If you are serious about swimming, Boston offers a variety of attractive options for summer and winter.
Swimming in a public pool is probably the most convenient option, as there are no natural obstacles such as sand, mud, or rocks. If you're looking for lap swimming, this is probably your best choice.
Swimming from beaches is a popular summer activity. The combination of sand, waves, and a fresh breeze in your face is invigorating and relaxing at the same time. If you want to swim, make sure you time your visit well, as the tidal range in the Boston area is over 8 feet. This means that at low tide, you may find a wide band of mud and gravel separating you from the water. It is wise to wear waterproof beach shoes to prevent injury from sharp-edged rocks and shells.
Freshwater beaches on lakes and ponds are a wonderful alternative for families with smaller children and seniors. There is more shade and fewer problems with wind and waves, and generally, the ground is easier to walk on. There are no tides to deal with, and you will not have to struggle through a mud field to get to the beach at low tide.
Swimming is great fun for all, and observing a few safety rules will keep everybody safe.
- Always wear sunscreen.
- Seek shaded areas.
- Protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
- Children must always be under the supervision of a parent or guardian. Swim aids such as noodles and inflatable toys are not a substitute for close supervision.
- Lifeguards are not a substitute for personal, arms-length supervision of children.
- Follow all the rules published at your location.
- Teach young children how to swim as early as possible.
Great Public Pools for Swimming
George I. Spatcher Memorial Pool | Attleboro | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Picnic tables, Pool, Restrooms, Shaded chairs Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift is available. Hours: 11:00am - 6:00pm daily - close at 4:00pm on July 3 and 4. Address: 79 North Ave., Attleboro, MA 02703 |
Beaver Brook Spray Deck | Belmont | Free | Facilities: Benches, Picnic area, Playground, Spray deck Accessibility: Beach wheelchair available Hours: 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm Address: 621 Trapelo Road, Belmont, MA 02478 |
Mission Hill Spray Deck | Boston | Free | Facilities: Ball courts, Playground, Spray deck Hours: Spray Deck & Playground, 7/1/2023 - 9/17/2023 Address: 1 Schroeder Plaza, Boston, MA 02120 |
Neponset Landing II Spray Deck | Boston | Free | Facilities: Picnic area, Playground, Spray deck Hours: Spray Deck, 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm Address: 72 Hill Top St., Boston, MA 02124 |
Alfond Memorial Spray Deck | Boston | Free | Facilities: Picnic tables, Playground, Spray deck Hours: 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm Address: Alfond Memorial Spray Deck, Boston, MA 02114 |
Reilly Memorial Swimming Pool | Brighton | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Pool, Restrooms, Showers Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift is available. Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 355 Chestnut Hill Ave., Brighton, MA 02135 |
Artesani Playground Wading Pool and Spray Deck | Brighton | Free | Facilities: Picnic area, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Spray deck, Wading pool Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift is available. Hours: 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Spray Deck, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm, Wading Pool Opens June 17, 2023, Sunday - Saturday:, 10:15 am-5:45 pm Address: 1255 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA 02135 |
Manning Pool | Brockton | Free | Facilities: Playground, Pool, Restrooms, Shaded seating, Spray deck Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift is available. Hours: Opens June 25, 2021, Public Swim: 1:00pm - 6:00pm Address: 470 Forest Ave., Brockton, MA 02301 |
Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool | Cambridge | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Pool, Restrooms Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 719 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139 |
North Point Park Spray Deck | Cambridge | Free | Facilities: Playground, Spray deck Hours: Spray Deck, 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm Address: Education Circle, Cambridge, MA 02141 |
Francis J. McCrehan Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool | Cambridge | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Pool, Restrooms Hours: Spray Deck open 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, 8AM - 8PM, Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 359 Rindge Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140 |
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool | Chelsea | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Pool, Restrooms, Wading pool Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 184 Carter St., Chelsea, MA 02150 |
Freetown State Forest Wading Pool | East Freetown | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Restrooms, Wading pool Hours: 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, 8AM - 6PM Address: 110 Slab Road, East Freetown, MA 02702 |
Allied Veterans Memorial Swimming and Spray Deck | Everett | Free | Hours: 6/24/2023 - 8/20/2023, Spray Deck, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm, Swimming Pool, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 65 Elm St., Everett, MA 02149 |
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool and Spray Deck | Fall River | Free | Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift available. Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 339 Eastern Ave., Fall River, MA 02723 |
Olsen Swimming Pool | Hyde Park | Free | Facilities: Pool, Restrooms, Spray deck Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 95 Turtle Pond Parkway, Hyde Park, MA 02136 |
Olsen Spray Deck | Hyde Park | Free | Facilities: Benches, Pool, Restrooms, Spray deck Accessibility: Beach wheelchair available Hours: 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm Address: 95 Turtle Pond Parkway, Hyde Park, MA 02136 |
John T. Moynihan Spray Deck | Hyde Park | Free | Facilities: Shaded benches, Playground, Spray deck Hours: 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm Address: 920 Truman Parkway, Hyde Park, MA 02136 |
Johnson Playground Spray Deck | Jamaica Plain | Free | Facilities: Playground, Spray deck Hours: 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm Address: Lamartine St. & Green St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 |
Lt. Colonel Edward J. Higgins Swimming Pool | Lawrence | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Pools, Restrooms, Showers Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift is available. Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 180 Crawford St., Lawrence, MA 01843 |
Geisler Memorial Swimming Pool | Lawrence | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Pool, Restrooms, Showers Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift available. Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 50 High St., Lawrence, MA 01841 |
Raymond Lord Memorial Swimming Pool | Lowell | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Picnic tables, Pool, Restrooms, Showers Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift is available. Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022 Address: 81 Cross St., Lowell, MA 01854 |
Lt. Dennis C. Holland Memorial Swimming | Malden | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Playground, Pool, Restrooms, Showers, Wading pool Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/24/2023, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 108 Mountain Ave., Malden, MA 02148 |
Ryan Wading Pool | Mattapan | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Playground, Restrooms, Shaded benches, Wading pool Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift is available. Hours: Opening date 6/18/2022, Sunday - Saturday:, 10:00 am-6:00 pm Address: 350 River St., Mattapan, MA 02126 |
Lawrence W. Lloyd Memorial Swimming Pool | Melrose | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Pool, Restrooms, Showers Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 49 Tremont St., Melrose, MA 02176 |
Sen. P. Eugene Casey Memorial Swimming Pool | Milford | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Pool, Restrooms, Showers Accessibility: Outdoor swimming pool lift is available. Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 41 Prospect St., Milford, MA 01757 |
Melnea A. Cass Memorial Swimming Pool and Spray Deck | Roxbury | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Pool, Recreation center, Restrooms Hours: Spray Deck, 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 8:00am - 8:00pm, Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 120 Martin Luther King Blvd., Roxbury, MA 02119 |
Latta Brothers Memorial Swimming Pool and Spray Deck | Somerville | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Pool, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Wading pool Hours: Spray Deck open 6/24/2023 - 8/20/2023, Hours 8am - 8pm, Swimming Pool open 6/24/2023, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 235 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02141 |
Dilboy Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool | Somerville | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Lifeguards, Pool, Restrooms, Showers Hours: Open Address: 110 Alewife Brook Parkway, Somerville, MA 02143 |
Hall Memorial Pool | Stoneham | Free | Facilities: Lifeguards on duty, Lockers, Pool, Restrooms, Showers, Splash pad Hours: Closed for the season Address: 4 North Border Road, Stoneham, MA 02180 |
Bradley Palmer Spray Deck | Topsfield | Free | Facilities: Spray Deck Hours: 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 10:00am - 6:00pm Address: 40 Asbury St., Topsfield, MA 01983 |
Connors Memorial Swimming Pool | Waltham | Free | Facilities: Basketball court, Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Pool, Restrooms, Shaded benches, Showers, Spray deck Hours: Swimming Pool open 6/25/2022, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 330 River St., Waltham, MA 02453 |
Clarence W. Dealtry Memorial Swimming and Wading Pool | Watertown | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard on duty, Lockers, Pool, Restrooms, Showers Hours: Swimming Pool, Hours 11:15am - 6:45pm Address: 138 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 |
Connell Memorial Swimming Pool | Weymouth | Free | Facilities: Indoor pool Accessibility: Beach wheelchair available Pool lift Sloped entry Hours: Visit link above for schedules and more information Address: 220 Broad St., Weymouth, MA 02188 |
Great Saltwater Beaches for Swimming
Constitution Beach Park | Boston | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Basketball courts, Bathhouse, Concession stand, Picnic area, Playground, Restrooms Activities: Baseball Tennis , Educational programs, Fishing, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible bathhouse, Accessible picnicking, Beach mat, Beach wheelchair available, Address: 799 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128 |
Castle Island | Boston | Free | Facilities: Boardwalk, First aid station, Lifeguard station, Picnic areas (grilling allowed), Playground, Restrooms, Rinsing showers, Scenic overlook Activities: Biking, Educational programs, Fishing, Running and walking, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible picnicking at Carson Beach, Accessible restrooms at Castle Island and Carson Beach, Accessible trail around Pleasure Bay, Beach mat at Carson Beach, Beach wheelchairs available at Carson, Beach and Pleasure Bay Address: 2010 Day Blvd., Boston, MA 02127 |
Boston Harbor Islands | Boston | Free | Facilities: Grills, Group/private event use, Pavilion, Picnic area, Playground, Restrooms - on Georges, Peddocks and Spectacle Islands ONLY, Visitors center Activities: Hiking, Boating (non-motorized), Canoeing and kayaking, Swimming, Fishing, Educational programs Accessibility: Accessible trail on Spectacle Island, Beach wheelchair available on Spectacle Island Address: Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA 02110 |
Demarest Lloyd State Park | Dartmouth | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Picnic area, Restrooms, Scenic viewing area, Showers Activities: Hiking Canoeing and kayaking Fishing Swimming Accessibility: Beach mat provided, Beach wheelchairs available Address: 115 Barneys Joy Road, Dartmouth, MA 02748 |
Savin Hill and Malibu Beach | Dorchester | Free | Facilities: Baseball fields, Bathhouse, Playground Accessibility: Accessible bathhouse at Malibu Beach, Beach wheelchair available at Malibu Beach, Boardwalk at Malibu Beach Address: 68 Denny St, Dorchester, MA 02125 |
Tenean Beach | Dorchester | Free | Facilities: Playground, Tennis court Address: Conley St., Dorchester, MA 02122 |
Fort Phoenix State Reservation | Fairhaven | Free | Facilities: Basketball court, Pavilion, Picnic area, Playground, Restrooms, Scenic viewing area, Showers, Tennis court, Grills Activities: Basketball, Swimming, Tennis, Running and walking Accessibility: Boardwalk and beach mat provided, Beach wheelchairs available, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms Address: Green Street, Fairhaven, MA 02719 |
Nantasket Beach Reservation | Hull | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Volleyball, Bathhouse, Pavilion, Playground, Restrooms, Weddings Activities: Biking, Hiking, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible Playground, Accessible Restrooms, Beach wheelchairs available, Address: 212 Nantasket Ave., Hull, MA 02045 |
South Cape Beach State Park | Mashpee | Free | Facilities: Picnic area, Restrooms, Grills Activities: Boating (non-motorized), Boating (motorized), Canoeing and kayaking, Educational programs, Hiking, Hunting Swimming Accessibility: Accessible restrooms, Boardwalk and beach mat, Beach wheelchairs available Address: 668 Great Oak Road, Mashpee, MA 02649 |
Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation | Nahant | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Bandstand, Boat ramps, First aid station, Picnic area, Restrooms, Scenic viewing area, Showers, Playground, Visitors center Activities: Tennis, Baseball, Soccer, Running and walking, Biking, Boating (non-motorized), Boating (motorized), Canoeing and kayaking, Hiking, Educational programs, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible causeway, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms, Beach mat, Beach wheelchairs available Address: 1 Nahant Road, Nahant, MA 01908 |
Revere Beach Reservation | Revere | Free | Facilities: Athletic fields, Bandstand, First aid, Historic sites, Info booth, Pavilion, Playground, Restroom, Weddings Activities: Fishing, Educational programs, Swimming Accessibility: Beach mat, Beach wheelchairs available, Paved walkways, Restrooms, Address: Revere Beach Boulevard , Revere, MA 02151 |
Scusset Beach State Reservation | Sagamore | Free | Facilities: Lifeguard, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Showers, Nature Center, , Trailer / R.V. Water and Electric Hookups Activities: Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Educational programs, Hunting Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible educational programs, Accessible fishing, Accessible trail, Accessible picnic areas Accessible restrooms Boardwalk and beach mat Beach wheelchairs available Hours: Dawn to dusk Address: 20 Scusset Beach Road, Sagamore, MA 02562 |
Salisbury Beach State Reservation | Salisbury | Free | Facilities: Boardwalk, Picnic area, Boat ramp, Grilling, Pavilion, Playground, Restrooms, Scenic viewing areas, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping, Trailer/R.V. hookup, Weddings Activities: Boating (motorized), Boating (non-motorized), Educational programs, Camping, Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing, Horseback riding, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible educational programs, Accessible restrooms, Accessible nature center Beach mat, Beach wheelchairs available Hours: Sunrise to sunset Address: State Reservation Road , Salisbury, MA 01952 |
Horseneck Beach State Reservation | Westport | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Dishwashing station, Dumpsters, Picnic areas, Playground, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping Activities: Camping, Swimming, Fishing, Sailing, Boating (non-motorized), Boating (motorized), Biking, Basketball, Bird watching Accessibility: Beach mat provided, Beach wheelchairs available, Accessible camping, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms, Accessible trails Hours: Sunrise to sunset, Beach hours, Sunday - Saturday:, 8:00 am-8:00 pm Address: 5 John Reed Road, Westport, MA 02791 |
Winthrop Shore Reservation | Winthrop | Free | Facilities: Restrooms Activities: Fishing Swimming Accessibility: Beach wheelchair available Address: Winthrop Shore Drive, Winthrop, MA 02152 |
Great Freshwater Beaches for Swimming
Ashland State Park | Ashland | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Grilling Activities: Hiking, Biking, Mountain biking, Boating (motorized), Boating (non-motorized), Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing, Cross-country skiing, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible trail, Beach wheelchair available, Picnicking, Restrooms Address: 156 West Union St, Ashland, MA 01721 |
Nickerson State Park | Brewster | Free | Facilities: Amphitheater, Bike paths, Boat ramp, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping - registered campers only, Activities: Boating (non-motorized), Boating (motorized), Basketball, Cross-country skiing, Camping, Hiking, Horseback riding, Swimming, Canoeing and kayaking, Mountain biking, Biking, Fishing, Educational programs Accessibility: Accessible camping, Beach wheelchair available, Cape Cod Rail Trail access, Seasonal adaptive recreational programming Address: 3488 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631 |
Myles Standish State Forest | Carver | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Grills, Pavilion, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping, Visitors center, Weddings Activities: Biking, Boating (non-motorized), Camping, Canoeing and kayaking, Cross-country skiing, Educational programs, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Hunting, Sailing, Snowmobiling, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible fishing with beach mat at Fearing Pond, Accessible restrooms, Beach wheelchairs available (please note that College Pond restrooms are not accessible) Address: 194 Cranberry Rd., Carver, MA 02330 |
Walden Pond State Reservation | Concord | Free (Parking Fee) | Facilities: Boat ramp, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Visitors center Address: 915 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742 |
Hopkinton State Park | Hopkinton | Free | Facilities: Boathouse, Boat ramp (car top), Grills, Pavilions , Picnic areas, Restrooms Activities: Boating (non-motorized), Sailing, Canoeing and kayaking, Swimming, Cross-country skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Snowmobiling Accessibility: Beach wheelchairs available, Fishing, Restrooms Address: 164 Cedar St., Hopkinton, MA 01748 |
Houghton's Pond Recreation Area | Milton | Free | Facilities: Ball fields, Boardwalk, Concession stand, First-aid station, Lifeguards, Picnic area, Grills - Bring propane grills/no charcoal in designated areas, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Visitors center Activities: Baseball, Cross-country skiing, Educational programs, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible interpretive boardwalk, Accessible restrooms, Beach mat, Beach wheelchairs available Address: 840 Hillside St., Milton, MA 02186 |
Cochituate State Park | Natick | Free | Facilities: Boat ramp, Boat rentals Activities: Hiking Fishing, Swimming, Boating (non-motorized), Canoeing and kayaking, Sailing, Cross-country skiing Accessibility: Accessible restrooms, Accessible dock and observation area Beach wheelchairs available<, Address: 43 Commonwealth Road, Natick, MA 01760 |
Harold Parker State Forest | North Andover | Free | Facilities: Pavilion, Picnic areas, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping Activities: Hiking, Camping, Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing, Hunting, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Biking, Ice skating, Cross-country skiing, Educational programs, Boating (non-motorized),f Swimming Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms, Accessible trail, Beach wheelchairs available Address: 305 Middleton Road, North Andover, MA 01845 |
Breakheart Reservation | Saugus | Free | Facilities: Barking Lot – fenced off leash dog area, Grilling - - no charcoal grills, propane only, First aid, Pavilion, Playground, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Visitors Center, Weddings Activities: Hiking, Biking, Horseback riding, Swimming, Fishing, Cross-country skiing, Educational programs Accessibility: Accessible education programs, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms, Accessible visitors center, Beach wheelchair available, Paved walking trails Address: 177 Forest St., Saugus, MA 01906 |
Watson Pond State Park | Taunton | Free | Facilities: Pavilion, Picnic areas, Grills, Weddings, Playground Activities: Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing, Swimming Accessibility: Accessible restrooms, Beach wheelchair available Address: 1644 Bay St., Taunton, MA 02780 |