There’s nothing quite like gliding through crystal-clear water on a warm, sunny afternoon. These swimming spots across Massachusetts have the cleanest, most beautiful water around. Some places are so pristine that you’ll be able to look down and see your toes wriggling with delight. For more outstanding spots by the water, check out these amazing beaches in Massachusetts that are perfect for a day by the water. For now, here are our picks for some of the very best pristine swimming spots in Massachusetts:
- Hathaway’s Pond, Barnstable
Jamie S./TripAdvisor Clear water, attentive lifeguards, and an immaculate sand beach make this pond a dream come true. The pond is warm during the warmest months, and is a great place to bring young kids, too!
- Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester
Breelynne/Flickr This gorgeous beach has plenty of shallow areas that absolutely glimmer in the sunshine. Perch on a rock with a delightful book, or splash around in the water. There are no public restrooms, though there are port-a-potties available.
- Puffer’s Pond, Amherst
Georgina Herrera Moreno/Flickr This pond is a hidden gem. Featuring sparkling waters and a beautiful waterfall created by a dam, it’s a great place to cool off and snap a few scenic photos at the same time. There are also plenty of walking paths, which are perfect for finding a bit of tranquility.
- Billingsgate Shoal, Eastham
EandJsFilmCrew/Flickr This glimmering shoal was once called Billingsgate Island. The land may have eroded away, but this swimming spot is still the perfect place to get away from it all.
- Lake Mansfield, Great Barrington
Oleg Shpyrko/Flickr This pristine public beach doesn’t require a resident sticker, which is a big deal during the warmest months. There’s plenty of parking to go around and a nice swathe of grassy lawn where you can relax after a swim. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer. When it comes to pristine swimming spots in Massachusetts, this is just about as good as it gets.
- Breezy Picnic Grounds/Waterslides, Douglas
Breezy Picnic Grounds Waterslides This spot combines the best parts of an all-natural swim spot with man-made thrills. Whiz down the lakeside water slides, or just wade into the clear waters of the Whitins Reservoir. There’s also an immaculately maintained picnic area.
- Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester
pfly/Flickr This lovely beach features a few different areas. There’s a shallow pool where kids can splash and enjoy the sunshine in addition to the main beach. At low tide, you can walk to nearby Salt Island. Just get back before the waters rise again! Parking during the week is $30 per vehicle, and $35 per vehicle on weekends and holidays.
- Lake Dennison, Winchendon
Logan Ingalls/Flickr This pond includes a campground, just in case you enjoy the spot so much that you can’t bear to leave. The shore is not usually crowded (the image above is from a boating event on the lake), and the waters are quite warm and clean.
- Upper Goose Pond, Lee
Charles Chandler/Flickr This lovely swimming hole is rather secluded, so the waters stay spotlessly clean. You can rent a canoe from the small dock, or simply enjoy the sparkling water from a blanket laid out on the shore.
- Morses Pond, Wellesley
KMcBoston/TripAdvisor This is a nice place to bring the entire family for a bit of splashing around. The long floating dock with a ladder makes it easy to enter and exit the water, though you’ll definitely be in no hurry to get out. The water is quite clean, and smaller kids will have a blast playing in the sparkling shallow areas. This area is open seasonally, so make sure to check the official website for closure and season information.
- Chapel Brook Falls, Ashfield
Doug Kerr/Flickr This is a magnificent spot to go during those particularly brutal summer heat waves. The waters are very cool and incredibly clear. There are a few different “levels” where you can sit and admire the rushing spray of the falls. Parking is nearby, though you’ll have to hike a short distance to reach the cascade itself.
- Long Pond, Middlesex Falls
mary/Flickr Long Pond is ringed by tall trees and set deep in the woods, so you get a proper sense of seclusion and privacy. The water is incredibly clear, though it has a rocky bottom rather than a sandy one. Bring your kayak for a peaceful paddle around this beautiful spot.
- Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Chatham
Jasperdo/Flickr You can really appreciate how clear the water is at this beach when the tide recedes. There’s plenty of beach space for all, and it’s only steps away from the beautiful and historic Chatham Lighthouse.
- Coast Guard Beach, Provincetown
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism/Flickr This beach seems to stretch on forever. Though the waves can get a little wild on windy days, the pristine blue water is always a beautiful sight. Coast Guard Beach is a great place to spot a few seals, as well.
So, what do you think? Do you know of any other pristine swimming spots in Massachusetts that we didn’t cover? We’d love to hear your suggestions!
Jamie S./TripAdvisor
Clear water, attentive lifeguards, and an immaculate sand beach make this pond a dream come true. The pond is warm during the warmest months, and is a great place to bring young kids, too!
Breelynne/Flickr
This gorgeous beach has plenty of shallow areas that absolutely glimmer in the sunshine. Perch on a rock with a delightful book, or splash around in the water. There are no public restrooms, though there are port-a-potties available.
Georgina Herrera Moreno/Flickr
This pond is a hidden gem. Featuring sparkling waters and a beautiful waterfall created by a dam, it’s a great place to cool off and snap a few scenic photos at the same time. There are also plenty of walking paths, which are perfect for finding a bit of tranquility.
EandJsFilmCrew/Flickr
This glimmering shoal was once called Billingsgate Island. The land may have eroded away, but this swimming spot is still the perfect place to get away from it all.
Oleg Shpyrko/Flickr
This pristine public beach doesn’t require a resident sticker, which is a big deal during the warmest months. There’s plenty of parking to go around and a nice swathe of grassy lawn where you can relax after a swim. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer. When it comes to pristine swimming spots in Massachusetts, this is just about as good as it gets.
Breezy Picnic Grounds Waterslides
This spot combines the best parts of an all-natural swim spot with man-made thrills. Whiz down the lakeside water slides, or just wade into the clear waters of the Whitins Reservoir. There’s also an immaculately maintained picnic area.
pfly/Flickr
This lovely beach features a few different areas. There’s a shallow pool where kids can splash and enjoy the sunshine in addition to the main beach. At low tide, you can walk to nearby Salt Island. Just get back before the waters rise again! Parking during the week is $30 per vehicle, and $35 per vehicle on weekends and holidays.
Logan Ingalls/Flickr
This pond includes a campground, just in case you enjoy the spot so much that you can’t bear to leave. The shore is not usually crowded (the image above is from a boating event on the lake), and the waters are quite warm and clean.
Charles Chandler/Flickr
This lovely swimming hole is rather secluded, so the waters stay spotlessly clean. You can rent a canoe from the small dock, or simply enjoy the sparkling water from a blanket laid out on the shore.
KMcBoston/TripAdvisor
This is a nice place to bring the entire family for a bit of splashing around. The long floating dock with a ladder makes it easy to enter and exit the water, though you’ll definitely be in no hurry to get out. The water is quite clean, and smaller kids will have a blast playing in the sparkling shallow areas. This area is open seasonally, so make sure to check the official website for closure and season information.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
This is a magnificent spot to go during those particularly brutal summer heat waves. The waters are very cool and incredibly clear. There are a few different “levels” where you can sit and admire the rushing spray of the falls. Parking is nearby, though you’ll have to hike a short distance to reach the cascade itself.
mary/Flickr
Long Pond is ringed by tall trees and set deep in the woods, so you get a proper sense of seclusion and privacy. The water is incredibly clear, though it has a rocky bottom rather than a sandy one. Bring your kayak for a peaceful paddle around this beautiful spot.
Jasperdo/Flickr
You can really appreciate how clear the water is at this beach when the tide recedes. There’s plenty of beach space for all, and it’s only steps away from the beautiful and historic Chatham Lighthouse.
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism/Flickr
This beach seems to stretch on forever. Though the waves can get a little wild on windy days, the pristine blue water is always a beautiful sight. Coast Guard Beach is a great place to spot a few seals, as well.
If you’re craving a little more New England beachy goodness, this article has some ideas for gorgeous beaches you ought to add to your bucket list.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Old Phinney’s Ln, Barnstable, MA 02630, USAAddress: Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester, MA 01930, USAAddress: Amherst, MA 01002, USAAddress: Billingsgate Shoal, Massachusetts, USAAddress: Lake Mansfield, Great Barrington, MA 01230, USAAddress: 520 N W Main St, Douglas, MA 01516, USAAddress: 99 Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA 01930, USAAddress: 219 Baldwinville State Rd, Winchendon, MA 01475, USAAddress: Upper Goose Pond, Massachusetts 01238, USAAddress: Morses Pond, Massachusetts, USAAddress: Ashfield, MA, USAAddress: Long Pond, Winchester, MA 01890, USAAddress: 37 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633, USAAddress: 23 Coast Guard Rd, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Pristine Swimming Spots in Massachusetts April 02, 2021 Tori Jane What are the best beaches in Massachusetts? Massachusetts is home to several famous beaches, including, but not limited to, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and, of course, any beaches in Boston. However, there are plenty of beaches here that go criminally under-appreciated - ones tourists seem to forget about, and only the locals know of. For example, the north shore of Manchester By The Sea is a beautiful, quiet spot that has a singing beach. The “singing” is a natural phenomenon created in just-right conditions in which grains of sand rubbing one another produce a beautiful and somewhat eerie sound. Looking for more ideas? This list has plenty of little-known beaches in Massachusetts just waiting to be explored. Are there any pristine lakes in Massachusetts? Where to begin? Massachusetts is lucky to be a state with incredibly beautiful scenery, including several lakes that have some of the most gorgeous, clear water you’ve ever seen. Laurel Lake inside Erving State Forest is little-known, but the people who know about it love it for its clean and crisp water. Another spot, known as Long Pond, in Middlesex Fells, has water so clear you can see straight to the bottom on most of it. Take a boat out onto the water for the full experience. More ultra-clear favorites of ours include Lake Cochichewick, which is clean enough to serve as drinking water for nearby neighborhoods. That one is beautiful but, because it’s intended for eventual human consumption, there is no swimming permitted. What are the best swimming holes in Massachusetts? There are tons of excellent swimming spots peppered all over New England, so it’s pretty tough to narrow it down to just a few “bests”. Some of our favorites include Upper Goose Pond, in Lee, which has refreshingly cool water all summer and is little-known enough for you to have a decent shot at being all by yourself out there, depending on when you decide to visit. Another is Chapel Brook Falls, in Ashfield, which has several pools of varying depths, and a few waterfalls for your admiration too. There’s just something about waterfalls that makes a swimming hole extra-special, we think. Finally, Lake Mansfield is another swimming spot that is simply pure perfection. The water is cold, clear, and refreshing all throughout the warmer months.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Pristine Swimming Spots in Massachusetts
April 02, 2021
Tori Jane
What are the best beaches in Massachusetts? Massachusetts is home to several famous beaches, including, but not limited to, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and, of course, any beaches in Boston. However, there are plenty of beaches here that go criminally under-appreciated - ones tourists seem to forget about, and only the locals know of. For example, the north shore of Manchester By The Sea is a beautiful, quiet spot that has a singing beach. The “singing” is a natural phenomenon created in just-right conditions in which grains of sand rubbing one another produce a beautiful and somewhat eerie sound. Looking for more ideas? This list has plenty of little-known beaches in Massachusetts just waiting to be explored. Are there any pristine lakes in Massachusetts? Where to begin? Massachusetts is lucky to be a state with incredibly beautiful scenery, including several lakes that have some of the most gorgeous, clear water you’ve ever seen. Laurel Lake inside Erving State Forest is little-known, but the people who know about it love it for its clean and crisp water. Another spot, known as Long Pond, in Middlesex Fells, has water so clear you can see straight to the bottom on most of it. Take a boat out onto the water for the full experience. More ultra-clear favorites of ours include Lake Cochichewick, which is clean enough to serve as drinking water for nearby neighborhoods. That one is beautiful but, because it’s intended for eventual human consumption, there is no swimming permitted. What are the best swimming holes in Massachusetts? There are tons of excellent swimming spots peppered all over New England, so it’s pretty tough to narrow it down to just a few “bests”. Some of our favorites include Upper Goose Pond, in Lee, which has refreshingly cool water all summer and is little-known enough for you to have a decent shot at being all by yourself out there, depending on when you decide to visit. Another is Chapel Brook Falls, in Ashfield, which has several pools of varying depths, and a few waterfalls for your admiration too. There’s just something about waterfalls that makes a swimming hole extra-special, we think. Finally, Lake Mansfield is another swimming spot that is simply pure perfection. The water is cold, clear, and refreshing all throughout the warmer months.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Massachusetts is home to several famous beaches, including, but not limited to, Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and, of course, any beaches in Boston. However, there are plenty of beaches here that go criminally under-appreciated - ones tourists seem to forget about, and only the locals know of. For example, the north shore of Manchester By The Sea is a beautiful, quiet spot that has a singing beach. The “singing” is a natural phenomenon created in just-right conditions in which grains of sand rubbing one another produce a beautiful and somewhat eerie sound. Looking for more ideas? This list has plenty of little-known beaches in Massachusetts just waiting to be explored.
Are there any pristine lakes in Massachusetts?
Where to begin? Massachusetts is lucky to be a state with incredibly beautiful scenery, including several lakes that have some of the most gorgeous, clear water you’ve ever seen. Laurel Lake inside Erving State Forest is little-known, but the people who know about it love it for its clean and crisp water. Another spot, known as Long Pond, in Middlesex Fells, has water so clear you can see straight to the bottom on most of it. Take a boat out onto the water for the full experience. More ultra-clear favorites of ours include Lake Cochichewick, which is clean enough to serve as drinking water for nearby neighborhoods. That one is beautiful but, because it’s intended for eventual human consumption, there is no swimming permitted.
What are the best swimming holes in Massachusetts?
There are tons of excellent swimming spots peppered all over New England, so it’s pretty tough to narrow it down to just a few “bests”. Some of our favorites include Upper Goose Pond, in Lee, which has refreshingly cool water all summer and is little-known enough for you to have a decent shot at being all by yourself out there, depending on when you decide to visit. Another is Chapel Brook Falls, in Ashfield, which has several pools of varying depths, and a few waterfalls for your admiration too. There’s just something about waterfalls that makes a swimming hole extra-special, we think. Finally, Lake Mansfield is another swimming spot that is simply pure perfection. The water is cold, clear, and refreshing all throughout the warmer months.
