10 Best Things to Do in Brewster (MA)

Brewster, a historic coastal town on Cape Cod’s bay side, has a rich past as a favored residence for sea captains in the 19th century. Over time, it transformed into a summer destination for the affluent. The town’s bay-side location provides warmer waters and calmer surf compared to the ocean side, making it an ideal spot for family beach vacations. The stunning Brewster Flats, the widest tidal flats in America, offer breathtaking views and unique exploration opportunities for visitors, particularly families. At low tide, visitors can walk for up to two miles, discovering tidal pools filled with various marine life, including crabs, oysters, mussels, and scallops.

Crosby Landing Beach

Among Brewster’s public beaches, Crosby Landing Beach stands out due to its expansive size and convenient parking, nestled in the dunes behind the beach. At high tide, it offers a perfect spot for lounging on the sand and enjoying the gentle surf. However, the real spectacle is at low tide, when the water recedes, revealing a vast expanse of sand interspersed with tide pools as far as the eye can see. The view becomes even more mesmerizing during sunset or on semi-cloudy days when shafts of sunlight illuminate the pools.

Nickerson State Park

Nickerson State Park, Massachusetts’ first state park, was established in Brewster in 1934. Spanning 1,900 acres, this park features a landscape of kettle ponds and pine forests, ideal for various water activities, including swimming and kayaking. The park is traversed by the Cape Cod Rail Trail, and visitors can rent bikes near the visitor center. Nickerson State Park boasts over 16 miles of trails and more than 400 campsites, offering numerous recreational opportunities.

Brewster Old King’s Highway Historic District

The Old King’s Highway, also known as Massachusetts Route 6A, is a scenic and historically significant route that winds along Cape Cod Bay. Initially a Native American trail, it became a cart path for 17th-century colonists and later a desirable residential street for 19th-century sea captains. Most of the highway in Brewster is preserved as a historic district. This area includes attractions such as the Brewster Ladies’ Library, antique stores, galleries, and stately captains’ houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Cape Cod Rail Trail

The Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 25.5-mile paved path, runs through Brewster along the former railbed of the Old Colony Railroad. Established in the 1970s, this trail is perfect for biking and walking, offering a scenic route through cranberry bogs, ponds, and wooded areas. Notable stops include Long Pond, Cape Cod’s largest freshwater pond, and Nickerson State Park.

Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum

One of Cape Cod’s most picturesque landmarks is the historic water-powered Stony Brook Grist Mill. Located along Stony Brook, this mill was part of Brewster’s early industry, with the first grist and woolen mill established here in the late 17th century. The current structure, restored in 2009, features a working waterwheel. Visitors can watch the milling process and purchase freshly ground cornmeal during summer weekends. In spring, the site becomes a popular spot to observe the alewife herring migration.

Breakwater Beach

Breakwater Beach is conveniently located near Brewster’s historic center, just minutes from the Brewster Store and Brewster Ladies’ Library. This public beach, bordered by low dunes and protected by breakwaters, offers warm waters and stunning views, particularly at low tide when the sand stretches out to the horizon. It’s a great place for exploring tide pools or enjoying a serene beach day.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

For those interested in the natural history of Cape Cod, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster provides a family-friendly experience. The museum covers a wide range of topics, from the 10,000-year history of human habitation along Stony Brook to the lives of the Wampanoag Native Americans and the region’s early industrial activities. The museum features an aquarium with over 80 native species, beehives, a butterfly house, and various bird specimens. Additionally, the museum’s grounds offer extensive trails leading through diverse habitats, including salt marshes, pine woods, and beech forests.

Paine’s Creek Beach

Located at the mouth of Stony Creek, Paine’s Creek Beach is known for its rock-lined inlet, making it a delightful spot for swimming and kayaking. At high tide, visitors can float from the freshwater creek into the saltwater, while low tide offers opportunities to explore the Brewster Flats. The beach’s serene environment makes it a perfect place for relaxation and exploration.

Brewster Whitecaps

Brewster is home to the Brewster Whitecaps, a team in the renowned Cape Cod Baseball League. This league is a showcase for future Major League Baseball stars. The Whitecaps play at the 4,000-capacity Stony Brook Field, which is adjacent to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Baseball enthusiasts can enjoy a game during the season, which runs from mid-June to mid-August.

Drummer Boy Park

Adjacent to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, Drummer Boy Park features open fields, paved trails, and historic structures, including the Old Higgins Farm Windmill from 1795 and the Harris-Black House, a primitive one-room dwelling. The park’s gazebo hosts concerts and events during the summer, making it a vibrant community space.

Brewster offers a rich blend of natural beauty, history, and recreational activities. From exploring tidal flats and historic trails to enjoying baseball games and scenic bike rides, this charming Cape Cod town provides a perfect destination for visitors of all ages.

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