A 24-acre kettle pond in Blue Hills Reservation with a DCR-supervised swimming beach, bathhouse, and shoreline trail. It is the busiest summer destination in the reservation and the largest managed swim area in the Blue Hills.
What to expect
Trails
Has trails; an easy ~1.2 mile loop circles the pond on flat, mostly natural surface, and connects into the wider Blue Hills Skyline Trail network toward…
Dogs
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and grounds but are not permitted on the supervised swimming beach during swim season.
Hours
Swim beach open daily 10am-6pm through Labor Day. Lifeguards on duty Memorial Day weekend and weekends through June 14, then daily June 15 through Labor Day. Parking lots close at 8pm unless otherwise posted.
Accessibility
Beach reached by an interpretive boardwalk from the parking area; a beach mat and beach wheelchairs (one sand chair, one floating wheelchair) are available for water access. Comfort station restrooms are accessible.
Swim
Allowed summer, DCR-supervised beach
Managed by
MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Blue Hills Reservation
(617) 698-1802 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Restroom
Bathhouse / comfort station near the beach
Changing rooms
Bathhouse with changing rooms · seasonal
Showers
Outdoor showers and foot showers at the comfort station · seasonal
Concessions
Concession pavilion / snack bar near the beach · seasonal
Common questions
Is Houghton's Pond (Blue Hills Reservation) open today?
Houghton's Pond (Blue Hills Reservation) is a public pond in Milton, MA. Posted hours: Swim beach open daily 10am-6pm through Labor Day. Lifeguards on duty Memorial Day weekend and weekends through June 14, then daily June 15 through Labor Day. Parking lots close at 8pm unless….
What's the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings are calmest. The three lots fill fast on summer weekends and close for the day once full, so an early arrival matters more here than at most spots.
Leashed dogs can use the trails and grounds around the pond, but they're kept off the supervised swim beach itself while it's open for the season.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
A boardwalk leads from the main lot to the beach, and DCR keeps a beach wheelchair and a floating wheelchair on hand at the bathhouse for anyone who wants to get into the water.
What happens when parking fills up?
The lots close for the day once full and DCR does not open overflow parking on Hillside Street, so latecomers on hot weekends are usually turned away rather than made to wait.
Is it good for young kids?
The shoreline near the bathhouse is shallow and roped off from the deeper swim area, and the boardwalk keeps strollers off sand, which makes it an easier first pond trip than most Blue Hills sites.
Where do I park at Houghton's Pond (Blue Hills Reservation)?
Free lot (Free).
Is there an entry fee at Houghton's Pond (Blue Hills Reservation)?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Houghton's Pond (Blue Hills Reservation)?
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and grounds but are not permitted on the supervised swimming beach during swim season.
Is Houghton's Pond (Blue Hills Reservation) wheelchair accessible?
Beach reached by an interpretive boardwalk from the parking area; a beach mat and beach wheelchairs (one sand chair, one floating wheelchair) are available for water access. Comfort station restrooms are accessible.
What rules should I know at Houghton's Pond (Blue Hills Reservation)?
Swim only when lifeguards are on duty; the beach is supervised seasonally, not year-round. Dogs not permitted on the supervised swim beach during swim season.