A small town-run freshwater beach on the south shore of Lake Gardner, a short walk from downtown Amesbury. The sand strip and buoyed swim area are compact, no lifeguard is on duty, and a lakeside trail continues north past the beach toward Battis Farm and Powow Hill.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
Dawn to dusk, unless otherwise posted
Season
Open year-round for the trail and shoreline; the buoyed swim area is treated as active roughly Memorial Day through Columbus Day, the same window the beach dog ban applies.
Accessibility
Not confirmed; no ADA parking, step-free path, or beach-wheelchair information published as of mid-2026. Call the Recreation Department to verify before visiting.
Lifeguard
No lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk. Groups of 25 or more must provide their own lifeguard.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on the beach and in the swim area from Memorial Day to Columbus Day under a health department rule; must be leashed on the beach off-season and on the trails year-round.
Managed by
Amesbury Recreation Department
978-388-8137 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFreeStickerNone required
High Street beach lot
High Street beach lot
CostFreeSpacesnot confirmed
Small lot off High Street (Route 110), the beach's only dedicated parking.
Access points along this beach
High Street entrance
Main beach entrance and parking off High Street
Northern shore launch point
Small boats, canoes, kayaks and other car-top craft can be launched from the northern end of the beach
What's here
Facilities
Picnic area
Picnic tables listed among the site's amenities
Not here
No showers
Not listed among the site's amenities; assume unavailable unless confirmed otherwise
No concessions
No concession stand mentioned on the official facility page
Common questions
Is Lake Gardner Beach in Amesbury open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-08-14). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is there a lifeguard at Lake Gardner Beach?
No. There are no lifeguards on duty, and swimming is at your own risk within the marked buoy area.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Gardner Beach?
Not on the beach or in the swim area between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. Outside that window, and on the surrounding trails year-round, dogs must be leashed.
Is there a fee to swim or park?
No, the beach and its parking lot are free.
What rules should I know at Lake Gardner Beach?
No lifeguard on duty; swim at your own risk and within the marked buoys. No fires or grill use at any time. Jet skis prohibited on the lake; motorized boats limited to lakeside residents.