The DCR swimming beach on the north shore of Upper Mystic Lake, renamed in 2008 for the late state Sen. Charles Shannon after decades as 'Sandy Beach.' It draws heavy summer crowds for its lifeguarded swim area, playground, and picnic grove, and periodically closes after heavy rain when bacteria counts spike.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Season
Open sunrise to sunset year-round; guarded swim season is Memorial Day through Labor Day
Accessibility
Universally accessible: accessible paths from parking to the beach and the shoreline picnic grove
Dogs
Not allowed in the designated swimming area from May 1 through September 15 unless posted otherwise. Outside that window and that area a dog on DCR land must be caged, bridled, or restrained on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet,…
Allowed now · ban starts May 1Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
617-727-5380 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Costfree
DCR Shannon Beach lot
DCR Shannon Beach lot
CostfreeSpacesFills fast on hot weekends.
free DCR parking off Mystic Valley Parkway
Access points along this beach
Boat ramp near the beach
small boat ramp adjacent to the beach
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Shannon Beach Bathhouse
Showers
outdoor rinse stations at the bathhouse
Picnic area
shoreline picnic grove
Concessions
seasonal snack bar
Common questions
Is Shannon Beach in Winchester open today?
Shannon Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Why was Shannon Beach renamed from Sandy Beach?
The town renamed it in 2008 in honor of the late state Sen. Charles E. Shannon, who represented the district for nearly 15 years until his death in 2005.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes. DCR rebuilt the beach with accessible paths running from the parking lot to the sand and to the picnic grove.
What happens after it rains?
Stormwater runoff can push bacteria counts up; the beach has closed for swimming in past summers, most recently in July 2026, until testing clears it again.
Is there parking at Shannon Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (free). DCR Shannon Beach lot
Are there restrooms at Shannon Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Shannon Beach?
Check the DCR beach water-quality dashboard or the Mystic River Watershed Association's swim advisory before visiting after rain; the beach closes when bacteria counts are elevated.
Can you swim at Shannon Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Shannon Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Shannon Beach?
Not allowed in the designated swimming area from May 1 through September 15 unless posted otherwise. Outside that window and that area a dog on DCR land must be caged, bridled, or restrained on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, never unattended or at large, and its waste carried out.…