Bay / Calm
Crosby Landing Beach
Brewster, MA
(199)
Walkingtidal flatssunset
Calm waterDog-friendlyLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Heads up
- Piping plover nesting closure active this month — sections of the beach may be roped off.
- Beware of incoming tide when out on the flats — water returns fast.
Bay / CalmSticker / Day FeeBest in September
Chapin Memorial Beach
Dennis, Massachusetts · Cape Cod Bay
4.6(358 reviews)
Drive-on bay beach with desert-like low-tide flats
A long, narrow bay beach where you can drive on the sand with a permit. At low tide, it feels like the ocean disappeared and left a desert behind. Dogs allowed in the off-season.
Chapin Memorial — known locally as Chapin Beach — is the Dennis bay beach you go to for the spectacle of low tide. The exposed flats stretch a half-mile or more out into the bay, ribbed with sand bars and shallow tidal pools that warm to bath-water temperatures by mid-afternoon. ORV permits allow over-sand vehicles to drive a stretch of the beach in season, which gives Chapin a wilder, more open feel than the manicured town beaches at Corporation and Mayflower. The parking lot is paved but modest; arriving by 10 a.m. on summer weekends is wise. Plovers nest on the dunes in spring, and seasonal closures are strictly enforced. After Labor Day the beach opens to dogs and to a different crowd — locals walking in the long autumn light. Sunsets over the bay here are some of the most photographed on Cape Cod.
Photo spot
ORV tracks heading out across the low-tide flats
Arrive
Low tide for the sand desertCrowds
ModerateDogs
WelcomeSunsets
Great spotBest for
Walking
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- North-facing
- Length
- ~1.5 mi
- Tide flat
- ~800 yd at low tide
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Mixed sand and shell, broad firm flats
- Shade
- none
Wildlife
Birds you may see: piping plover, American oystercatcher, least tern, willet, semipalmated sandpiper
Tidepools
Things to know
- Occasional seal haul-outs nearby — a shark factor on outer-Cape waters.
- Jellyfish more likely July–August.
- Greenhead flies are intense in late July through mid-August on calm, humid days.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
- Lot size
- Medium
- Enforcement
- Dennis sticker enforced; ORV permits required to drive on sand.
Sticker required, ORV permits available
Getting there
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Not available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Path from parking
- short walk
Dogs
Dogs permitted off-season (after Labor Day through mid-June); leashed only.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFires · permit onlyDronesSmoking
Activities
Unofficial SUP/kayak launchFishing · surfcasting
Safety & stewardship
Significant plover closures
Photo by Swetha Joswala via Google Places
Today
Water62°F
Sunrise5:07 AM
Sunset8:19 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water66-72°F (July–Aug)
TidesHigh variance
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~1.5 mi
Facilities
Restrooms
Chapin Memorial Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Chapin Memorial Beach?
Chapin Memorial Beach requires a town parking sticker or a paid day pass in summer. Lots fill early on weekends, so arrive before about 10am.
Are dogs allowed at Chapin Memorial Beach?
Dogs are allowed at Chapin Memorial Beach — Dogs permitted off-season (after Labor Day through mid-June); leashed only.
Does Chapin Memorial Beach have lifeguards?
No — Chapin Memorial Beach does not have lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.
Are there restrooms at Chapin Memorial Beach?
Chapin Memorial Beach has public restrooms available in season.
What is the water like at Chapin Memorial Beach?
Chapin Memorial Beach is a calm, bay-side beach on Cape Cod Bay. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 66-72°F (July–Aug).
What is Chapin Memorial Beach best for?
Chapin Memorial Beach is especially good for walking.
When is the best time to visit Chapin Memorial Beach?
Low tide for the sand desert; sunset for the colors.
