What better way to beat the heat than taking a dip in a cool pool or rushing down a slippery water slide? Here's a list of some of the best places in north Alabama to swim, but make sure to lather up with sunscreen first! Most pools and water parks open Memorial Day weekend. 

DeSoto State Park's Swimming Pool

Go for a swim at DeSoto State Park’s swimming pool. (photo credit: DeSoto State Park)

DeSoto State Park pool

Joe Wheeler State Park Day Use Area

Spend the day at the day use area at Joe Wheeler State Park. Opens Memorial Day weekend.

joe wheeler state park day use area

Lake Guntersville State Park Beach

Get some sun on the beach at Lake Guntersville State Park. (photo by Lake Guntersville State Park)

Lake Guntersville State Park beach

Hippie Hole

Take a dip in the Hipppie Hole in Little River Canyon National Preserve. (photo by @coreychambers1)

Hippie Hole

Pirate's Bay Water Park

Ahoy, matey! Cool off and have a blast at Pirate's Bay Water Park in Leesburg! It's located near the Great Escapes RV Resort, which is formerly known as Chestnut Bay Resort. (photo by Pirate's Bay Water Park)

Pirates Bay Water Park

Point Mallard Water Park

Have fun in the wave pool, go down the water slides, or relax in the lazy river at Point Mallard Water Park.

point mallard wave pool

Red Bay Water Park

Cool off at the Red Bay Water Park for the summer! There are three pools, two big water slides, and an interactive splash pad area for kids under 48 inches tall. There's also a playground and walking trail.  

Red Bay Waterpark

Rickwood Caverns State Park Swimming Pool

Swim at Rickwood Caverns State Park’s public pool. The park has a new twisty slide that's fun for the kids.

rickwood caverns pool

Sand Mountain Park

The new waterpark in Sand Mountain Park in Albertville is amazing! There are two 25' waterslides, splash pad with 48 spray elements, 3-lane lap pool, interactive stream feature, sports/leisure pool with volleyball net and basketball hoop, 600' lazy river with waterfall feature, vortex pool, shade features, sun bathing chairs, and poolside concessions.

sand mountain waterpark

Spring Valley Beach Water Park

 

Spring Valley Beach in Blountsville is so much fun! The water park has numerous water slides, a kiddie area, and a huge pool. It's also home to the 360 Rush, which is super fun if you're into adrenaline-pumping rides! You can bring food into Spring Valley Beach, and they have pavilions for rent with grills.

spring valley beach

WildWater

WildWater is a brand new water park in Cullman! It features a 22,000 sq.ft. wave pool, 10 thrill rides, a kid's area with 8 slides, a drift river, and the best in food and beverage options. Enjoy a meal from Oasis Bistro for lunch, grab a quick snack at The Gully, and then finish the day with a frozen treat from Iceberg.

WildWater Cullman

Can't get enough water parks?

Listen to our Unexpected Adventures in North Alabama podcast episode all about water parks in north Alabama!

 

Of course, you can always cool off and swim in one of north Alabama's beautiful eight lakes: Bear Creek Lakes, Lake Guntersville, Neely Henry Lake, Pickwick Lake, Smith Lake, Weiss Lake, Wheeler Lake, and Wilson Lake.