Las Vegas: Poolside in the Desert

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New water-based experiences for Las Vegas visitors and locals

You’ve got to admit, on paper, Las Vegas isn’t the most appealing place. The summers are hot, the winters are cold (although, admittedly, the East Coast has Vegas beat), and the city is right in the middle of the desert—but the experiences visitors get when they make a stop in the city cannot be overstated.

It’s no wonder the city saw 40.8 million visitors—and 6 million business travelers— last year, a 5.2% increase in visitation from 2022. In 2024’s first quarter, the city has already seen a 0.4% increase in visitors. It isn’t too difficult to see what keeps visitors coming, be it the fact that there’s always something new or, just in time for summer, new ways to chill poolside.

Swimmin’ on the Boulevard

Of the many eye-catching experiences visitors can find along Las Vegas Boulevard, there is one that can make the day immensely more enjoyable, namely, relaxing poolside with drink and small plates in hand. The Strip has seen several new (and an established one that bears mentioning) poolside experiences of all kinds, whether it’s a group or a family that decides to stay a couple of days post-conference—bleisure joy.

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Sammy’s Island at Palms Casino Resort

Sammy’s Island is a rebrand of Palms Casino Resort’s Palms Pool, created in partnership with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sammy Hagar.

After a complete redesign with Hagar’s signature beach vibe of poolside decor, cabanas, daybeds and the more exclusive Hagar-themed Red Rocker cabanas, what’s now on display is an outdoor venue (available for buyouts) that offers a beach setting right on The Strip. Amping up the beach vibes are a Tiki Bar, which offers tropical cocktails, and a Tequileria, where attendees can try out tequila and mescal flights.

Oasis Cinema Club at Fontainebleau Las Vegas

Fontainebleau is one of the most recent properties to open on The Strip. For this first summer, the property has introduced Oasis Cinema Club, which will run through Sept. 1.

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“Movies bring people together, so we created Oasis Cinema Club as a new entertainment experience for Fontainebleau Las Vegas guests and also for the local Las Vegas community,” says Fedor Banuchi, senior vice president of entertainment at Fontainebleau. “Our location on the north end of The Strip is easily accessible for locals, which gives them an opportunity to take the family out for a Sunday night movie night. Summer evenings in Las Vegas are spectacular, and watching a movie by the pool is unlike anything else.”

Banuchi says the reception has been so overwhelming that they needed to relocate the club from its La Mer enclave to the Grand Pool Deck area to accommodate more guests. “With this being the first year, we continue to evaluate our programming and look forward to what next year has in store.”

Circa Resort Las Vegas

Although Circa Resort isn’t on The Strip, it may be worth a drive to Old Las Vegas to experience the 4,000-person Stadium Swim, which offers an experience with—are you ready?—a 40-foot tall, 143-foot wide HD screen that sits in front of six pools that sit on three tiered levels around which are 30 cabanas, 36 daybeds and 337 chaise lounges.

In addition to these areas, there are several others available for booking, like water couches, lower stadium booths and the owner’s suite, which has its own TV and restroom.