Ever seen an entire ocean vanish before your eyes?
Twice a day, something remarkable happens at a quiet beach in Brewster that most Cape Cod visitors never witness.
The water retreats so far that you can walk where boats float just hours before.
Locals know this secret spot changes completely with each tide change – from miles of sandy flats filled with hidden sea creatures to warm, shallow swimming waters perfect for families.
This isn’t your typical crowded beach experience. What makes this place so special? Why do people return year after year?
Let’s pull back the curtain on Cape Cod’s best-kept seaside secret.
Overview: Crosby Landing Beach
Crosby Landing Beach in Brewster, MA, is a serene bayside spot known for its expansive tidal flats at low tide and calm, shallow waters at high tide.
It’s a favorite for families, walkers, and nature lovers looking for a peaceful Cape Cod experience away from heavy surf.
📍Location: Crosby Lane, off Route 6A, Brewster, Massachusetts
| Water type | Calm bayside water; gentle waves; large tidal flats at low tide |
| Beach hours | Open 6 a.m.–10 p.m. (parking enforcement in summer daytime) |
| Parking | On-site lot; seasonal permits/day passes required in summer |
| Accessibility | Short, mostly level walk from lot; sand pathway to shore |
| Good for | Families with children, tide-pooling, walking, wading, beachcombing, sunsets |
What Amenities Will You Find?
Expect a low-key atmosphere that encourages you to bring your own supplies and enjoy the scenery without commercial distractions.
- Restrooms: Seasonal portable toilets are available near the parking lot; there are no showers or changing rooms.
- Parking: A small on-site lot close to the beach path; summer requires seasonal permits or daily passes.
- Accessibility: A short, mostly flat path from the lot to the sand makes it manageable for strollers and beach carts.
- Seating and Shade: No permanent seating or shaded areas. Bring your own chairs, umbrellas, or shade tents for comfort.
Food and Drink: No concessions are on-site; visitors should bring water, snacks, or a packed picnic for the day. - Trash and Recycling: A few bins are available, but packing out trash helps preserve the beach’s natural beauty and cleanliness.
Local Tip: Since Crosby Landing Beach lacks on-site vendors, arrive prepared with water, snacks, sun protection, and beach gear. For meals or coffee, options are nearby on Route 6A.
Tides & Timing: Your Key to the Flats
The rhythm of Cape Cod Bay shapes everything at Crosby Landing Beach, from the vast sandy flats to the gentle swimming conditions.
Why Tides Matter?
Crosby Landing Beach’s character shifts dramatically with the tide.
At low tide, the water retreats far into Cape Cod Bay, revealing vast tidal flats that seem to stretch endlessly.
At high tide, the same space becomes a calm, shallow bay perfect for relaxing swims and peaceful views.
Low Tide Experience
Low tide uncovers sandbars, tide pools, small channels with crabs, minnows, and shells.
It’s perfect for families to enjoy freely but safely, as water stays shallow for long distances.
The wide flats also offer great walks or beachcombing.
High Tide Charm
When the tide rolls back in, the beach changes into a gentle, wading-friendly shoreline.
Swimmers, paddleboarders, and kayakers enjoy the calm conditions, and the glassy water often reflects stunning sunsets across the bay.
Tide Timing Tip: Checking a local tide chart is essential for planning. Arriving an hour before low tide lets you enjoy the full transition, exploring the flats before relaxing as the tide slowly returns.
Safety Considerations:
The incoming tide can move quickly across the flats. Keep an eye on the waterline and avoid venturing too far out, especially with children, to ensure a safe return to shore.
Parking, Passes & Costs
When Permits Are Required? Permits are mandatory for vehicle parking from June 15 through Labor Day weekend, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.
The permit options and pricing are listed below:
|
Non-resident (visitor) |
Resident |
|
One-day permit: $20 Full season: $150 |
Seasonal permit (first two vehicles): $25 per vehicle Additional vehicle: $40 per season |
How to Purchase?
Permits are available online only, either through the Town’s site or via mail-in request (for residents’ physical stickers).
Enforcement is handled using license plate readers, and paperless non-resident permits are common
Penalties for No Permit: Parking without a valid permit may result in a $40 fine, as enforced by Brewster Police.
Off-Season Free Parking: Outside the enforcement window (e.g., fall, winter, early spring), parking is free no permits required.
Dogs & Beach Rules
In general, for Crosby Landing Beach and other Brewster public beaches in 2025, the key rules, including dog access and other beach regulations, are as follows:
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Dogs are not allowed on any public beaches, tidal flats, landings, or public ponds between May 15 and September 15, 2025, according to the Brewster Board of Health regulations.
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Beach parking permits are required from June 15 to Labor Day weekend (September 1, 2025) at Town beaches, ponds, and landings. Residents can buy permits starting April 14, 2025, and non-residents from June 1, 2025.
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No open fires or cookouts are allowed on public beaches, including Crosby Landing, at any time in 2025.
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Lifeguards are generally not present except at Long Pond Beach during mid-July to mid-August.
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Smoking is prohibited on all Town beaches in Brewster.
These rules are consistent across all Brewster public beaches for the year 2025, ensuring compliance with local health and safety regulations and seasonal protections.
Things to Try at Crosby Landing Beach
Crosby Landing Beach offers simple pleasures that connect you with nature, from hunting for shells to watching the sun paint the bay.
1. Tide-Pooling Adventures: Explore the wide tidal flats at low tide to spot crabs, small fish, shells, and other marine life. It’s a hands-on way for kids and adults to learn about Cape Cod Bay’s ecosystem.
2. Beachcombing and Long Walks: Wander along the soft sand searching for driftwood, colorful shells, and sea glass. The endless flats make for peaceful walks in every direction.
3. Swimming and Wading: High tide brings calm, shallow water perfect for wading or floating. It’s a safe choice for families with young children.
4. Paddleboarding and Kayaking: On calm days, the bay’s gentle waters are ideal for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, offering beautiful views and a peaceful ride.
5. Sunset Watching: Stay into the evening to witness stunning sunsets over Cape Cod Bay. The reflections on the water make for breathtaking photos.
6. Photography and Birdwatching: Capture scenic shots of the dunes, tidal patterns, and shorebirds. Bring binoculars to spot sandpipers, plovers, and other migratory species.
From morning shell hunts to evening sunsets, Crosby Landing Beach keeps things simple and satisfying.
Pack your sense of wonder, leave your worries behind, and let the bay’s natural rhythm guide your day.
Best Time to Visit
Each season and tide cycle brings its own magic to Crosby Landing Beach, making every visit feel like a different experience entirely.
| Season/Time | Why It’s Great | Quick Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Low Tide (year-round) | Exposes tidal flats, tide pools, and sandbars for exploring and walking | Check tide chart before visiting |
| High Tide (summer) | Calm, shallow water perfect for swimming and floating | Warmer water; bring sun protection |
| Sunset (spring–fall) | Stunning colors reflecting off Cape Cod Bay | Cooler temps—pack a light layer |
| Off-Season (fall–spring) | Fewer crowds, peaceful walks, dog-friendly | Facilities may be closed; dress warmly |
Your Next Beach Day!
Crosby Landing Beach shows that great beach days don’t need big waves or boardwalks.
This Brewster favorite changes character with each tide, offering exploration at low tide and peaceful swimming when the water returns.
Visitors now know the amenities, permit system to manage crowds, and seasonal dog rules. They understand the activities, like shell hunting and sunset photography.
Ready to experience Cape Cod’s calmer side?
Families and solo visitors alike should plan their visit today and see why locals keep this peaceful bayside spot on their regular rotation all year long.
