17 Fun Things to Do in the Cape's Most Charming Town

Brewster, MA

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, may be one of America's most well-known summer vacation destinations, at least if you're in the Northeast. But tourists often hit the shopping-friendly Chatham, ferry-hub Hyannis or party-packed Provincetown without getting a chance to take in the smaller, quieter enclaves. Settled among them all, just off route 6A, lies Brewster, a quiet, family-friendly village known for its living history, artists community and old-school laid-back vibes. If you're looking for a family-friendly few days along with less traffic and hassle (relatively, if you're in high season), Brewster is a worthwhile choice. Here are fun things to do the next time you're in Brewster, Massachusetts on Cape Cod.

Where is Brewster located on the Cape?

Located on Cape Cod Bay, the 23-square-mile-village is about 90 miles from Boston, and is situated between the towns of Dennis, Orleans and Harwich.

What's Brewster, MA, known for?

Brewster offers up plenty for the nature lover, including 1,900-acre Nickerson State Park and 325 acres of bay-facing beach. While up to 30,000 tourists flock there in the summer, "sweater season" is becoming a more and more popular time to escape to the cape thanks to its all-seasons-friendly quaint local shops, antiques store and restaurants (don't forget to try Brewster's world-famous oysters!)

Best Things to Do in Brewster, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod

1. Visit the coastal flats

Brewster resort Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club marketing director Brenden Carrey always makes sure to recommend Brewster's coastal flats, the largest in the U.S. "The flats are an open expanse with untouched sandy beaches that team with wildlife and offer incredible views. In fact, while the Atlantic side's sunsets are relatively the same each day, the flats offer something unique 365 days of the year. They're a must visit."

2. Stop by an art gallery

Speaking of the unrivaled beauty of the flats, photographer Steven Koppel's work paint them in a unique and ethereal way. At Expressions Gallery in nearby Chatham, you can see dozens of the artist's long-exposure photos that capture all the unique ways light and nature meet throughout the year. You can even sign up for classes using your own digital camera or iPhone.

3. Discover the history of artists in the area

Local museums always give such an intimate look at the history of artists in an area, and Cape Cod Museum of Art offers exactly that. Exhibitions range from permanent art highlighting Cape Cod artists past and present, to rotating exhibitions curated by the art historian and doscients. Right now, you can find a unique collection of art by family members paired together, along with art from local students.

4. Visit the Museum of Natural History

Cape Cod has been inhabited for more than 12,000 years, and is one of the world's unparalleled natural ecosystems. Sitting on more than 80 acres, the 17,000-square-foot Cape Cod Museum Of Natural History offers hands-on exhibitions and learning centers for kids in a fun, indoors and outdoors setting, including preserved indigenous and migratory birds, an aquarium replica of the coastal system and more.

5. Take in some nostalgia

Continuously operated by a succession of local families since 1866 (!), The Brewster Store harkens back to the nickel-candy shops of yesteryear. Jelly beans and fudge by the pound, old time-y candies and model cars greet you upon entering. You'll want to take some time wandering the shelves for other fun collectibles and trinkets, and pick up a puzzle or game for rainy Cape Cod days.

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6. Grab a locally roasted coffee

There's nothing like a true community coffee house that roasts its own beans, and Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters on Main Street is just that, offering a menu of artisanally crafted coffee drinks from sustainable small-lot growers and cooperatives. Grab a dirty chai or matcha and hang out in the main space and check out local art, or peruse the attached herb shop for the perfect crystal to remember your trip with.

7. Do some antique shopping

All of Cape Cod is an antique shopper's treasure trove, with shops dotting the highways and main streets, and Brewster in particular, has some of the best you'll find. At Stringe Gallery Art and Antiques, you'll find a tightly curated collection of antique wood furniture, along with a gallery of water colors painted by one of the owners, award-winning artist Tom Stringe.

8. Get a massage (or celebrate a bridal event)

There's nothing better to celebrate a big event with your friends, or adjourn to for a relaxing afternoon away than a destination spa, and The Beach House Spa fits just the bill. You can kick off the festivities in the large-yet-cozy lounge, then partake in a relaxing botanical-infused signature massage, scrub or facial. Its signature Essence of Rose massage is pure bliss, and perfect for a quick, boost of self-care.

9. Curl up by a fire (or fire pit)

Sure, the Cape is known for its lobster rolls, but fine dining options abound, and one in-the-know hot spot is the Roscommon Room at Ocean Edge. Named for the owner's homeland in Ireland, the quaint pub's coastal-inspired menu, such as Duck confit potato skins and roasted native haddock with crispy lobster and potato salad pairs perfectly with the roaring fire place and ocean views.

10. Spend a day on the beach

While the Cape's coastline is a hefty 560 miles, rolling up to one of its 100-plus Insta-famous sandy beaches and expecting a prime place on the sand is no easy feat thanks to summertime crowds (but is definitely worth it.) Ocean Edge Resort can help you, uh, edge out the competition, with its award-winning villas and hotel rooms that provide access to one of the most gorgeous stretches of shoreline in all of Cape Cod.

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11. Celebrate a big event

One (or two) more great things about Ocean Edge in Brewster? Their seasonal open-air Ocean Terrace Bar has some of the best ocean views along with its elevated Cape Cod classics like local oysters, calamari and crab cakes. Down at the Beach Bar, nestled in the dunes, you can watch the ever-changing sunset over Cape Cod bay. Did we mention rates during "sweater season" can be found for under $200/night?

12. Walk in the woods

The more than 1,900 square feet of pine and oak forests and glacier-fed kettle ponds in Nickerson State Park exemplify Brewster's commitment to its natural environment. With miles of woodland trails, eight freshwater ponds and 400 camp sites, there are countless family-friendly activities to explore. Fish for some trout, swim or canoe, or even rent a yurt for a fun overnight camping activity.

13. Bike 25 miles

You can walk, ride or run the iconic Cape Cod Rail trail, which goes through six Cape Cod town and encompasses 25 miles and scenic points throughout the way. Join on at Nickerson State Park and make stops at South Yarmouth, Harwich, Orleans Center, Cape Cod National Seashore in Eastham, National Seashore at Marconi Area and the Trailhead at LeCount Hollow Road in South Wellfleet.

14. Partake in a classic sandwich

Yes, you must try a lobster roll and classic clam chowder, but an underrated favorite here on the cape is a simple classic sammie, like the BLT or Chicken Avo. They just seem to do it right with fresh-baked bread. At The Kitchen Cafe, a newly opened breakfast and lunch spot is already a hit with locals and travelers alike and has fresh to-go or dine in options that just hit the spot.

15. Wander nearby Chatham

About a 10-minute drive from Brewster, Chatham has a walkable one-mile stretch of shops with plenty of clothing, decor and gifts to commemorate your Cape trip. From hand-fired stoneware at local Chatham Pottery to homemade chocolates and fudge shop Chatham Candy Manor to quintessential gift shop The Mayflower (around since 1885!) you're sure to find a sweet treat or gift to take home.

16. Play pub trivia

So, yes, you may find a foggy day or sudden cold front on your next summer trip to the Cape (blame those ever-changing Jet streams, Gulf streams and Labrador streams hitting the warm ocean.) That's when it's a good idea to scout some indoor activities, like theaters, bowling or pub trivia. One of the best can be found classic English-style pub Bayzo's—the basement bar offers classic cocktails and fun team trivia Thursdays.

17. Park a spot on the lawn

Nearly everyone's heard of Frisco Brewers in Nantucket and The Beachcomber in Wellfleet—and there are always crowds and long lines to prove it. The Lawn at Ocean Edge may just be their newest rival with its summer-only tented lawn with fire pits, lite bites from the outdoor brick oven (lobster sliders, anyone?), lawn games, and beer buckets for sale. It's summer's hottest place to chill.

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