Beaches on the Lower Cape

The towns of Brewster, Chatham, and Harwich comprise what is known as the Lower Cape. Brewster borders Cape Cod Bay, while most beaches along Chatham and Harwich face the Atlantic Ocean. Water temperature is typically comparable, though dependent on weather, tides, and other seasonal factors.

If you are looking to do some exploring, Paine’s Creek Beach in Brewster is perfect for kayaking and taking in the scenic views. Breakwater Beach and Crosby Landing Beach offer a sandy shore, family-friendly atmosphere, and tidal pools at low tide.

While most Harwich beaches are located on the Atlantic, two beaches that are on Nantucket Sound with slightly warmer water are Red River and Bank Street Beach. Red River Beach has soft sand and picnic tables and Bank Street is ideal for paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking. It is also located in close proximity to amenities and shopping.

If you are staying in Chatham, Lighthouse Beach is a must-see. Known for its gorgeous views, sandy shoreline, and sand dunes, it is the perfect place to spend the day. Weather-pending, waves can be slightly rougher as this beach faces the open Atlantic. Prefer calmer water? Check out Hardings Beach, also located in Chatham, which has amenities, soft sand, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

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Brewster Beaches

Resident and Non-Resident Beach stickers are sold seven days a week from 9am – 3pm at the Brewster Visitor Center in the Brewster Town Hall Offices, 2198 Main Street (Route 6A). The sticker office is open from June through August. Valid Brewster Beach Stickers are required at Brewster beaches from 9am – 4pm daily through the summer. Brewster’s Beaches are located along the Cape Cod Bay where the waters are calm, and the low tides with water receeding make them ideal for families with children. For more information call 508-896-3500.

• Dogs are allowed on Brewster beaches on the off-season only which spans from September 16th through May 14th.
• Parking may require a beach sticker or permit. Please call for up-to-date information.

Click here for a Map of Brewster Beaches and Ponds
508-896-3500

Located off Breakwater Road, off 6A, near the Brewster General Store.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking

Located on Crosby Landing Road, about 1.5 miles before the Orleans town line on Route 6A.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking

Located on Ellis Landing Road, ~2 miles before the Orleans town line on Route 6A.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking

Located on Linnell Landing Road, ~1.75 miles before the Orleans town line off 6A.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking

Located on Paine’s Creek Road; 1.5 miles west past the intersection of Route 137 and 6A.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking

Located off Point of Rocks Road, ~1 mile east of the intersection of 6A and Route 124.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly

Located 1 mile off Lower Road, which intersects with Route 6A.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking

Located off of 6A in Brewster.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Restrooms
  • Parking

Located ~1 mile off Lower Road, which intersects with Route 6A.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking

Located off of Mammon Drive in Brewster.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Parking

Located off of Run Hill Road in Brewster.

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  • Brewster, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Parking

Chatham Beaches

Non residents may purchase beach stickers at on-site beach booths. Residents only may purchase stickers at the Chatham permit office, located at 261 George Ryder Road. Parking at School House Pond is only available to resident sticker holders. For questions on Chatham beach stickers, call 508-945-5180.

• Chatham only allows dogs during the off-season: September 26th through April 30th.
• Parking may require a beach sticker or permit. Please call for up-to-date information.

508-945-5180

Located on the waters of Nantucket Sound, off Route 28 at the end of Cockle Cove Road.

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  • Chatham, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
  • Concessions

Located at the end of Forest Street, south of Route 28.

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  • Chatham, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Parking

Located by Kettlehole pond off of Queen Anne Road.

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  • Chatham, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Parking

Located off Harding’s Beach Road (off of Route 28 and Barn Hill Road).

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  • Chatham, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
  • Concessions

Located on ocean side beach off of Shore Road.

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  • Chatham, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
  • No swimming

Ocean beach that is only accessible via 4WD or by boat.

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  • Chatham, MA
  • Public Beach

Located off of Stage Harbor Road.

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  • Chatham, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking

Located at south end of Pleasant Street.

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  • Chatham, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking

Located on Nantucket Sound, off Ridgevale Road (off Route 28).

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  • Chatham, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
  • Concessions

Harwich Beaches

Beach stickers are available for purchase at the Harwich Town Hall, located at 732 Main Street in Harwich. The Town of Harwich offers Resident and Non-Resident beach sticker forms on their website that you can fill out and apply and pay for by mail (there is also a new online payment option). Please visit the Town of Harwich website for Beach sticker forms and additional information. For questions on the Town of Harwich beach stickers, call 508-430-7501.

• Dogs are not permitted on beaches during the summer season spanning from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Parking may require a beach sticker or permit. Please call for up-to-date information.

Town of Harwich website
508-430-7501

Located on Nantucket Sound near Harwich port center (at the end of Bank Street).

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  • Harwich, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
  • Concessions

Fresh water beach located off of Route 39.

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  • Harwich, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
  • Concessions

Located on Earl Road, off Lower County Road.

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  • Harwich, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
  • Concessions

Located off of 28 on Pleasant Road in West Harwich.

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  • Harwich, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
  • Concessions

Located off Route 28.

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  • Harwich, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
  • Concessions

Located near town center, on Great Western Road.

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  • Harwich, MA
  • Public Beach
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Restrooms
  • Parking
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