Ayer's town beach on the southwestern shore of Sandy Pond, a natural kettle pond, with a small sand beach, a beach house, and a fenced swim area watched by lifeguards in summer.
What to expect
Parking
Resident sticker free with sticker
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
Gates unlock at 11 AM and lock at 7:30 PM daily; swimming permitted only when lifeguards are on duty, roughly noon to 7 PM
Season
Swimming season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day; weekends only until the Ayer-Shirley school year ends, then daily
From Memorial DayDogs
Dogs are not allowed at Sandy Pond Beach
Managed by
Ayer Parks & Recreation Department
978-796-5915 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Resident sticker
Costfree with stickerStickerAyer resident beach parking sticker, issued at no charge at Town Hall or the beach facility
Lower lot, Snake Hill Road
Lower lot, Snake Hill Road
Costfree with stickerSpaces~14
Restricted to Ayer residents with a sticker or access card
Upper lot, Sandy Pond Road
CostunconfirmedSpacesunconfirmed
Open to the general public, including non-residents
Access points along this beach
Snake Hill Road main gate
Staffed gate, opens 11 AM
Common questions
Is Sandy Pond Beach in Ayer open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Do I need a sticker to park at Sandy Pond?
Only for the lower lot on Snake Hill Road, which is reserved for Ayer residents with a free parking sticker or beach access card. The upper lot on Sandy Pond Road stays open to everyone.
Can I bring my dog to the beach?
Dogs are not permitted anywhere on the beach property.
Is the beach open to non-residents?
Yes, for a daily fee of $8 for adults and $5 for children, paid at the gate.
What rules should I know at Sandy Pond Beach?
Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are allowed in the water; children under 12 must be supervised by an adult. No dogs allowed. No smoking.
Can you swim at Sandy Pond Beach?
Sandy Pond Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Sandy Pond Beach?
No, entry is free.