Brewster is a historic sea captains' town located on the bay side of Cape Cod. Established in 1803, the town encompasses approximately twenty three square miles, including over 325 acres of beach and marshlands, with 24 ponds larger than 10 acres in size.
Brewster has taken action to protect the town's historic character by establishing sign codes and site plan review by-laws and is in the process of updating its comprehensive plan. In 1985, the town took steps to protect its open space and water quality by purchasing close to 850 acres of land. Currently, over one-third of Brewster's land has been retained for conservation, open space, recreation and watershed protection. Consequently, Brewster boasts award-winning drinking water and two nationally acclaimed 18-hole golf courses among other recreation sites.
Nickerson State Park contains 400 acres of trails for biking and hiking, camping areas, and freshwater ponds for swimming, fishing, and boating. Brewster has over 15 bed and breakfast inns and over 30 art galleries, craft shops and antique shops, most of which are along historic Route 6A, the old "King's Highway". Brewster's year-round population of about 9,600 grows to about 25,000 in the summer season as visitors come to sample the diversions of the town. (1998 numbers).
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Town of Brewster Links:
Brewster Beach Information:
Brewster has eight public beaches on Cape Cod Bay, plus a couple of beaches on freshwater ponds, the largest being Long Pond, which lies half in Brewster and half in Harwich. Parking permits for town beaches are available in the lower level of Town Hall on Mass. Rt. 6A, at the rear entrance, (508) 896-4511, from 9 AM to 3 PM daily. The cost is $5 for residents, and for nonresidents, it's $8 a day, $25 a week, $45 for two weeks or $75 for the season - very reasonable rates that have remained constant for several years now. Facilities are limited at Brewster beaches. There are no snack bars, though the ice cream truck cruises the beach parking lots on summer days. Portable toilets are the best you'll do for bathrooms. The only lifeguarded beach is at Long Pond, where the town holds its swimming instruction program.
Going from west to east, Paine's Creek is the first town beach on the bay. As its name implies, it is fed by a creek and is perfect for children. Parking, however, is limited. Off Lower Road, Robbins Hill Beach and Saint's Landing Beach are both pretty and quiet, and, like all Brewster beaches, are incredible at low tide when the flats seem to go on forever. Breakwater Beach is a popular spot for families. At the end of charming Breakwater Road off Mass. Rt. 6A by the Unitarian Church, the beach is bordered by grassy dunes, and there is plenty of parking. Point of Rocks Landing is nice and quiet but has virtually no parking. Ellis Landing and Crosby Landing are both great beaches; Crosby is larger and has more parking and is walkable from Nickerson State Park across Mass. Rt. 6A. Within Nickerson State Park, you'll find Flax Pond and Cliff Pond, both great for swimming and picnicking.
