Long days at the beach are a quintessential characteristic of summer. But with increasing shark sightings off Cape Cod and crowded, demanding drives to the coast, sometimes the beach can be more stressful than soothing. Luckily, New England offers a plethora of beautiful lakes, ponds and swimming holes where you can relax without fear of reenacting  “Jaws.”

Photo by Robbie Shade

It’s not hard to see why Thoreau retreated to scenic Walden Pond.

Walden Pond

Enjoy stunning natural surroundings with a dose of history at Walden Pond, made famous by transcendentalist author Henry David Thoreau. Go for a day of sunning and swimming, boating on the water and strolling the scenic pathways that encircle the pond. Or, get your literary fix by visiting Thoreau’s single-room cabin and learning about his book “Walden.”

7 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
915 Walden St., Concord, Mass.
$8 parking for state residents, $15 parking non-state resident

Princess Beach

Believe it or not you can go to the Cape and avoid the ocean. At pine-tree surrounded Princess Beach in Dennis you and the family can enjoy the intimate beach on the freshwater Scargo Lake. Kids can take swimming lessons or swim in a roped off swimming area to give you peace of mind. Enjoy your own homemade lunch in the picnic area, the on-site playground is a welcome diversion.

Dawn to dusk
Scargo Hill Road, Dennis, Mass.
$25-$30 parking day pass

Photo by Mike Hoff

Sunrise, sunset and everything in between is stunning at Lake Winnipesaukee.

Lake Winnipesaukee

If you’re looking for some northern exposure, head to Lake Winnipesaukee in central New Hampshire. The lake itself is huge and can be accessed at many different towns along the way, but pervasively it is chock-full of activities, including public and private beaches, boating and water sports. For a soft adventure, take the scenic 81-mile loop drive around the clear waters of Winni.

Dawn to dusk
Alton, Belmont, Center Harbor, Laconia, Meredith and Wolfeboro, among other towns
Parking costs vary

Rattlesnake Pool

If you’re willing to work for your swim, head to western Maine near the New Hampshire state line and hike the 2-mile trail to Rattlesnake Pool, a swimming hole buried in the natural beauty of the White Mountain National Forest. Surrounded by lush vegetation and featuring a scenic waterfall, this secret spot is great for a romantic getaway in a natural swimming pool that feels all your own.

Dawn to dusk
Fryeburg, Maine
Free parking

Photo by Jack Flanagan

Lake Willoughby offers a rich geological history and lots of contemporary fun.

Lake Willoughby

Spring-fed Lake Willoughby, located in Willoughby State Forest in northern Vermont, is the second deepest lake in the state, and it is listed as a National Natural Landmark. Approximately 12,000 years ago, rivers of glacial ice carved out the lake, so for geology buffs, this is one of the best spots in the Northeast to see remnants of the glacial sculpting. Today, the lake offers 1,600 acres teeming with a variety of local fish. You can take advantage by doing some fishing or enjoy boating, hiking or swimming — be aware, there’s a clothing-optional beach on the lake’s south side.

Dawn to dusk
146 Willoughby Lake Road, Brownington, Vermont
Free parking