10 saltwater pools in LA that’ll give you all the beachy waves with none of the sand

Taking a dip in salt water can calm the nervous system while simultaneously bolstering immunity and supporting your lymphatic system. Plus, salinated swims offer beauty benefits, too.

In Los Angeles, of course, you have access to the largest body of salt water around—the Pacific Ocean. Still, natives know that those waters aren’t always the warmest or the easiest to get to in summer’s beach-frenzied traffic. As an alternative, try dipping into one of the city’s saline swimming holes, which, while not exactly as salt-drenched as the sea, allow you to bypass the irritated eyes and skin you might experience after a chlorinated soak.

The 10 best salt water pools in or near Los Angeles, California.

1. Petit Ermitage, West Hollywood

This quirky bohemian hotel is one of my favorites in all of Los Angeles. Its heated saltwater pool—open to guests only—offers picturesque views and is adult-only from noon until dawn. Plus, you can bathe topless here should you desire a little Vitamin D exposure south of your neck.

2. The London West Hollywood

Located in WeHo, this saltwater rooftop pool offers panoramic views of the city all the way to downtown and, in the other direction, the westside. Here, you can watch TV from a private cabana after your swim, because why not?

3. Grafton on Sunset, West Hollywood

The Grafton hotel is located within walking distance of some of Hollywood’s most-famous rock-and-roll landmarks. Its heated saltwater swimming hole bears the distinction of being the largest pool on Sunset Boulevard.

4. Montage Beverly Hills

This oasis is tucked away in the middle of LA’s poshest neighborhood. Its saltwater pool is available to non-guests with the reservation of a cabana; however, it’s currently closed for renovations, though the sundeck and lounge chairs are still open for poolside chilling until the repairs are complete.

5. Equinox Hollywood

This gym location offers a three-lane indoor saltwater pool. If you’re not a member, your best bet is to befriend someone who is so they can send you a guest pass.

6. Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes

The Terranea Resort is on the southern tip of Los Angeles, in Palos Verdes. Its Vista pool, located near the property’s spa, offers stunning views of the ocean (and awesome Instagram opps). If you’re planning on a visit, consider doing so during one of the property’s Immersive Wellness weekends.

7. The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach

This resort’s guest-accessible saltwater swimming hole, named The Coliseum, is one of the world’s largest perfectly-circular pools. It offers expansive views of the Southern California coast. If you like your swims with a side of something sparkling, happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

8. Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa, Rancho Santa Fe

Located about two hours south of Los Angeles in San Diego County, this resort spans 45 acres. Its vast property offers not one but two saline pools, both heated. The spa pool is adults-only.

9. Rancho Bernardo Inn, San Diego

At this 287-room resort, you must book a spa treatment in order to obtain access to the heated saltwater pool. Try the cucumber-coconut pedicure.

10. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara 

This epic Ritz-Carlton resort features three zero-edge (read: infinity) saline pools, two of which boast ocean views. For. The. Win.

For more places to take a dip, some of which also involve a salt soak: Try this list of the best spots to swim in the nation. These pink-sand, black-sand, and orange-sand beaches are pretty epic, too. 

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