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The Weekender: Boston's Saturday Morning Newsletter
5 freshwater swimming spots around Boston you can get to on the MBTA
Editor's Note: This is an excerpt from WBUR's Saturday morning newsletter, The Weekender. If you like what you read and want it in your inbox, sign up here.
I was in high school the first time I took a dip at a local swimming hole. My family usually stuck to South Shore beaches when it came to waterfront recreation. So, when a friend invited me to come to “a nearby beach,” I was pretty confused. We lived in Arlington, and I knew she wasn’t referring to the town reservoir (otherwise, she would have just said we were going to “The Res”).
Despite my confusion, I went along for the ride.
We arrived at what I later found out was Shannon Beach: A small, tucked away cove that opened out into a lake where people were splashing in the water. Instead of a view of the horizon, we were surrounded by trees. And at quieter moments, all you could hear were birds, instead of crashing waves. I loved it.
Since that day, I’ve visited a few more of Massachusetts’ freshwater swimming holes with friends and family. These oases seem to be hidden to non-locals — but we all deserve to cool off, especially after a sweltering week! Here are five swimming spots you can visit this summer, with extra tips on how to reach them using the T.
Arlington Reservoir | 210 Lowell St., Arlington
The Arlington Reservoir was built in the early 1870s as a water supply system for the town. But ever since Arlington joined the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in 1899, it’s served as a swimming hole and recreation area for families in Arlington, Lexington and other neighboring towns.
You can visit The Res from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. A day pass costs $10 for adults over 18, and $5 for children and seniors. Thanks to recent renovations, there is now a bath house, snack bar, picnic area and playground in addition to the lovely beach area.
- Take the T: From Alewife Station, you can take the 62/76 bus to the Mass. Ave. at Drake Road stop. There, you’re a seven-minute walk from the reservoir.
Crystal Lake | 30 Rogers St., Newton
Crystal Lake — which is technically a “great pond” — is currently in its preseason. But by June 29, it’ll be open for the summer from 9:30 a.m. to dusk on the weekdays and 1 p.m. to dusk on weekends. This freshwater swimming hole spans 24 acres in size, meaning there’s plenty of room to swim, kayak or paddleboard, if you so wish.
The pond’s park area also offers hiking trails and picnic tables for when you’re ready to stop for lunch. A day pass costs $8 for Newton residents and $15 for out-of-towners.
- Take the T: Ride the Green Line’s D branch to the Newton Highlands stop. There, you’re a 10-minute walk from the pond.
Shannon Beach | 481 Mystic Valley Pkwy, Medford
Shannon Beach is a swimming hole that’s part of the vast Mystic Lakes State Park. It sits on the Upper Mystic Lake, which borders Winchester, Medford and Arlington. This beach provides a tree-covered area for swimming, paddleboarding and sunbathing. Bring a picnic — or even a gas-powered grill — for a cookout. There is no cost to enter, and parking is free onsite (if you can snag a spot).
Walden Pond | 915 Walden St., Concord
Yes, the pond that inspired Henry David Thoreau is also a great place to take a summer dip, whether you’re with kids or looking to swim some laps in deeper water. That’s because while Walden Pond is relatively shallow in most spots, it can get as deep as 102 feet in others.
Though it’s a local favorite, Walden Pond won’t have as much room for visitors interested in swimming this summer due to high water levels that are expected to engulf much of the beach until autumn.
Still, it’s nice for a shady hike and picnic. Walden Pond State Reservation is open from 5 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily, and there’s no fee to enter, just a parking cost of $8 for Massachusetts residents, and $30 for out-of-state visitors. The parking lot can hit capacity fast, especially on weekends, so call ahead or check their social media accounts before heading over.
- Take the T: Concord may be farther out, but it’s not completely inaccessible by public transit. Take the Fitchburg commuter rail line to Concord station. From there, hop in a rideshare to get to the pond in as little a six minutes.
Town Beach | 25 Parkland Dr, Wayland
Lake Cochituate is made up of three linked ponds. On the shores of its North Pond lies Wayland’s Town Beach, where people come to swim, sunbathe, fish, kayak and canoe (they even offer boat rentals). There’s also a snack bar and a shaded picnic area where you can cook up burgers on a charcoal grill.
Wayland’s Town Beach is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Day passes — which are only valid for weekends — are $5 for residents and $10 for out-of-towners. For unlimited and weekday visits, you’ll have to buy a season pass, which are sold online and at the beach gate.
- Take the T: Ride the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line to Natick Center station. Once you’re there, the quickest way to the beach is by hailing a rideshare or taxi (you’ll be to the shore in 11 minutes).
P.S. — Massachusetts has even more swimming holes to discover. To find locations farther from Boston, check out the DCR’s list of 32 freshwater inland beaches. Just make sure you check out the DCR park alerts page for updates on water quality before you go.
