat to during the midday heat.

Topsail Beach

If you’d prefer a quieter beach within a day’s trip’s distance from Raleigh, Topsail Beach (and North Topsail Beach) is the ideal choice. Topsail Beach is a 26-mile-long barrier island home to three low-key beach towns. The northern side of the island is the quietest. The beach itself is wild and unspoiled, and the sand is soft and golden. There’s a gently declining shoreline making it safe and easy for young children to paddle. The waves are usually gentle, but riptides do happen on occasion so keep an eye on your little ones. Being surrounded by water on three sides, there’s always a quiet spot for a swim with gentle currents.

Carolina Beach

Besides Wrightsville, Carolina Beach is the second most popular beach in North Carolina and is just under 2.5 hours drive from Raleigh. Carolina Beach is located on Pleasure Island and is well known for its vibrant beach town with colorful buildings and urban art murals. It also hosts many summer events and festivals along its historic boardwalk, so if you’re looking for somewhere that provides entertainment along with access to the ocean for swimming in, this is the ideal place.

Ocean Isle Beach, NC

Raleigh is just a 3-hour drive from North Carolina’s beaches, and even though Ocean Isle Beach is the furthest away from Raleigh, it’s still doable on a day trip. Located in Brunswick County, it has a beautiful and clean beach that is made for playing on. You may be surprised by how quiet Ocean Isle Beach is compared to the other Brunswick Island beaches, and you may even find a secluded spot if you visit in the right season. The water has gentle surf, which is great for some bodyboarding, as well as swimming.

There you have it, a list of places to swim in Raleigh and the closest beaches and waterparks for summer fun. Let us know in the comments below what your favorite spot is for cooling off?