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Wicked Summer Fun Guide

Wicked Summer Fun Guide

Wicked Summer Fun Guide

13 Of The Cleanest, Most Beautiful Places To Take A Dip In Massachusetts

By Carolyn Kruse

So many beaches and swimming areas across the Northeast have been closed recently because of rising bacteria levels. Many of our favorite watering holes have been classified as dangerous from the Massachusetts Department of Health. Last week more than 50 beaches were shut down. Luckily, living in Massachusetts has it’s advantages with a wide array of swimming options available. Where are the cleanest places to swim in MA?  Let’s dig in. Here, you will find 13 of the cleanest, most beautiful places to take a dip in Massachusetts.

There are some of the most scenic, immaculate, sparkling spots to dip your toes and dunk your head that are still open, and unaffected by the closures. These swimming areas offering crystal clear waters. They are some of the cleanest places to swim. You’ll find places to safely swim stretching from the North Shore to Cape Cod. You’ll discover new places in western Mass and metro-west. These are 13 of the cleanest, most beautiful places to take a dip in Massachusetts.

As long as I have lived here, I feel like I know every town name and beach. But looking at these places reported on by Only In Your State, I was pleasantly surprised to learn, I had much to discover! There are beaches you’d expect to be on this list, like on Cape Cod. But Worcester Country and spots in Western MA also have perfectly pure places to cool off that are deliciously clear. From oceanside to pondside, take a look at some of the most unspoiled swimming areas around.

  • 1. Billingsgate Shoal- Eastham

    What is now known as Billingsgate Shoal was actually once an island, and a thriving fishing community. There was a light house, and in it’s hey day, there were roughly 30 houses and they even had a baseball team! (Wikipedia). Today, it’s sandy area just south of Wellfleet’s Great Island. When the tide is low, people fish, picnic, kayak and swim. Simply beautiful, clear waters to take a dip here.

    The Atlantis of Cape Cod

    Discover Billingsgate Island in Eastham, Massachusetts: The Atlantis of Cape Cod reemerges during the lowest of tides.

  • 2. Wingaersheek Beach, Gloucester

    Only in Your State describes this North Shore swimming area as a gorgeous beach with “plenty of shallow areas that absolutely glimmer in the sunshine.” White sand and crystal clear waters define this sweet summer spot located on Cape Ann in Gloucester. The beach is also known for it’s sandbars at low tide, lighthouse views, and climbing rocks.

  • 3. Morses Pond- Wellesley

    If you prefer your water warmer, Morses Pond is the perfect spot to dunk in. Bring the family to this pretty pond and enjoy fishing, boating and swimming in the 100 acre area. There are shallow areas for younger kids, and Only in Your State says “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.”

  • 4. Breezy Picnic Grounds/Waterslides, Douglas

    Out in Southern Worcester Country, you will find this gem of a swimming hole. It’s Breezy Picnic Grounds and Waterslides, and not only is the water perfectly pristine, but it’s a really fun spot. The picnic area is well maintained, and the waters of Whiting Reservoir are sparkling clear.

    Breezy Picnic Grounds & Waterslides

    Breezy Picnic Grounds & Waterslides located in Douglas, MA. We are your go-to spot for summer family fun and summer things to do!

  • 5. Hathaway's Pond, Barnstable

    In this Hyannis area spot you can do it all; hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, boating. Hathaway’s Pond is located on Old Phinney’s Lane and the sand feels like you are walking on heaven’s shores. The pond is warm and clean, and the beach, immaculate. Here, you will also find life guards on duty in season.

    Hathaways Pond Conservation Area - Barnstable Land Trust

    Hathaways Pond offers opportunities for hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing. BLT owns the parcel on the southern edge of Hathaways Pond South, which can be accessed by trails leading from the Town of Barnstable's beach parking lot. Hathaway Pond Loop Trail is 1.4 miles, the off-shoot to Hathaway Pond South is an additional 0.5 miles.

  • 6. Puffer's Pond, Amherst

    This place looks so spectacular, it’s seem too good to be real. If you like your water sparkling, with a waterfall and incredibly picturesque, then take a ride out to Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires. Only in Your State calls it one of the BEST lakes in Massachusetts.

    Puffer's Pond

    Puffers Pond information, opening status and water quality analysis reports can be found on this page.

  • 7. Chatham Lighthouse Beach, Chatham

    At Chatham Lighthouse beach, you can clearly see how clear the water is, especially at low tide. It’s a beautiful, long stretch of beach and right there, just a few steps away, is the famously alluring Chatham Lighthouse. Many consider this one of Massachusetts most exquisite beaches. 

    Chatham (MA) Beaches: The All-in-One Guide for Cape Cod Vacationers

    My Chatham beaches guide has beach descriptions, directions, parking info and more.

  • 8. Long Pond, Middlesex Fells

    Looking for a more secluded, wooded area to take a dip? Long Pond in Winchester, MA offers plenty of privacy, set beautifully deep in the woods with stunning clear water. Only in Your State does warn there is a rocky bottom in this pond. Get more info HERE.  

     

     

  • 9. Chapel Brook Falls, Ashfield

    The Trustees at Chapel Brook Falls invite you to “cool off in picture-perfect pools and falls after reaching the 1,420-foot summit of Pony Mountain.” This Springfield, MA area sweet swimming spot is perfectly set for these wicked hot summer days. Only in Your State shared that 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.”

    Chapel Brook

    At Trustees reservation Chapel Brook in Ashfield, MA, cool off in picture-perfect pools and falls after reaching the summit of Pony Mountain.

  • 10. Upper Goose Pond, Becket

    In the Berkshire area town of Becket, you’ll find the a pretty as a picture swimming spot. You will have to work a little to get there, but it’s a “quick and scenic hike through the woods (Only In Your State). Once you are there you enjoy the sparkling clean water, rent a canoe or take a snooze on the shore.

     

    The Natural Swimming Hole Off The Appalachian Trail In Massachusetts Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

    Upper Goose Pond in Massachusetts is a lovely swimming hole that you can reach via a quick and scenic hike through the woods.

     

  • 11. Good Harbor Beach, Gloucester

    Good Harbor Beach is one of New England’s most beloved beaches. It’s a gorgeous wide flat beach with soft sand. You can walk out to Salt Island at low tide, but be sure head back before the water gets too high. Lifeguards are on duty through Labor Day from 9-5. There is a parking charge in Summer. The address is: 99 Thatcher Rd, Gloucester, MA

     

  • 12. Lake Mansfield, Great Barrington

    This doesn’t happen often in summertime… A public beach that doesn’t require a resident sticker! Plenty of parking, lifeguards and public access make this beach super convenient, even if it is a drive for most of us out to the beautiful Berkshires. The water here is said to be one of the clearest in the state. A perfectly pristine place for a swim on a super hot summer day. 

     

    The Crystal Clear Waters At Lake Mansfield In Massachusetts Are Perfect To Explore On A Summer Day

    The cool refreshing waters of Lake Mansfield make this one of the most popular swimming holes during the summer, and one of the best lakes in Massachusetts.

  • 13, Coast Guard Beach, Truro

    Reading this name on Only In Your State, I was a little confused. I grew up often going to Coast Guard Beach, but in the town of Eastham, which is a National Seashore beach. Apparently there are 2 Coast Guard beaches on the lower Cape. I will definitely be visiting this spot! The publication reported that “this beach seems to stretch on forever.” The water is clear and clean and you will see waves on windy days. You’ll find this Coast Guard Beach, near the Highland Lighthouse, at:   23 Coast Guard Rd, in Truro, MA

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