Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Brewster, MA

  • Published 2021/12/11

Tucked in the borders of Cape Cod Bay, Dennis, and Harwich, the charming and quaint town of Brewster shelters a vibrant community with more than 10,000 residents.

Despite its serene ambiance, Brewster is home to many fun and exciting activities you can try.

Brewster features a plethora of historical structures, parks, beaches, antique shops, and the best restaurants around the town.

There’s so much to do in this stunning and historic coastal town.

If you want to experience a one-of-a-kind vacation, try to visit Brewster, Massachusetts, and be amazed at the wonderful spots and architecture that this bayside village can offer.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Brewster, Massachusetts:

Learn About the History of The Harris-Black House and Higgins Farm Windmill

Voew of Higgins Farm Windmill

LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

The Harris-Black House and Higgins Farm Windmill will give you a preview of how residents in Brewster lived ages ago.

There are three landmarks in the area: The Higgins Farm Windmill, Harris-Black House, and Henry Hopkins Blacksmith Shop.

The Higgins Farm Windmill is built in the seventeenth century, and it was formerly located along Route 6A and Ellis Landing, then it was relocated to Cape Cod Bay.

Now, the Higgins Farm Windmill stands six miles away from its original location.

View of The Harris-Black House

LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

The Harris Black House is also found in the same location as Higgins Farm Windmill

Later on, the shop was moved to the Drummer Boy Park and was restored by the Brewster Historical Society.

There are numerous activities available at Harris-Black House and Higgins Farm Windmill.

You can climb up the windmills and gaze at the scenic views, you can also watch the blacksmith do his works, or you can visit the tiny house with one room of the Harris-Black Family.

Voew of Higgins Farm Windmill

Kenneth C. Zirkel, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have a Luxurious Tour in Crosby Mansion

The Crosby Mansion is proof that Brewster is indeed rich in history.

Crosby Mansion is a three-story building that exudes elegance and magnificence from its time.

You can tour around the Crosby Mansion on Sundays all throughout the summer.

On your visit, experience the mansion’s luxurious aspects, such as the 60-foot tall viewing tower, tiled fireplaces, the mahogany and oak hand-carved walls, and the bathroom fixtures made from marble.

You will definitely love the tour around its well-maintained landscapes.

The mansion features its access to the panoramic views of Cape Cod Bay, which is a perfect setting for a romantic date.

Aside from all of these features, the Crosby Mansion’s jewel is the two-story art gallery that was a famous destination for the famous and the rich.

Catch a Live Performance in Cape Rep Theatre

Do you want an entertaining way to spend your vacation in Brewster?

If so, then head on to Cape Rep Theatre, where arts and music will keep you on your seats.

Established in 1986, the Cape Rep Theatre continues to merge art and professionalism in its performances.

Cape Rep Theatre is a well-known destination for musicals and plays held in its indoor and outdoor stages.

The Cape Rep Theatre is a small building, but that’s what makes the performances intimate.

You can watch outstanding performances from the creative and dedicated group of Cape Rep Theatre.

Come and feel different emotions like you’re a part of the performance here in Cape Rep Theatre.

Explore the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Inside View of Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Jllm06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the places you should see while on vacation in Brewster is the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.

This museum features a collection of local wildlife and a 320-acre environmental protection land located in the back of the museum called the “Wing’s Island Conservation Area.”

When you enter the museum, you will be greeted with a huge sign where you can see the entirety of the conservation area.

Inside View of Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Jllm06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can take a map near the sign to guide you around the area.

There are two routes that you can take depending on where you want to go.

One route will lead you to the Wildflower Farm and the Salt Marsh Loop, and the other one will lead you to the conservation area.

Along the way, you can find numerous spots where you can stop by and relax, enjoy the view, and snap some pictures of the scenic vistas around the museum.

At the end of the trail, you will find a rewarding scene from the beach.

Fill Your Stomach at The Brewster Inn and Chowder House

The Brewster Inn and Chowder House have been offering delicious meals to the town’s residents and visitors for over a century.

This restaurant features homestyle seafood dishes and other meals that are served for lunch and dinner.

In addition, Brewster Inn and Chowder House also boast its one-of-a-kind dishes that cannot be found in other restaurants in Brewster.

Brewster Inn and Chowder House has a homey dining room perfect for families and couples on a date.

Play and Eat Icecream in Harbor Lights Mini Golf

Need a place where you can hang out and have fun?

Say no more, because Harbor Lights Mini Golf has the answer to your question.

Experience great outdoor fun in Harbor Lights Mini Golf together with your family and friends.

You can play mini-golf with your kids in Harbor Light’s courses.

This 18-hole mini-golf course will definitely bring out your competitive side as you face several challenges in the course.

After having fun, you can enjoy a cone of cold, sweet ice cream.

Feel the Outdoors in Nickerson State Park

View of Nickerson State Park

Jeff Holcombe / Shutterstock.com

This 1,900 state park is a public recreation area where you can do outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and many more.

Nickerson State Park also features facilities such as the amphitheater, boat ramp, bike paths, playground, trailer or RV parking space, and restrooms and showers.

The lake is accessible to all, and by all means, it’s a PWD-friendly place because they provide a beach wheelchair available for use.

View of Nickerson State Park

Jeff Holcombe / Shutterstock.com

You can choose among the 400 campsite spots and set up your tent for an onsite experience; you can also bring your trailer or RV if you want.

There are also a lot of trails where you can hike or ride a bike to explore.

Nickerson State Park is open from sunrise to sunset, so you can have fun all day long!

View of Nickerson State Park

Jeff Holcombe / Shutterstock.com

Cool Down in Breakwater Beach

Brewster is home to many beaches, and Breakwater Beach is one of the best beaches in the town.

This small, quiet beach is an ideal location for families to go swimming and see the tidal flats when the tides are low enough.

During low tides, the water recedes so low that it leaves a lot of space to walk around the shores; this is referred to as “Brewster Flats.”

You should check out the tide chart before going to the beach to get the most of the famous “Brewster Flats.”

Breakwater Beach is a great location for watching the sunset.

Be Amazed at Sydenstricker Glass Gallery and Workshop

If you’re looking for some activity that involves arts and crafts, you can go to Sydenstricker Glass Galleries.

You can visit this vibrant gallery on Route 6A and watch the craftspeople design and create the patterns for every piece of glassware by hand.

Sydenstricker Glass Gallery and Workshop boasts its handcrafted glassware and other items that are guaranteed to have the finest quality.

You can choose among the many choices of glass items displayed at Sydenstricker Glass Gallery and Workshop, which you can also purchase if you like.

Many artists and collectors have been going back and forth in Sydenstricker Glass Gallery and Workshop to buy pieces of unique products and display them in museums and art galleries.

Spend your day browsing through the collection of glassware in Sydenstricker Glass Gallery and watch the artists undergo their own creative process.

Come visit the Sydenstricker Glass Gallery and Workshop and find the perfect piece of art for your home.

Walk Around in Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum

View of Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum

Emw, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The picturesque Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum is an addition to the many historic destinations that can be found in Brewster.

The museum showcases a brook with sparkling waters and a historic mill, which is the only surviving structure from the 19th-century ages.

You can watch the rotating water wheel in action, and you can also buy their freshly produced cornmeal.

The upper level of the museum exhibits the heritage from the nineteenth century in Cape Cod.

You can also stroll the footpaths around the Stony Brook Grist Mill and Museum and catch a sight of the wildlife in the area.

Go Back in Time in Wisteria Antiques

Along the roads of Route 6A, you will find a Victorian-style house that can charm each passerby.

Each corner of Wisteria Antiques is filled with vintage items such as hand-painted Limoges, mirrors, luxurious perfume bottles, and mesmerizing pieces of jewelry that you can purchase.

As you enter the store, Wisteria Antiques will take you back to the Victorian Era with its huge collection of hand-painted porcelain.

When you roam around the rooms of Wisteria Antiques, you will see glistening chandeliers shining down on you, and you will hear some classical music playing to complete your enchanting experience in Wisteria Antiques.

Browse among the many rare finds in Wisteria Antiques that are full of stories from the past.

Have Fun in The Water With SUpfari Adventures

The SUPfari Adventures introduces a new way to enjoy the pristine waters of Brewster, Massachusetts, through a safe and enjoyable experience.

The popular activities of SUPfari Adventures include stand-up paddleboarding and kayak tours.

You can try the magical experience of paddling on a lit-up board while watching the sunset or under the night sky.

You don’t need to be an expert in paddleboarding if you want to try this activity, as there are instructors who will guide you through the entire tour.

Go on a Hike in Cape Cod Rail Trail

View of Cape Cod Rail Trail

John Phelan, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Wanna go on an adventure in Brewster?

Cape Cod Rail Trail has a little something for you.

This 25.5-mile rail trail is a perfect destination for people who love outdoor activities.

With its paved surface, you can easily ride a bike or go on a hike on Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Other activities you can do on Cape Cod Rail Trail include horseback riding, rollerskating, cross country skiing, and cycling.

Catch a glimpse of stunning vistas, breathtaking meadows, and the hidden gems of Brewster.

Other Things To Do Nearby

Visit the Caleb Nickerson House

The Caleb Nickerson House is a museum and an educational venue located 19 minutes’ drive away from Brewster.

This preserved historic house showcases the arts and crafts created by the Nickerson family.

You can visit and walk around the historic grounds owned by the founder of the town of Chatham, Mr. Willian Nickerson.

If you’re interested in the history of places that you visit, the Caleb Nickerson House should be on your go-to list.

Learn About Sharks in Chatham Shark Center

You don’t need to swim the oceans to find sharks; you’ll find them at Chatham Shark Center, which is a few minutes’ drive from Brewster.

The Chatham Shark Center provides an interactive tour that includes videos, exhibits, and presentations about great white sharks.

Enjoy an informative tour that discusses the public safety and conservation of great white sharks.

This center aims to educate the public about sharks’ behaviors and the misconceptions about them.

Everyone is welcome to look around the Chatham Shark Center, especially the little shark enthusiasts!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for leisure, adventure, or wonderful sceneries, Brewster has an abundance of activities and attractions that you can visit and explore.

Consider relaxing at beaches, hiking in trails, camping, having a picnic in parks, visiting museums, dining at restaurants — you can experience all of these when you visit Brewster, Massachusetts.

You should come and fall in love with this small, quaint town that has so much to offer.

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