‘Coolest’ NYC places for an escape from the summer heat wave

The heat in New York City is no joke.

This summer has set record-high temperatures, with the humid air soaring well above 90 degrees as the city pushes into its first official heat wave.

In response to the extreme temperatures, New York City has opened 500 public cooling centers spread across the five boroughs and extended pool hours to stay open until 8 p.m., city officials said Thursday.

While the Excessive Heat Warning is in effect, there are a plethora of hidden gems that offer a temporary escape from the suffocating heat.

Here’s a list of New York’s best places to be if you’re searching for a cool-down.

The Virgin Hotel’s Pool Club

Head over to the Pool Club at the Virgin Hotels for a “glamorous” and “sophisticated” yet relaxing vibe.

This popular hotel is conveniently located in Midtown, and its rooftop pool has an unobstructed view of the Empire State Building, as boasted by the hotel site.

Guests at the Virgin Hotels can reserve lounge chairs on a first-come, first-serve basis, where they can sip on “resort-inspired” cocktails and spend the day or night in an upscale setting. 

Cryotherapy chambers at Clean Market

Cooled to -220 degrees, the Whole Body Cryotherapy chambers at Clean Market might be the most efficient way to chill in the summer heat.

Traditionally used by athletes, cryotherapy chambers utilize frigid temperatures to stimulate physical and mental health benefits including decreasing joint pain, reducing inflammation and boosting energy, according to WebMD.

You can choose from a selection of music or podcasts and then step into one of the chambers for two to three minutes to feel “a world of difference.”

TWA Rooftop Pool

Having FOMO about not traveling abroad for a summer vacation?

Live vicariously through plane-goers by relaxing at JFK’s rooftop infinity pool where you can watch as planes jet off for destinations unknown.

Open daily for reservations, the TWA hotel’s retro pool is available for both guests and non-guests and features underwater seating, as well as upscale, flight-inspired cocktails and delicious snacks.

Chill-N Nitrogen ice cream

At Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream, you can enjoy flash-frozen ice cream for a cooler, creamier treat.

Instead of using a traditional churning method, workers at Chill-N Nitrogen utilize nitrogen, which in its liquid form is around -320 degrees, to make their ice cream.

Simply decide on an ice cream flavor and topping, and your (literally) freezing ice cream will be ready for enjoyment instantaneously. 

The Floating Pool Lady

Inspired by 19th-century floating baths in New York, the Floating Pool Lady is a revamped barge that now fits a moveable, half-Olympic-sized pool that offers recreational swimming, as well as lessons.

The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation’s free waterfront experience is located on the East River, right off Barretto Point Park in The Bronx.

The QC NY Spa 

Escape from the bustle of New York City and head to the QC NY spa, conveniently located on Governors Island.

Self-billed as an “enchanting oasis,” the spa overlooks the city’s skyline and hosts a plethora of relaxing experiences for a self-care day.

While you may want to stay away from the QC NY’s saunas, their panoramic pools, relaxation rooms and Vichy showers will provide a refreshing break from the heat.

Somewhere Nowhere NYC

Escape from the fast-paced hustle of New York to Somewhere Nowhere’s open-air rooftop pool.

With a 360-degree view of the Manhattan skyline, it sits at the top of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel and offers live jazz and craft cocktails for lounging in the whimsical atmosphere.

When the sun has set, bring up your energy by partying with live DJs at the rooftop bar.

Frozen cocktails in the East Village

Head down to Pinks Cantina in the East Village for refreshing cocktails and dishes inspired by contemporary New York and traditional Mexican flavors.

The venue serves specialty frozen drinks that are perfect for cooling down on a humid night; both their Piña Colada and Blue 52 contain double shots and are frozen into a slush-like texture.

Brooklyn’s Beach Club

The Coda Williamsburg Beach Club is a perfect destination for a relaxing and luxurious pool day. Complete with boutiques, a nightclub and dining, the Coda Williamsburg hosts New York City’s largest adults-only (age 21 and up) outdoor heated pool.

Reservations for the vibrant, resort-like daybeds and cabanas are available for both public and hotel guest enjoyment. 

A snowy American Dream Mall

This short trip to New Jersey will be worth it if you are a winter sports lover. The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford hosts an indoor ski slope and skating rink — Big Snow, North America’s only year-round indoor snow resort where “every day is a snow day.”

Experts can enjoy the mini terrain park, while beginners can reserve skiing and snowboarding lessons.

If you are looking for an even more unique activity for the summer, consider taking advantage of Big Snow’s SNO-GO Bike Package which includes: gear rental, a 2-hour slop access ticket and an introductory lesson on ski biking.

If you still have energy after skiing/snowboarding, head over to American Dream’s NHL regulation-sized ice rink for more frozen fun.