Crosby Landing Beach
Explore the vast Brewster Flats, hunt for sea glass, and witness stunning sunsets at this serene Cape Cod Bay beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find sea glass
Crosby Landing Beach
Best Time
Beat the crowds & find sea glass
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the vast Brewster Flats, hunt for sea glass, and witness stunning sunsets at this serene Cape Cod Bay beach.
"My favorite bay side beach. Easy to get away from the crowd and walk for over a mile."
🚗 Parking Permit Alert!
No town sticker? Expect tickets 9 AM-4 PM June-Labor Day. Arrive early or visit off-season.
🚶♀️ Secluded Beach Access
Take the hard-pack trail east of the lot, then turn left onto side trails for a quieter spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Expansive Brewster Flats
Bay side, Brewster
Walk over a mile at low tide across tidal pools teeming with marine life. A unique natural wonder!
Secluded Beach Walks
East side of parking lot
Follow side trails through dunes for a more private beach experience, away from the main crowds.
Sunset Spectacles
Western horizon
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the bay, reflecting beautifully off the wet sand and sea glass.
Sea Glass Hunting
Shoreline
Search for treasures left behind by the tide; early morning or late afternoon are prime times.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permit Parking & Timing
Low Tide Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Permit Alert!
No town sticker? Expect tickets 9 AM-4 PM June-Labor Day. Arrive early or visit off-season.
🚶♀️ Secluded Beach Access
Take the hard-pack trail east of the lot, then turn left onto side trails for a quieter spot.
💎 Sea Glass Prime Time
Hunt for sea glass early morning or after high tide recedes. Late afternoon sun also helps!
👶 Kid-Friendly Sandbars
Little ones can walk far out on sandbars during low tide. Perfect for safe splashing!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Permit Alert!
No town sticker? Expect tickets 9 AM-4 PM June-Labor Day. Arrive early or visit off-season.
🚶♀️ Secluded Beach Access
Take the hard-pack trail east of the lot, then turn left onto side trails for a quieter spot.
💎 Sea Glass Prime Time
Hunt for sea glass early morning or after high tide recedes. Late afternoon sun also helps!
👶 Kid-Friendly Sandbars
Little ones can walk far out on sandbars during low tide. Perfect for safe splashing!
🌅 Sunset Views
This beach offers some of the best sunsets on Cape Cod. Don't miss the evening glow!
🌊 Explore Tidal Pools
Discover marine life in the tidal pools left by the receding Brewster Flats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Crosby Landing Beach for its beautiful bay-side setting and the unique experience of exploring the vast Brewster Flats at low tide. Many appreciate the opportunity to find sea glass and enjoy peaceful walks, with some noting it's a great spot for families due to calm waters and sandbars. However, parking restrictions and the need for permits during peak season are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"My favorite bay side beach. Get there early to be able to park in the main lot. If you don’t have a town sticker… you will definitely get ticketed. What’s nice about this beach is that it’s easy to get away from the crowd… and you can walk to the east for over a mile (much further at low tide) without walking by any development/houses. Recommend you take the hard pack trail off the east side of the parking lot… and walk about a hundred yards or so before turning left onto one of the many side trails that cross the dune to the beach. This will get you to a more secluded section of the beach. This is also a good beach to find sea glass; the best time is early morning or immediately after the high tide starts to recede. This allows you to find glass before the many other sea glass hunters have picked it clean. Or at late afternoon when the low angle sun reflects nicely off the glass pieces."
Philip Bedard
"It’s nice but you cannot park here without a permit between 9 AM and 4 PM"
Ion Gorincioi
"This is a great beach for little kids. There is a large sandbar where kids can walk out pretty far during the tides. The beach is nice soft sand, there are porta potties at the parking lot. We went there for the sunset as well as a full day on the beach and had a blast."
Nathan Frazee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Crosby Landing Beach is located on the bay side of Cape Cod in Brewster, Massachusetts. It's accessible via Route 6A. Parking is available in a main lot and an overflow lot up the road.
Yes, there is a main parking lot and an overflow lot. However, parking permits are required for town residents and visitors between 9 AM and 4 PM from June through the day before Labor Day. Non-permit holders may be ticketed.
For exploring the Brewster Flats, aim for 1-2 hours before low tide. For sunset views and sea glass hunting, late afternoon is ideal. Early mornings are best to avoid crowds.
You can access the beach without a permit outside of the restricted hours (9 AM - 4 PM, June-Labor Day). Visiting in the early morning, late afternoon, or during the off-season allows access without a permit.
Yes, porta-potties are available at the parking lot, providing basic facilities for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a parking permit is required for town residents and visitors between 9 AM and 4 PM from June through the day before Labor Day. If you don't have a town sticker, you risk being ticketed.
The cost for parking without a town sticker can vary, and it's often enforced strictly. It's best to check local town regulations or plan to visit outside of the permit hours to avoid fees and potential tickets.
Parking permit enforcement is typically from 9 AM to 4 PM, starting in June and ending the day before Labor Day. Outside of these hours, parking is generally free and accessible.
Information on day passes for non-residents is not consistently available. It's advisable to confirm with the town of Brewster or plan your visit during times when permits are not required.
The beach itself does not typically have an entrance fee. The fees and restrictions are primarily related to parking during the peak season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the vast Brewster Flats at low tide, hunt for sea glass, enjoy peaceful walks, watch stunning sunsets, and let children play on the sandbars.
Absolutely! The large sandbars allow children to walk out quite far during low tide, creating safe swimming pools. The soft sand is also great for playing.
During low tide, you can spot various marine life in the tidal pools. Birdwatchers might see piping plovers, ospreys, and willets.
It can get crowded, especially during peak season and permit hours. However, it's often easier to find less crowded spots by walking east from the main parking lot.
The water at Crosby Landing Beach, being on the bay side, is often warmer than the ocean-facing beaches, especially during low tide in the afternoon.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer spectacular light for photography. Low tide also creates dramatic landscapes with exposed flats and tidal pools.
Popular subjects include the expansive Brewster Flats, tidal pools, sand dunes, sunsets, sea glass, and wildlife like birds. Family beach sessions are also common. 
The unique opportunity lies in capturing the vastness of the Brewster Flats at low tide and the dynamic interplay of light and water. Sand sculptures are also a unique sight.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of sea glass and tidal pool life. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions.
Yes, the beach is home to various bird species. Remember to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
To maximize the fun, plan your visit around low tide so the kids can fully enjoy the sandbars and explore the gentle tidal pools. While parking can be a challenge during peak hours without a town sticker, arriving early or visiting on a weekday can make the experience much smoother. The overall serene and calm atmosphere of the beach also contributes to a relaxing outing for families.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
The beach is praised for its peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for long walks, quiet contemplation, or simply enjoying the natural beauty. The opportunity to hunt for sea glass or simply watch the tide ebb and flow adds to the meditative experience. Visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays will further enhance the sense of solitude.
📸 Photographers
For capturing the best light, aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset. The sunsets here are particularly renowned, with vibrant colors reflecting off the wet sand. Photographers also find success searching for sea glass, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light enhances their sparkle. The beach is also a popular spot for family and portrait photography, with the natural beauty providing a picturesque backdrop.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Brewster Flats
To make the most of your flats exploration, timing is crucial. The best time to visit is typically 1-2 hours before low tide. This allows you to witness the flats as they emerge and have ample time to explore before the tide begins to turn. Many visitors find it incredibly rewarding to walk far out onto the flats, enjoying the sense of vastness and the unique perspective it offers. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the sand can be soft and uneven, and the shells can be sharp.
Parking and Access: Navigating the Rules
For those without a town sticker, or if the main lot is full, there's an overflow lot located just up the road. Some visitors suggest taking a hard-pack trail off the east side of the parking lot and then turning left onto one of the many side trails that lead to the beach. This can often lead to a more secluded section of the beach, offering a quieter experience away from the main access points. Planning your visit outside of these restricted hours, such as in the early morning or late afternoon, can also help you avoid parking hassles and fees.
The Magic of Sea Glass and Sunsets
Complementing the sea glass bounty are the spectacular sunsets that grace Crosby Landing Beach. As the sun dips below the horizon over the Cape Cod Bay, the sky often erupts in a vibrant display of colors. The wet sand left by the receding tide acts as a mirror, doubling the visual impact of the sunset. Many visitors describe the sunsets here as some of the best they've witnessed on Cape Cod, making an evening visit a truly magical experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit