Near Boston, it can get sweltering, and spending hours stuck in traffic to get to a packed Cape beach can just make it worse. These peaceful but stunning swimming holes, which are only a bus, train, or commuter rail trip away, might be your best option for a swift swim far from the ocean. Here are our favorite spots to beat the heat!
Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is situated in a serene, affluent area. There seem to be three primary points of entry into the water, each with a bathhouse and lifeguards: Cronin’s Cove, Levingston Cove, and Crystal Lake Beach. The water is flanked by homes and trees. If you have your own gear, you can also go canoeing, parasailing, and fishing on the lake.
Depending on where you live, a day admission to access the waters at the beach costs $5 to $15, and Newton residents can purchase season passes. Yet, Cronin’s Cove and Levingston Cove, where access is complimentary, are popular locations for swimming. It’s important to note that there aren’t any bathhouses or lifeguards.
Although the water is fairly pure, there are frequent concerns about bacteria. On a few occasions throughout the summer of 2020, the lake was closed because of a high E. coli contamination. Please review health reports before traveling.
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Lake Cochituate
Three interconnected lakes make up Cochituate State Park, and Wayland Town Beach is located on the northernmost lake’s eastern coast. Swimming, kayaking, paddling, fishing, and sailing are all enjoyable watersports you can enjoy here.
If you prefer the outdoors, set up camp at a picnic bench or hike along one of the many miles of nearby forest paths. With ramps to all locations, handicapped restrooms, and even beachfront wheelchairs, the shore is open to all.
To get to Natick Center, take the commuter trains to Framingham/Worcester. Take the 10 bus from Moran Park to Bent Park and then walk along Parkland Drive for only about five minutes until you hit Wayland Town Beach. It’s free to use this beach from dawn til dusk.
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Mystic Lakes
The Upper and Lower Mystic Lakes are two nearby lakes that flow into the Mystic River, which then pours into the Charles. Although the Mystic Lakes are fairly wide in comparison to other local bathing spots, swimming is only permitted at Shannon Beach near the upper Mystic’s tip.
The other lakes are utilized for fishing and boating, though occasionally people swim close to the Medford Boat Club pier. Additionally, given that the beach is frequently overcrowded, you will see swimmers in small groups close to the shore. It is officially forbidden to swim outside of these locations, however, if you do, please watch out for vessels!
Both Shannon Beach and the Medford Boat Club have parking. Public transportation doesn’t make the region particularly accessible, although you can use the bus and travel a short distance or ride the commuter rail to Wedgemere.
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Walden Pond
Henry David Thoreau wrote Walden in this illustrious environment. In truth, you can go to Thoreau’s cabin’s original location in the woods, right near this Boston swimming hole!
Although the lagoon itself is a well-liked swimming area, opinions on the water’s cleanliness are divided.
The water was supposed to be very clear during Thoreau’s time. The pond was formed from a melted glacier! In the present day, some claim that the water is clearer than that in other swimming areas, while others claim that it is dirty.
In either case, Walden Pond continues to be popular with friends, family, and swimmers who compete. Residents of Massachusetts pay $8 for parking, based on the license plate, whereas non-residents must pay $30.
©Kenneth Sacco/Shutterstock.com
Pearce Lake
The rocky, wooded scenery of Breakheart Reservation resembles northern Maine more than the North Shore, but Pearce Lake, with its freshwater bathing area, is actually only a short bus ride away. On the inner circle of the property, you will pass through the forest! Be on the lookout for coyotes! You’ll emerge onto a broad beachfront on the northern shore of Pearce Lake’s clear waters.
Once you’ve arrived there is no shortage of sun or shade, and little children can easily wade in the shallow water next to the coast. Swimmers with more courage can try to reach the small island near the buoyed area’s border.
From Haymarket, take the 428 bus north to Main Street at Lynn Fells Parkway. After this, it takes around 30 minutes to walk to the water and even less to reach the reservation’s shelter. You may want to pack a backpack with all of your belongings!
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