Thurston's Beach is a freshwater pond beach in Harvard, Massachusetts.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
Dawn to dusk (townwide conservation-land default; no separate posted beach hours found).
Season
Open year-round, dawn to dusk (townwide conservation-land default).
Dogs
Town of Harvard Conservation Land Use Rules (townwide, applies to all Town of Harvard Conservation Commission land) permit 'pet walking -- under direct control of a person' as of right; there is no townwide leash-specific ordinance text…
Managed by
Town of Harvard Conservation Commission
978-456-4106 · WebsiteCommon questions
Is Thurston's Beach in Harvard 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.
Can you swim at Thurston's Beach?
Thurston's 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.
Are dogs allowed at Thurston's Beach?
Town of Harvard Conservation Land Use Rules (townwide, applies to all Town of Harvard Conservation Commission land) permit 'pet walking -- under direct control of a person' as of right; there is no townwide leash-specific ordinance text confirmed for general conservation land beyond 'direct…
Is there an entry fee at Thurston's Beach?
No, entry is free.