Chatham, Cape Cod Beaches

Chatham has a beautiful, pedestrian-friendly main street. Some of the best seafood around. A storied summer baseball team and theatre, museums, restaurants and inns.

But honestly, you come for the beach. 

Six major saltwater beaches welcome visitors with views of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. The most popular by far is Chatham Light Beach.

Chatham Light Beach sits below the watchful gaze of Chatham Light, an active lighthouse at the Coast Guard Station that aids in the navigation of Chatham Waters. Though typically closed to the public, Chatham Light is occasionally open to tourists during the summer months. Admission is free.

Below is the ever-changing landscape of Chatham Light Beach, the largest in town. Only half a mile from downtown, this beautiful expanse of sand offers nature walks out to southern Monomoy Island plus views of the daily migration routes of Chatham's many seals ... and lobster boats.

On the other end of town is Harding's Beach, in the warmer, calmer waters of Nantucket Sound. With two parking lots, three life guard stations, a bathhouse with shower and food service trucks in each lot, Harding's is Chatham's most family-friendly beach. You'll find more than enough room for a game of beach bocce (a favorite among the locals), frisbee or a world-class sand castle.

Dogs are not allowed from April 1st to September 15th of each year in beach areas, with the exception of seeing-eye animals, and police K-9 animals.

Other beaches include:

Cockle Cove Beach, South Chatham
An interesting Nantucket Sound Beach with tiny waves located on Cockle Cove Road; the first major road on the right off Route 28, after the Bassett House Visitor's Center going toward town. It's very popular for children because there are warm waters, calm protected swimming areas with shallow areas; a nice walking beach with a lovely bridge.

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: Daily: $ 15.00, Weekly: $ 60.00, Seasonal: $125.00 
Lifeguards: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the season (June 20-August 31).
Facilities: Portable Restrooms

Forest Beach, South Chatham
Nantucket Sound Beach, small family beach, mostly visited by local cottage owners. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: No Fee. Limited Parking
Lifeguards: No
Facilities: No Restrooms

Harding's Beach, West Chatham
The largest public beach in town, convenient parking, gentle waves, on Nantucket Sound, long walks to Stage Harbor Lighthouse area, views of Stage Harbor and Oyster River, Buck Creek and Monomoy. Good birding watching. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: Daily: $ 15.00, Weekly: $ 60.00, Seasonal: $125.00
Lifeguards: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the season (June 20-August 31).
Facilities: Restrooms, Snackmobile

Oyster Pond Beach, Chatham
Salt water pond, very warm and calm waters, swimming lessons,  raft for swimmers, centrally
located within walking distance from town, very scenic views and picnic tables. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: No Fee
Lifeguards: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the season (June 20-August 31).
Facilities: Restrooms

Pleasant Bay (Jackknife), North Chatham
Sheltered cove for children, warm, shallow water, nice views of the tide in the meandering cove of the Jacknife (shaped like a jackknife), at the border of Harwich, lovely sweeping views across Pleasant Bay. Good kayaking nearby. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: No Fee
Lifeguards: No
Facilities: No Restrooms

Pleasant Street Beach, South Chatham
End of Pleasant Street, similar to Forest Beach, easy walks across to Red River in South Harwich, family beach. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: No Fee
Lifeguards: No
Facilities: No Restrooms

Ridgevale Beach, West Chatham
Located between Harding's Beach and Cockle Cove, with Buck’s Creek and Eel Creek on either side, very scenic, short walks, seasonal snack bar. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: Daily: $ 15.00, Weekly: $ 60.00, Seasonal: $125.00
Lifeguards: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the season (June 20-August 31).
Facilities: Portable Restrooms, Ridgevale Beach Snack Bar & Store and Nauti Jane’s Boat Rentals.

Schoolhouse Pond, West Chatham
Located near Queen Anne Road, off of George Ryder Road. Swimming beach with fresh water, popular local beach with children and young families, quick swims at the end of the day. Chatham resident permit parking only, a short biking distance from the bicycle trail. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: Residents Only Beach
Lifeguards: No
Facilities: No Restrooms

Town Landings
Visit our town landings indicated in the Chatham Guidebook. While you need
a beach sticker during the day, you may visit these wonderfully scenic areas after hours to watch the sun rise or set. These peaceful viewing spots include: Cow Yard, Strong Island Scatteree, Crows Pond, Fish Pier, Vineyard Avenue.

Swimming lessons and Red Cross instruction are provided by the Park Department. Call (508) 945-5158 for fees and schedule information.

For more information please visit Town Website