11 Best Beaches in Brewster, Massachusetts on Cape Cod

When it comes to beach towns on Cape Cod, Brewster is one of the best! The town has nearly a dozen incredible beaches right on Cape Cod Bay. Cape Cod Bay is special for many reasons. During the summer, the bay offers beachgoers warm, clear, and calm water which is perfect for swimming. Additionally, when low tide comes, the Brewster bayside beaches showcase the legendary Brewster Tidal Flats. The Brewster Tidal Flats are the largest in North America and they stretch out into the bay for nearly a mile. This means, that during low tide, there is seemingly endless beach to enjoy. The tidal flats are perfect for walking, throwing frisbees, playing bocce, building sandcastles, and skimboarding. 

While the Cape Cod Bay beaches are great saltwater options, Brewster is also home to some awesome freshwater beaches. There are several wonderful ponds in Brewster with sandy beaches. Pond swimming is well worth considering when in Brewster.

Without further ado, here are the 11 best beaches in Brewster, Massachusetts on Cape Cod:

 

1. Breakwater Beach

Breakwater Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Brewster, Massachusetts. One of the main reasons why this beach attracts the most people is simply because it has the largest beach parking lot in town. The beach parking lot can hold about 100 cars and this lot fills up quickly on summer days. 

Breakwater Beach itself is located on Cape Cod Bay. The beach stretches a few hundred feet wide, but it expands to be nearly a mile long at low tide when the Brewster Tidal Flats are revealed. When the tidal flats are showing, there is ample space for everyone and plenty of space to throw frisbees, play bocce, and build sand castles. Skimboarding is very fun here too! Ultimately, this beach is wonderful for beachgoers of all ages and abilities. The water is often calm, clear, and warm during the summer months. 

Amenities: Portable restrooms

Parking: Parking permits are required at Breakwater Beach from the beginning of June until the day before Labor Day from 9am-4pm. Brewster residents can purchase season beach passes for $25. Non-residents can purchase parking permits for $20/day or $150/season. Purchase all permits online. 

 

2. Crosby Landing Beach

Crosby Landing is another beloved Brewster beach on Cape Cod Bay. The beach can be found at the far northeastern corner of the town at the end of Crosby Lane. While driving down to the beach parking lot, be sure to stop to admire The Crosby Mansion. There are about 75 parking spaces at the beach and several paths that bring beachgoers to the sandy shores. The beach stretches for over a half-mile wide and offers plenty of space for everyone. During low tide, the beach expands out into the bay for nearly a mile. Crosby Landing is a wonderful place for swimming, picnicking, playing games, and watching the sunset.

Amenities: Portable restrooms

Parking: Parking permits are required at Crosby Landing Beach from the beginning of June until the day before Labor Day from 9am-4pm. Brewster residents can purchase season beach passes for $25. Non-residents can purchase parking permits for $20/day or $150/season. Purchase all permits online. 

 

3. Linnell Landing Beach

Linnell Landing Beach is located just a few hundred feet west of Crosby Landing Beach. It shares the same features as Crosby Landing and is a great alternative. If you cannot find parking at Crosby Landing, then try Linnell Landing. Linnell Landing offers only 25 parking spaces, so try to arrive early if you plan on having a summer beach day there. 

Amenities: Portable restrooms, benches, and observation deck

Parking: Parking permits are required at Linnell Landing Beach from the beginning of June until the day before Labor Day from 9am-4pm. Brewster residents can purchase season beach passes for $25. Non-residents can purchase parking permits for $20/day or $150/season. Purchase all permits online. 

 

4. Long Pond Beach

Long Pond Beach is a beloved freshwater beach in Brewster, Massachusetts. Long Pond is Cape Cod’s largest pond as it stretches for more than 700 acres. Brewster’s beach area on the pond can be found just off Crowells Bog Road. There is a parking lot right at Long Pond Beach that can accommodate about two dozen cars. The sandy beach measures about 200 feet long. There is a roped-off swim area and floating rafts that make this a great place for children to swim. Other amenities include picnic tables and portable restrooms. This is also the only public beach in Brewster that has seasonal lifeguards. Overall, this is one of the best places to enjoy some fresh water swimming to beat the heat on hot summer days. 

Amenities: Picnic tables along with seasonal portable restrooms, floating rafts, and lifeguards

Parking: The parking lot for Long Pond Beach in Brewster is located just off Crowells Bog Road. There are about two dozen parking spots at this paved lot. Parking: Parking permits are required during the summer. Brewster residents can purchase season beach passes for $25. Non-residents can purchase parking permits for $20/day or $150/season. Purchase all permits online. 

 

5. Spruce Hill Conservation Area

Spruce Hill Conservation Area is a wonderful 25-acre park located between Linnell Landing Beach and Crosby Landing Beach. The area is a great place to visit if you are looking to take a little hike and then enjoy the beautiful beach along Cape Cod Bay. Spruce Hill visitors can park at the trailhead located just off Main Street, also known as Route 6A. After parking, the trail leads straight to the beach. It’s a sandy path with thick vegetation on both sides and barely any elevational gain. At the end of the trail (or mid-point assuming you are doing the trail out-and-back) there is an observation area and stairway leading down to the beach. Overall, the trail is about .8 miles out and back.

Amenities: Informational kiosk at trailhead

Parking: Visitors can park right at the trailhead of Main Street, also known as Route 6A. Parking permits are required during the summer. Brewster residents can purchase season beach passes for $25. Non-residents can purchase parking permits for $20/day or $150/season. Purchase all permits online. 

 

6. Wing Island Beach

Wing Island Beach is another Cape Cod Bayside beach that requires a hike to access. The beach is located on the northern side of Wing Island. Beachgoers can park at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and then walk to the trailhead behind the museum. The trail leads visitors across a marsh via a narrow boardwalk and then to the island.

After walking around the island, the beach will appear. It is a long beach with plenty of space for beachgoers willing to make the trek out to it. The beach features calm and warm water during the summer months. It is the perfect no-thrills place to relax on a hot summer day. Be aware that the hike to the beach is best to complete during low tide because during high tide the boardwalk can be flooded!

Amenities: None

Parking: Visitors can park at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History for free. Parking lots can be found on both sides of Old King’s Highway, also known as Route 6A.

 

7. Paine’s Creek Beach

Paine’s Creek Beach is another beautiful spot in Brewster, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. The beach is located at the end of Paine’s Creek Road and there are about 2 dozen parking spots at the beach. If you are lucky enough to find a parking spot during the summer months, you are in for a great time! The beach features plenty of space and it expands greatly during low tide when the Brewster Tidal Flats appear on the Cape Cod Bay. Paine’s Creek Beach also boarders Wing Island. During low tide, visitors can walk along the tidal flats to the pristine island and explore all it has to offer. 

Amenities: Portable restrooms

Parking: There are two dozen parking spaces for visitors to Paine’s Creek Beach. The lot can be found at the end of Paine’s Creek Road. Parking permits are required during the summer. Brewster residents can purchase season beach passes for $25. Non-residents can purchase parking permits for $20/day or $150/season. Purchase all permits online. 

 

8. Cliff Pond Beach - Nickerson State Park

Nickerson State Park is one of the crown jewels of Brewster. It spans over 2,000 acres and features wonderful bicycle trails, hiking trails, spacious campsites, and nice freshwater swimming beaches. One of the best beaches in Nickerson State Park is Cliff Pond Beach. This beach can be found along the eastern shores of Cliff Pond. Visitors can park right at the beach in the lot at the end of Flax Pond Road. There are two sandy areas that offer visitors ample space to relax along the pristine pond. This is an undeveloped pond, so it features some of the cleanest and clearest water around. 

Parking: Visitors can park right at Cliff Pond Beach in the lot at the end of Flax Pond Road. Parking fees are collected from May 25 through October 14. Daily passes cost $8 for Massachusetts residents and $30 for non-Massachusetts residents.

 

9. Flax Pond Beach - Nickerson State Park

Flax Pond Beach is another awesome beach in Nickerson State Park. It is located just north of Cliff Pond. Flax Pond is a bit smaller than its neighboring pond, but it is still extremely beautiful. Flax Pond features a wide white sand beach and a roped-off swim area. The calm and clear water is great for swimming and the beach is a perfect place for reading, picnicking, and soaking up rays. Also, kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes can be rented for use on Flax Pond!

Amenities: Boat rentals via Paddle Cape Cod

Parking: There is a good-sized parking area located about 100 feet from the beach along Flax Pond Road. Parking fees are collected from May 25 through October 14. Daily passes cost $8 for Massachusetts residents and $30 for non-Massachusetts residents.

 

10. Fisherman's Landing (Sheep Pond)

Fisherman’s Landing is yet another awesome freshwater beach in Brewster, Massachusetts. This beach can be found just off Harwich Road, also known as Route 124. Visitors can park at the end of Fisherman’s Landing Road in a lot that has spots for about 15 cars along with 5 spaces for cars with boat trailers. The sandy beach is situated on the shores of Sheep Pond, which is one of the largest ponds in town. It is the perfect place for relaxing and swimming. Water is clear, calm, and warm during the summer. 

The 152-acre Sheep Pond is also a popular spot for boating. Fisherman’s Landing has a boat ramp that allows boats and paddle watercraft to launch. There is a 10-horsepower limit on outboard engines. Great fishing can be found on the lake! 

Amenities: Boat ramp

Parking: Visitors can park right at Fisherman’s Landing. There is a paved lot with parking for 15 cars and 5 cars with trailers. Beach stickers are required. Brewster residents can purchase season beach passes for $25. Non-residents can purchase parking permits for $20/day or $150/season. Purchase all permits online. 

 

11. First Light Beach (residents only)

If you’re lucky enough to be a Brewster resident, then you will have access to First Light Beach. First Light Beach is the newest beach in town. It was created after the town acquired the old Camp Cod Sea Camps property. The parking area for the beach can be accessed by turning off Route 6A and driving to the end of Mittens Road. The brand-new parking lot can accommodate about 50 cars. After parking, visitors can stroll onto a pristine section of the coastline along Cape Cod Bay. Like other bayside beaches, First Light Beach features stunning tidal flats at low tide along with calm, warm, and clear water for summer swimming. 

Amenities: Portable restrooms

Parking: There are about 50 parking spots at First Light Beach. Parking is limited to Brewster residents with town beach passes. Residents can purchase permits online for $25 per year.

Conclusion: 

There are some absolutely incredible beaches to enjoy in Brewster, Massachusetts, from the easy-to-access beaches on Cape Cod Bay including Crosby Landing, Breakwater Beach, and Linnell Landing to the freshwater beaches at Cliff Pond, Flax Pond, and Shep Pond. There are even some great hidden gems that take a little hiking to reach. Ultimately, there is a beach for everyone in Brewster! Please let me know in the comments what Brewster beach is your favorite.