Dive In

When the mountains sizzle, the water sparkles. It’s time to start plotting your great escape to dip, dive and cool down. Luckily, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether building sandcastles on the beach, paddling across a mountain lake or cannonballing into the community pool, the Vail Valley offers plenty of places to swim, paddle and play.

So, slather on sunscreen and pack a picnic. Here’s where to make a splash this summer:

POOLS

Vail Racquet Club

Open: Year-round

Hours: 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. daily

Cost: $35 day pass

Location: 4695 Vail Racquet Club Dr., Vail

Nestled beneath the rugged cliffs of East Vail, the Vail Racquet Club’s pool is a front-row seat to some of the Vail Valley’s most breathtaking scenery. With lap lanes for those looking to get their strokes in and a lineup of lounge chairs for lazy afternoons in the sun, it’s the place to relax, recharge and revel in the season. A family-friendly outdoor hot tub provides a bubbly bonus after a day of high-altitude adventuring.

EagleVail Swimming Pool

Open: Memorial Day through Labor Day

Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

Cost: $16 daily rate for EagleVail Residents, $27 for non-residents. Punch passes and season passes are available.

Location: 450 Eagle Rd., EagleVail

The EagleVail Swimming Pool is the ultimate family-friendly summer hangout. The 25-meter lap pool offers dedicated exercise lanes and a water slide for those who want to have a little fun. For the little minnows, a shallow beach-entry pool is safe for wading, while the community toy chest is stocked with floaties and toys to share. Parents can stake their claim on a beach chair to soak up the sun and keep a watchful eye on the action. Hungry? Fire up the grills for a picnic at the pool.

Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

Open: Year-round

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: $25 day pass for a member, $50 day pass for a non-member. Week passes are available.

Location + Parking: 126 Riverfront Ln., Avon. Self-parking is available.

Can’t decide if you want to spend your day relaxing or exercising? Luckily, the pool at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa offers both. A day pass grants you access to the sprawling outdoor area with postcard-perfect views of Beaver Creek Resort, a 25-yard saline lap pool and three infinity hot tubs overlooking the Eagle River. Bonus — your day pass includes full access to the Athletic Club and a complimentary class.

Eagle Pool

Open: Beginning Memorial Day

Hours: Monday-Friday 2-8 p.m. Saturday + Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Youth $7, Adult $13, Senior $11, Family $35

Location: 1700 Bull Pasture Rd., Eagle

Eagle is about to get a whole lot cooler this summer — literally. The town’s long-awaited new pool made its grand debut this May. The aquatic playground will make waves with a leisure pool packed with play features, a meandering lazy river and water slides. For swimmers looking to log some strokes, a dedicated, six-lane, 25-yard lap pool is ready to go. With ample seating and sunny spots to lounge, this upgraded facility has everything you need for a perfect day.

BEACHES

Pavilion Pond and Beach

Cost: Free

Location + Parking: 538 Eagle Rd., EagleVail. Free parking is available in the Pavilion Parking lot.

Tucked next to the EagleVail Pavilion, this hidden gem may not be the biggest beach in town, but it’s quiet and serene. A sandy shoreline eases into calm pond waters, making it an ideal for wading, paddling or building sandcastles. A few picnic tables dot the sand, perfect for a post-swim snack — but pack the sunscreen because shade is in short supply.

Nottingham Lake

Open: Memorial Day through Labor Day

Cost: Free

Location + Parking: The lake is in the center of Nottingham Park. Free three-hour parking is available on the north and east sides of the park. Additionally, there is a free extended parking lot off Lake Street.

Nottingham Lake is the summer hotspot. Warm sand, cool waters and Beaver Creek Mountain views — what more could you need? Roll out your towel or retreat to the shade of a sprawling tree. The beach buzzes with kids building sandcastles and wading in the roped-off swim area while families flip burgers on the park’s charcoal grills or play volleyball on the sandy courts. Stand Up Paddle Colorado rents paddleboards and kayaks if you want to get out on the water. Want the best seat in the house? Get here early to snag a shady spot.