The Hidden Freshwater Oases on Cape Cod Most Tourists Completely Miss

The biggest draw to Cape Cod is its oceanside beaches, where vacationers can spend their summer days lazing on the sand, soaking up the sunshine, or taking a more active approach by swimming or riding the waves. When I was growing up, this was how my family used to spend our days during summer vacations on Cape Cod. I loved building sand castles, body surfing, and the way the salt water felt on my skin. But we eventually discovered other ways to enjoy fun in the sun on Cape Cod, including swimming in one of the hundreds of freshwater kettle ponds that dot the peninsula's landscape. Kettle ponds are relatively unknown to tourists as well as many locals, but for decades, they have been my family's go-to bodies of water for swimming and relaxing.

What are kettle ponds and how were they formed?

Much of Cape Cod's landscape is comprised of a glacial outwash plain, essentially a flat mass of land that was formed by glacial meltwater sediment. During the last glacial period nearly 20,000 years ago, blocks of ice broke off from the glacier as it was retreating and formed depressions (also known as "kettle holes") in the landscape. Over time, the chunks of ice melted in these kettle holes, leaving behind the freshwater ponds you'll find throughout Cape Cod today.

How my family discovered kettle ponds

As I've already told you, my family has been vacationing on Cape Cod since my childhood — a common thing for New Englanders to do. During our stay, my dad would get up around dawn to venture out on his bike and explore the many forest roads and trails throughout the Cape Cod National Seashore. This is how he discovered several small freshwater ponds tucked away in the woods.

Since the discovery, we would trade beach days by the ocean for afternoons of swimming in freshwater, catching minnows, and enjoying the solitude, as barely anyone else knew about these small, serene bodies of water. Kettle ponds are special places that remain relatively unknown to this day. For those who love to relax and not be bothered by hordes of tourists, kettle ponds are an excellent alternative to the busy ocean and bay beaches.

Where can I find a kettle pond?

First of all, if you're curious how many kettle ponds are on Cape Cod, it's around 890 — a staggering number! Within the Cape Cod National Seashore, there are 20 named kettle ponds, and several that are unnamed.

Head to Nickerson State Park in Brewster and you'll find several pristine kettle ponds. I often go hiking in this park and pass by a few of these pretty bodies of water along my route. Rarely do I see anyone swimming in one. One of my favorite ponds here is Cliff Pond, which happens to be the largest in the park. While my family tends to swim in and kayak on Wellfleet's kettle ponds like Gull, Long, or Great Ponds, there are hundreds more throughout Cape Cod.

Keep in mind that Nickerson State Park and the Cape Cod National Seashore charge fees. If you plan on visiting a kettle pond outside of these parks, just know that you may need a town permit to do so. Parking is also limited at many of these ponds, so arrive early in the morning or later in the day for your best chance at a parking spot.

Why my family prefers kettle ponds over the ocean

Since having my children and taking them to Cape Cod for their own memorable summer vacations, I actually won't let them swim in the ocean. They grew up in the desert, so I don't feel comfortable allowing them to swim in the ocean with strong currents and riptides. Another worry is the population boom of seals and, subsequently their predators, great white sharks, over the years. So, for me, a major reason is safety.

Kettle ponds, on the other hand, have calm, clearer water, and I don't have to worry as much about my kids when they go swimming like I would with the ocean. I can also keep a better eye on them. When spending time at a pond, my daughter loves taking her kiddie kayak out for a paddle or grabbing a net to try to catch minnows and tadpoles. My teenage son, on the other hand, may take a dip and then read while lounging on the shore. Best of all, not too many people know about them so they are rarely crowded and our time at a pond is so peaceful!

The hidden gems of Cape Cod

I am forever amazed at the numerous hidden gems that can be found throughout Cape Cod. From secret beaches and hiking trails to historic sites tucked in the woods and, of course, kettle ponds. I feel like I find something new-to-me during each annual visit to Cape Cod. What are your favorite hidden gems on Cape Cod?