Chatham 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!

Dogs are not allowed from  May 1st to September 15th of each year in beach areas, with the exception of seeing-eye animals, and police K-9 animals.   Exception is Pleasant Bay (Jackknife), North Chatham   -  DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACH BEFORE 9:00a.m. AND AFTER 6:00p.m.  For Beach and Parks Rules and Regulations, please click here.

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

Chatham Beaches

Chatham Lighthouse Beach

Lighthouse 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 Lighthouse 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 fishing boats.

The waters of Lighthouse Beach are dynamic. The strong currents and tides are influenced by wind and weather conditions. The strength of the current at Lighthouse Beach is significant. It is most dangerous at the south tip of Lighthouse Beach, which is closed to swimming. The beginning of the no-swim area is marked by signs posted on the beach. Please read and pay attention to all signage. The signs are there to educate and protect the public.

Lighthouse Beach is not guarded by lifeguards. It is swim-at-your-own-risk and is open in most areas. The beach is monitored by beach/boat patrols. The patrols are there to assess the beach, educate the public, prevent and respond to emergencies. The beach/boat patrols are not there to guard you or your family in the water.

A flagpole at the top of the stairs leading to the beach and a second flagpole on the beach below the parking lot warn the public of dangerous conditions. The red flag means swimming is PROHIBITED in all areas. The Lighthouse Beach patrols run from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily, June 20 - August 31.

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VuqrmdVjTH3dy1z4A

Bridge Street Parking for Lighthouse Beach

Please be aware that new parking requirements have been implemented for all vehicles that are parked along Bridge Street in order to access Lighthouse Beach. All nonresidents and non-taxpayers of Chatham will be required to purchase a Chatham Beach pass and display it on their vehicle to park along the Bridge Street road shoulder.

The area of parking restriction extends from the east side of Mitchell River Bridge through the eastern extent of allowable Bridge Street parking. These parking passes will be required beginning June 20 - August 31, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Vehicles of residents and non-resident taxpayers must display a current standard annual Chatham sticker (Beach, Transfer, or Recycling stickers).

Please note that this requirement does NOT include parking at the Lighthouse overlook, which is still available to all vehicles for short-term (30 minutes) parking only. Violations of these parking restrictions are subject to a $50 parking citation. 

Best for: iconic views, seals/boats, dramatic ocean conditions
Know before you go: strong currents; south tip closed to swimming; follow signage and flag warnings
Parking & fees: Bridge Street shoulder requires a beach pass for non-residents/non-taxpayers during the posted season hours; overlook is 30-minute parking
Facilities: not listed on page
Dogs: not allowed May 1–Sep 15
Safety/lifeguards: not guarded; swim at your own risk; patrols and flags described

Harding's Beach

Located in West Chatham in the warmer, calmer waters of Nantucket Sound. With two parking lots, three life guard stations, a bathhouse with a 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 long walks, a game of beach bocce (a favorite among the locals), frisbee, or a world-class sand castle.  You will enjoy the view of Stage Harbor and Oyster River, Bucks Creek, and Monomoy. Good bird watching.

Best for: families, warm water, amenities
Know before you go: two lots, food trucks, great for long walks
Parking & fees: Daily $20 / Weekly $75 / Seasonal $175
Facilities: restrooms; snackmobile 
Dogs: not allowed May 1–Sep 15 
Safety/lifeguards: lifeguards during posted seasonal hours  

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pP6YRuPzSDT9hK6X7

Ridgevale Beach

Located between Harding's Beach and Cockle Cove, with Buck’s Creek and Eel Creek on either side, very scenic for short walks, seasonal snack bar and sailboat rentals and lessons,  paddleboards, and kayaks rentals.

Best for: scenic creek walks + rentals/lessons
Know before you go: snack bar, rentals/lessons listed 
Parking & fees: Daily $20 / Weekly $75 / Seasonal $175 
Facilities: portable restrooms; snack bar/store 
Dogs: not allowed May 1–Sep 15 
Safety/lifeguards: lifeguards during posted seasonal hours 

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GSvq6ykX5nSGuahX7

Cockle Cove Beach

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.

Best for: kids, calm/shallow protected areas
Know before you go: warm waters; popular for children 
Parking & fees: Daily $20 / Weekly $75 / Seasonal $175 
Facilities: portable restrooms 
Dogs: not allowed May 1–Sep 15 
Safety/lifeguards: lifeguards during posted seasonal hours  

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GkUZ1e9U5qk1XDpn6

Oyster Pond Beach

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

Best for: warm, calm pond swimming near town
Know before you go: raft for swimmers; picnic tables; walkable from town 
Parking & fees: no fee 
Facilities: restrooms 
Dogs: not allowed May 1–Sep 15 
Safety/lifeguards: lifeguards during posted seasonal hours  

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cyKPSFcFLFE51jQSA

Forest Beach

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

Best for: quiet local vibe, small family beach
Know before you go: limited parking 
Parking & fees: no fee (limited parking) 
Facilities: no restrooms 
Dogs: not allowed May 1–Sep 15 
Safety/lifeguards: no  

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SDHhaMoop6CJF7Me7

Pleasant Bay (Jackknife)

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.   DOGS ALLOWED ON BEACH BEFORE 9:00a.m. AND AFTER 6:00p.m.

Best for: sheltered cove, kids, kayaking nearby
Know before you go: warm shallow water; great views across Pleasant Bay 
Parking & fees: no fee 
Facilities: no restrooms 
Dogs: allowed on the beach before 9:00am and after 6:00pm 
Safety/lifeguards: no  

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hsgi7Ba2mLrLjTas6

Pleasant Street Beach

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

Best for: easy local beach walks (toward Red River) 
Know before you go: similar to Forest Beach; family beach 
Parking & fees: no fee 
Facilities: no restrooms 
Dogs: not allowed May 1–Sep 15 
Safety/lifeguards: no  

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XPN3AWrHh1oTexhRA

Schoolhouse Pond

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, and a short biking distance from the bicycle trail. Chatham resident permit parking only.

Best for: quick freshwater swims, local families
Know before you go: resident permit parking only; near bike trail 
Parking & fees: primarily residents only; parking pass required 
Facilities: no restrooms 
Dogs: not specified on page (default to town rules if applicable) 
Safety/lifeguards: no  

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/v8k7F9hemiJ8dusr7

Other Information:

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 the Town Website

Town Landings

Visit our town landings indicated in the Chatham Guidebook.  You may want to visit these wonderfully scenic areas to watch the sunrise or sunset. These peaceful viewing spots include: Cow Yard, Strong Island, Scatteree, Crows Pond, Fish Pier, and Vineyard Avenue.