You can take an elevator to the top of the Empire State Building, climb the Statue of Liberty, or peer over a martini from any number of rooftop bars in the city. But nothing will give you a view of Manhattan like the High Line.

Crowds of sunburnt, irritable swimmers. Eye-watering levels of chlorine. That one kid who’s prone to swim trunk accidents. There are a lot of reasons why heading to the local pool when the heatwave hits is a better idea in theory than in practice. But when the mercury climbs, you’ve gotta find a way to cool off somehow. That’s where your local water hole retreat comes in. These spots are safe and sanctioned for swimming, but also offer cooling water, chemical-free paddling, and the chance to practice your best backstroke — all while surrounded by trees, open skies, and even the odd critter or two. Throw in some picnic supplies and change the status on your summer to “solved.”