Asser Levy Pool

This 8,140-square-foot Gramercy spot next to the FDR Drive is an inconvenient trek for all but neighborhood residents, but intrepid swimmers will be rewarded with small crowds and pristine waters. There’s not much in the way of deck furniture, but the lounge area is wide and peaceful, so feel free to pull out a book. Bonus: If you splurge on a membership ($150, seniors $25, children free) to the pool’s rec center, which allows access to all city rec centers for a year, you’ll be able to use the seasonal indoor pool during the colder months, too.