First Light Beach on Cape Cod Bay is the one Brewster beach reserved for town residents; all the others are open to the public with a permit.
What to expect
Parking
Permit Brewster resident beach parking permit only: $25 for the first and second vehicle, $40 each additional
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Beaches and ponds are open from 6 am to 10 pm, and the parking areas close overnight unless a sign says otherwise. That's the town default unless posted otherwise.
Dogs
Dogs, other pets and horses are banned around the clock from all Brewster beaches, ponds, landings and tidal flats from May 15 through September 15; off-season, leashed dogs are welcome. Posted signs at the site take precedence.
Banned now · back September 15Managed by
Brewster Recreation Department / Natural Resources
(508) 896-9430 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Permit
CostBrewster resident beach parking permit only: $25 for the first and second vehicle, $40 each additionalStickerBrewster resident beach parking permit
Main Street resident lot
Main Street resident lot
CostBrewster resident beach parking permit only: $25 for the first and second vehicle, $40 each additional
First Light is reserved for Brewster residents; non-residents may still walk or bike in
Access points along this beach
Main Street gate
Attended vehicle gate; separate pedestrian/bike access
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at First Light Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 40° | 39° | 42° | 49° | 55° | 63° | 69° | 68° | 66° | 60° | 50° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Chatham (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is First Light Beach in Brewster open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Can non-residents park at First Light Beach?
No. The town reserves First Light for Brewster residents; every other town beach is open to the public with a permit.
Are there restrooms at First Light Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at First Light Beach?
Water at First Light Beach averages about 39°F in February and 69°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Chatham from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
Can you swim at First Light Beach?
Yes. First Light Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Are dogs allowed at First Light Beach?
Dogs, other pets and horses are banned around the clock from all Brewster beaches, ponds, landings and tidal flats from May 15 through September 15; off-season, leashed dogs are welcome. Posted signs at the site take precedence.