Did you know North America’s most extensive tidal flats are on Cape Cod?

That’s right, the tidal flats in the Brewster area on Cape Cod Bay measure 12,000 acres in size and extend nearly ten miles up the coastline between Brewster and North Eastham. As a result, you can experience this natural event from multiple towns when vacationing on the Cape.

If you’re booking a vacation rental in Brewster, you might be within walking distance of the tidal flats or, at the very least, a short drive from this natural wonder. The flats appear twice per day, so staying nearby makes it easy to pop over whenever you wish.

Brewster also has plenty of other activities to keep you occupied, including the famous Nickerson State Park and access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Here’s a look at everything you should know about the Brewster Tidal Flats, an incredibly scenic event you can check out from multiple locations.

What is a Tidal Flat?

In short, tidal flats are the sandbars left behind when the tide goes out for the day. In Brewster, this phenomenon takes the shoreline out close to two miles in some locations, creating a massive beach for visitors and locals to explore.

The receding water also leaves behind tidal pools full of marine life. Brewster’s tidal flats feature crabs, clams, snails, and fish, allowing you to get close to these creatures during your vacation.

Tidal flats occur in oceanfront areas worldwide, but the ones in Brewster are notable because of how far the water recedes each and every day.

Make sure you make the trek to one of Brewster’s beaches at the right time of day, so you don’t miss out on this scenic occurrence.

Where to Find the Brewster Tidal Flats

You’ll encounter the Brewster Tidal Flats at every one of the town’s beaches on Cape Cod Bay.

Some of the most popular spots to experience the tidal flats in Brewster include Paine’s Creek, Saint’s Landing, Breakwater Beach, Ellis Landing, Linnell Landing, and Crosby Landing.

You can also head to other Cape Cod locations like Skaket Beach in Orleans and First Encounter Beach or Thumpertown Beach in Eastham to see the flats.

Keep in mind that parking is extremely limited at Brewster’s bayside beaches, and you’ll need to purchase a parking pass, too. These permits are $20 per day or $150 per year for non-residents.

The good news is that much of Brewster is within walking distance of Cape Cod Bay, and the town is also easily bikeable. If you book a vacation rental downtown or in East Brewster, there will surely be a public beach nearby.

Popular Activities

The most popular activity at the Brewster Tidal Flats is simply going for a walk. Since you can stroll as far as two miles into the ocean, you can see many things on your journey that are typically covered by water.

For example, you might notice some tidal pools along the way, which are great for seeing sea life. It’s also possible to catch some oysters, assuming you have a Non-Resident Recreational Shellfish Permit.

Oyster farms are present in various spots in the bay, so you can get close to these facilities to see how they work.

Overall, the Brewster Tidal Flats is a great place to relax and spend a day. They also feature some of the Cape’s most scenic sunsets.

It’s important to remember, though, that there are only about six hours between high tide and low tide, so you’ll want to check the tide forecast and plan your visit accordingly to ensure you have enough time to explore the tidal flats.

Getting There

Reaching the Brewster Tidal Flats couldn’t be easier, as every bayside beach in town has a road connecting it to the Old King’s Highway.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many signs directing you toward these beaches, but they’re easy enough to find anyway.

All you have to do is look for street names that correspond with the beach you’re looking to visit.

For example, Breakwater Road will take you to Breakwater Beach, Paine’s Creek Road comes out at Paine’s Creek Beach, and Linnell Landing Road ends at Linnell Landing Beach.

Plan ahead before your Cape Cod Vacation to ensure you book your rental in an accessible location and know how to reach the Brewster Tidal Flats.