One Of The Biggest Swimming Pools In The U.S. Is Just 30 Minutes From L.A. — It Can Hold Up To 2,800 People In Its Nearly 2 Acres

With summer in full swing, there’s nothing better to beat the heat than a refreshing dip in cold water. Sure, you can head to the many beaches, lakes, or water parks around L.A., but there’s always a catch: they’re often overcrowded. Luckily, that’s not really a problem at this spot. Just a short 30-minute drive from Downtown L.A., tucked away in the San Fernando Valley, you’ll find the largest swimming pool in all of America. Spanning 1.5 acres and featuring several attractions, this pool is a dream come true for introverted swimmers who’d rather not bump into anyone. Nestled within the flood-control basin at Hansen Dam, the [Hansen Dam Aquatic Center](https://www.laparks.org/aquatic/year-round/hansen), features a large swim lake located right next to the expansive recreation lake. The center opened in the early 1950s as part of the larger Hansen Dam Recreation Area, built to tame the 1938 floods. Originally, a large lake called Holiday Lake catered to swimmers, anglers, and boaters, but by 1991 it had filled with sediment and was eventually replaced. Today, the centerpiece is a 1.5‐acre filtered and chlorinated swim lake capable of holding around 2,800 people, making it one of the largest pools in America. Beyond its spacious swim area, the center offers a water slide, kids’ wading zones, and kayak rentals, all within the pool overseen by certified lifeguards. Nearby, in the larger recreation lake, visitors can rent stand‐up paddleboards, plus enjoy volleyball courts and picnic areas. The facility also includes 50 public restrooms, 25 showers, 20 dressing rooms, and fishing docks along the larger 9‐acre recreation lake nearby. Oh, and fun fact: while on summer weekends it draws up to 2,000 visitors, thanks to its massive size and layout, it rarely feels overcrowded, making it a hidden gem for those seeking space and serenity. ⏰ Hours: Daily 11 AM-6 PM during summer (June–September) 🎟️ Admission fee: $4 for adults, $1 for kids under 17, free for children under 4 📍 Location: 11798 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342 Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/largest-swimming-pool-in-the-us-los-angeles/