We just returned from the most heavenly week in Brewster, MA. It is officially my new favorite place in Cape Cod.
Brewster is a scenic area off the main drag which means less crowds and less traffic. There are beautiful walking trails on conservation land to explore. And the flats. Ahhh the flats. We spent hours each day just searching for sea creatures and marveling at this natural phenomenon.
There is so much to do in this area that is just as classic a piece of Cape Cod as you can get. Here is our list of the best things to do in Brewster, MA as well as our favorite places to eat.
1. Cape Cod Museum of Natural History
The Museum offers collections-based exhibits, including whales and birds, live marine science exhibits, educational and environmental educational programs and a wildflower garden.
The real gem of the museum is the nature trail that leads through a salt marsh to Wing’s Island. It is a great trail for kids because they can explore the varied Cape Cod landscape ending up at the tidal flats where they can watch the fiddler crabs scurry to their underground homes.
2. Bike the Rail trail
Ride, walk or run through 6 Cape Cod towns as you follow the Cape Cod Rail Trail. There’s plenty to see along the 22-mile trail with national parks to visit as you please.
There is free parking at 500 Long Pond Rd in Brewster or you can pay to park at Nickerson State Park (3488 Main St, Brewster, MA).
Our favorite routes were going from Brewster center to Guapos, because… tacos.
If you continue south and cross over to the town of Harwich, you will arrive at Seymour Pond. There is a nice beach and swimming area with portable toilets. Or go a tiny bit further to Long Pond. If you get lucky, you will have your own little private beach.
Click here to download a trail map.
3. Nickerson State Park
You could spend days exploring the 1,900 acres of wooded trails and ponds. We just day-tripped to the park to hike the Cliff Pond trail. This scenic 2.7 mile long hike that is good for all skill levels. If you want to extend your stay in the park, there are 400 campsites available.
4. Explore the flats
No visit to Brewster would be complete without experiencing the largest tidal flats in North America. When the tide recedes, a mile long sandbar is exposed.
It was truly mind boggling that we could be looking out over the ocean and then within a matter of hours, we could be walking across the sand where the water just was… the boats that had been bobbing in the water now resting on their sides. The rippled pattern of the waves still molded in the sand as if the ocean sprang a leak and drained.
It is like a natural playground for kids. They loved searching for hermit crabs and splashing through the shallow water. Then just as quickly as it disappeared, it returns. Be conscious of the tides, as there were days we were swimming home.
Brewster’s Beaches from East to West are: Crosby Landing, Linnell Landing, Ellis Landing, Breakwater Beach, Saint’s Landing, Mant’s Landing and Paine’s Creek. Parking passes are required.
5. Brewster General Store
This is such a classic general store that will take you back in time. The kids loved getting penny candy and playing with the old fashion toys. I bought my new live-in tee shirt there as well as some great gifts to bring home. When you’re done perusing, head over to the Brewster Scoop for an ice cream cone.
6. Be entertained at the Cape Rep Theater
Adults and children alike with be entertained by the wide range of theater performances offered in the indoor or outdoor theaters. My kids loved show Puppets, Paul and Mary and giggled for 40 minutes straight. Just walking through the wooded trail to the outdoor theater was an adventure in itself.
7. Brewster Book Store
This is such a great book store. The staff was really helpful and ready to offer suggestions. The children section is fabulous. We found cute travel journals and specialty stickers to decorate them with.
8. Hike the Eddy Bay Trail
This hike was one mile round trip making it easy for the kids. The path ends at the highest bluff in Brewster overlooking the Cape Cod Bay.
9. Tanglewood Marionettes
This acclaimed puppet show has performances during July and August in the First Parish Brewster Unitarian Universalist Church. From classics like Hansel and Gretel to fairy tales such a Cinderella, children will be enchanted by these beautifully hand-crafted marionettes. Shows are gears toward children in grades K-6. Click here for the show schedule.
10. Stony Brook Grist Mill
This water-powered grist mill is a picturesque place with a historic background. The restored mill is open every Saturday in the summer. Visitors can see the water wheel in motion and purchase fresh ground corn meal.
Even if the grist mill is closed, you can still walk around the grounds. Lizzie loved walking across the bridges and following the river across the street.
You can also watch the alewife attempt their way up the fish ladder during the spring migration.
For a list of the best restaurants in Brewster, click here.
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best things to do in Brewster, MA. If I missed anything, please let me know in the comments below. We plan to return every summer and will continue to add to the list as we find more favorites! Click here for a free printable beach packing list.
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