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 PoolAttleboroFreeFacilities: 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 DeckBelmontFreeFacilities: 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 DeckBostonFreeFacilities: 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 DeckBostonFreeFacilities: 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 DeckBostonFreeFacilities: 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 PoolBrightonFreeFacilities: 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 DeckBrightonFreeFacilities: 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 PoolBrocktonFreeFacilities: 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 PoolCambridgeFreeFacilities: 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 DeckCambridgeFreeFacilities: 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 PoolCambridgeFreeFacilities: 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 PoolChelseaFreeFacilities: 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 PoolEast FreetownFreeFacilities: 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 DeckEverettFree
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 DeckFall RiverFree
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 PoolHyde ParkFreeFacilities: 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 DeckHyde ParkFreeFacilities: 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 DeckHyde ParkFreeFacilities: 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 DeckJamaica PlainFreeFacilities: 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 PoolLawrenceFreeFacilities: 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 PoolLawrenceFreeFacilities: 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 PoolLowellFreeFacilities: 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 SwimmingMaldenFreeFacilities: 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 PoolMattapanFreeFacilities: 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 PoolMelroseFreeFacilities: 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 PoolMilfordFreeFacilities: 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 DeckRoxburyFreeFacilities: 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 DeckSomervilleFreeFacilities: 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 PoolSomervilleFreeFacilities: Athletic fields, Lifeguards, Pool, Restrooms, Showers
Hours: Open
Address: 110 Alewife Brook Parkway, Somerville, MA 02143
Hall Memorial PoolStonehamFreeFacilities: 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 DeckTopsfieldFreeFacilities: Spray Deck
Hours: 5/27/2023 - 9/17/2023, Hours 10:00am - 6:00pm
Address: 40 Asbury St., Topsfield, MA 01983
Connors Memorial Swimming PoolWalthamFreeFacilities: 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 PoolWatertownFreeFacilities: 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 PoolWeymouthFreeFacilities: 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 ParkBostonFreeFacilities: 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 IslandBostonFreeFacilities: 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 IslandsBostonFreeFacilities: 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 ParkDartmouthFreeFacilities: 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 BeachDorchesterFreeFacilities: 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 BeachDorchesterFreeFacilities: Playground, Tennis court
Address: Conley St., Dorchester, MA 02122
Fort Phoenix State ReservationFairhavenFreeFacilities: 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 ReservationHullFreeFacilities: 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 ParkMashpeeFreeFacilities: 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 ReservationNahantFreeFacilities: 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 ReservationRevereFreeFacilities: 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 ReservationSagamoreFreeFacilities: 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 ReservationSalisburyFreeFacilities: 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 ReservationWestportFreeFacilities: 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 ReservationWinthropFreeFacilities: Restrooms
Activities: Fishing Swimming
Accessibility: Beach wheelchair available
Address: Winthrop Shore Drive, Winthrop, MA 02152

Great Freshwater Beaches for Swimming

Ashland State ParkAshlandFreeFacilities: 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 ParkBrewsterFreeFacilities: 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 ForestCarverFreeFacilities: 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 ReservationConcordFree (Parking Fee)Facilities: Boat ramp, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Visitors center
Address: 915 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742
Hopkinton State ParkHopkintonFreeFacilities: 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 AreaMiltonFreeFacilities: 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 ParkNatickFreeFacilities: 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 ForestNorth AndoverFreeFacilities: 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 ReservationSaugusFreeFacilities: 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 ParkTauntonFreeFacilities: 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