Boston Lakes

Lakes Around Boston

The weather is warm so it’s time to plan your next big getaway. There aren’t many better options than a lake near Boston. Fortunately, when you make a trip to Boston there are lots of great spots for getting on, or in the water.

There are countless brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Boston this summer – the cool water for swimming, enjoyable summer entertainment like boating, fishing or swimming. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches you can enjoy while building sandcastles with the family. Browse through the table below and have a look the nearby locations including small lakes with beaches to larger lakes for you to enjoy.

Lakes Close to Boston

Lake Activities

A quick excursion to a lake, or a more lengthy trip gives you an almost endless amount of stuff for couples or families.

A day, weekend, or a week on or in the water offers you all the options from partying to restful bliss.

Have a picnic. Boston’s lakes gives you the chance to visit many excellent picnic areas for you to pack up some culinary delights, or you could just do some cheese and crackers as you enjoy the view. If you’re with that special someone, good food and a view should be suitably romantic.

Go fishing. For anglers, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a good fishing spot to help you have a relaxing day with a line in the water whether you’re out on a boat or tossing a line in from the dock.

Get in the water. The swimming lakes near Boston offer tons of fun for the kids, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between working on their tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! You know as well as we do that a swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Boston!

Lake Checklist

A day at the lake can be very different depending on which lake you go to, what time of year it is, and what your perfect itinerary looks like. While every trip is its own animal, we took the time to make a list for some ideas for your watery excursion so everything goes smoothly!

Common lake items

When you’re out on a lake near Boston it makes a lot of sense to take some of these items to make sure you’re feeling good, healthy, and having fun.

  • Sunglasses
  • Bathing suits
  • Tennis shoes
  • Insect repellant
  • USB charger
  • Portable stereo
  • Towels and dry clothes
  • Garbage bags
  • Reserve clothes
  • A cooler with water

More lake gear

Consider what you’ll be doing at the lake and who will be in your entourage, the items below might also prove useful and worth packing before you make the trip.

  • Bait
  • Hand sanitizers or moist towelettes
  • Pool noodles, rafts, floats
  • Corkscrew
  • Kindle
  • Goggles or masks
  • Fishing and boating licenses
  • Toys for the beach
  • Fishing poles, nets, etc.
  • Baby gear (if necessary)

Staying Safe on a Lake

While your getaway at the lake can provide ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. If you’re going to be out on the water these are some extremely important tips for keeping everyone safe.

  • Have an emergency plan if you run into trouble on your watercraft
  • Don’t swim alone
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Always wear sunblock
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Make sure children have swimmies or other approved flotation devices
  • Always wear a life jacket when boating, kayaking or paddle boarding

More Ideas for Lake Fun

If you’re going to visit the beautiful lakes around Boston, there are a few things that can make your itinerary much more rewarding. For example, each lake has their own qualities and surroundings so it’s important to think about what you need to make an unforgettable getaway as you plan yours.

  1. Rent a boat. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas that offer boat rentals. Boats are expensive to own, but a rental will still allow you to enjoy a day fishing on the lake or tubing with the kids. Asking a local will typically allow you to locate several places that can hook you up with the right vessel.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally the beaches near Boston could be very busy. To find some more peace and quiet, research multiple lakes in the area to see if you can find one that’s less crowded to find one with a slower pace. If you want to be where the party’s at, then look for the busiest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. When you have time for a lengthier getaway, find local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the option to stay near or even on the water for a reasonable price.