Forget the seashore – this stunning lake in Massachusetts may just be your new favorite swimming spot. Lake Cochituate is secluded, beautiful, and just begging to be visited. Here’s what you need to know for your next lakeside beach day.

Lake Cochituate is located in Middlesex County between the towns of Natick, Wayland, and Framingham.

Google/Brad Barnum

This stunning lake is a surprisingly great alternative to the seashore.

Flickr/Corey Leopold

It was originally used as a water reservoir for Boston, but is now a recreational spot popular with those looking to do a spot of kayaking, swimming, and boating.

Google/Carlos Alvarenga

Lake Cochituate is actually made up of three linked ponds.

TripAdvisor/ aarondmello

It offers a beautiful sandy beach with a large, sloping grassy area for picnicking and play.

Google/Hussein Al Masarani

Non-motorized boating is welcome here, and it’s great place to launch a kayak.

TripAdvisor/ Raimond C.

It’s a lovely spot for a bit of swimming, as the water is usually warm and clear during the summer.

TripAdvisor/ Raimond C.

Looking to stretch your legs? Follow the Snake Brook Trail for a 1.5-mile adventure through the woods and along the water.

Wikimedia Commons/Theodore Bracken

The next time you want to hit the water, swap out the seashore for Lake Cochituate. You won’t regret it.

Google/Kenny Rousseau

You can find driving directions to Lake Cochituate by clicking here. For more of the most stunning swimming and boating lakes in Massachusetts, check out some of our favorites here.

Google/Brad Barnum

Flickr/Corey Leopold

Google/Carlos Alvarenga

TripAdvisor/ aarondmello

Google/Hussein Al Masarani

TripAdvisor/ Raimond C.

Wikimedia Commons/Theodore Bracken

Google/Kenny Rousseau

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