Beaches - Fresh Water
Ponds & lakes of Boston are great for swimming and family summer fun
Follow these links for : Lighthouses - Fishing Spots - Seaside Parks
4 places to visit
Houghton’s Pond Recreation Area
840 Hillside Street Milton, MA 02186 617-698-1802 Supervised swimming beach at this spring-fed kettle pond. Concession pavilion and Visitor’s Center open seasonally. Restrooms, telephones, and a first-aid station at the bathhouse on the beach. Lifeguards from late June through Labor Day. Handicapped ramp leads to the water.
Cochituate State Park
43 Commonwealth Road Natick, MA 01760 508-653-9641 Picnicking and swimming are allowed only on the middle section of this long, segmented lake.
Hours (Summer): 8am - 8pm, bathrooms locked at 7pm.
Parking Fees (May-October): $8 for MA Residents; $30 for Out-of-State Residents
Hours (Summer): 8am - 8pm, bathrooms locked at 7pm.
Parking Fees (May-October): $8 for MA Residents; $30 for Out-of-State Residents
Ashland State Park
162 West Union Street Ashland, MA 01721 508 881-4092 Ashland State Park is located on the large Ashland Reservoir. The park offers fresh water swimming, picnicking, boating, fishing, bicycling and hiking. The park has a boat ramp. There is wheelchair access to the beach, bathhouse, picnic and hiking trails. There are no life guards.
Parking: Available mid-May to Labor Day, $8 daily for MA vehicles and $30 daily for out-of-state vehicles. - Trail Map (PDF).
Parking: Available mid-May to Labor Day, $8 daily for MA vehicles and $30 daily for out-of-state vehicles. - Trail Map (PDF).
Mystic Lakes
Between Route 3 and Mystic Valley Parkway Winchester, MA 01890 617-727-5380 The Mystic Lakes offer swimming in fresh water at Sandy Beach, just off Mystic Valley Parkway. Sailing programs are offered at the Tufts University Boathouse. Upper Mystic Lake is for non-motorized boats (canoes, kayaks), only. Lower Mystic Lake is for power boats.