Arlington Reservoir, known locally as 'the Res,' is a filtered, chlorinated man-made swimming pond on the Arlington-Lexington line with a sand beach, bathhouse and lifeguards each summer, plus a surrounding trail loop and a kayak launch past the vehicle gate.
What to expect
Entry fee
Day pass: $15 adult, $10 child (age 2+) and senior; twilight rate after 5pm is $10 adult, $5 child/senior checked Jul 16, 2026
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the June through August swim season; off-leash hours generally apply park-wide only before 9am per Arlington's dog bylaw
Allowed now · ban starts JuneSwim
Allowed mid-June to late August
Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed year-round, ice-out to freeze-up
Fishing
Allowed unconfirmed exact season
Managed by
Arlington Recreation Department / Arlington Reservoir Committee
781-316-3880 · WebsiteWorth knowing
- The Res was established as a swimming beach in 1981 and is filtered rather than fed only by natural circulation.
- The town hosts an occasional 'Dog Day at the Res' after the regular swim season when dogs are allowed in the water.
Common questions
Is Arlington Reservoir open today?
Arlington Reservoir is a public pond in Lexington, MA. There is no live closure feed for ponds; the town's site is the authority for temporary closures.
Can I kayak on the reservoir?
Yes, canoes and kayaks are allowed and there is a hand-launch point past the vehicle gate near the wildlife habitat gardens off Lowell Street.
Yes, the lots off Lowell Street are free and available year-round, though they can fill on hot summer afternoons.
Can dogs come to the beach?
Not during the June through August swim season; general park dog rules with morning off-leash hours apply the rest of the year.
Is there an entry fee at Arlington Reservoir?
Yes, Day pass: $15 adult, $10 child (age 2+) and senior; twilight rate after 5pm is $10 adult, $5 child/senior
Can I bring my dog to Arlington Reservoir?
Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the June through August swim season; off-leash hours generally apply park-wide only before 9am per Arlington's dog bylaw
What rules should I know at Arlington Reservoir?
Swimming is only permitted during posted lifeguard hours in the roped beach area. No animals allowed on the beach under Park Department care and control, with dogs excluded from the beach June through August.