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 is the largest and most dramatic beach in Chatham. It sits just below the active Chatham Light, a working U.S. Coast Guard lighthouse located half a mile from downtown. From the sand, visitors look out across a vast, ever-shifting Atlantic shoreline toward the southern tip of Monomoy Island. At lower tides, seals rest on exposed sandbars, making this the best spot in town for wildlife watching from shore.

The water here is dynamic and at times dangerous. Strong currents and tidal flows are influenced by wind and weather conditions. The south tip of Lighthouse Beach is permanently closed to swimming. Signage marks the boundary clearly; follow it without exception.

There are no lifeguards at Lighthouse Beach. Beach and boat patrols monitor the area from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, June 20 through August 31. These patrols educate the public and respond to emergencies but do not guard swimmers in the water. A flagpole at the top of the stairs and a second one lower on the beach signal conditions. A red flag means swimming is prohibited across the entire beach.

• Parking: Non-residents parking along the Bridge Street road shoulder must display a valid Chatham beach pass, required from June 20 through August 31 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Lighthouse overlook parking area is free for all vehicles but strictly limited to 30-minute stays. Violations are subject to a $50 citation. Residents and non-resident taxpayers must display a current Chatham annual sticker.
• Best for: Scenic views, seal watching, nature walks, photography
• Facilities: None listed at beach level
• Lifeguards: No, beach and boat patrols only
• Dogs: Not permitted May 1 through September 15
• Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VuqrmdVjTH3dy1z4A

Know before you go: Lighthouse Beach is a place for walking and watching, not swimming. The scenery is unmatched in Chatham, but water entry carries real risk. Swim only in areas that are clearly open and always read posted signs on arrival.

Harding's Beach

Hardings Beach is Chatham's most fully equipped family beach. Located in West Chatham on Nantucket Sound, it offers warm, calm water, two large parking lots, three lifeguard stations, a bathhouse with outdoor showers, and food trucks in each lot. The beach is wide enough for beach bocce, frisbee, and sandcastles without feeling crowded even on busy summer days.

From the sand, visitors look out toward Stage Harbor, the Oyster River, Bucks Creek, and the distant outline of Monomoy. Bird watching along the shoreline and surrounding salt marsh is consistently rewarding. A one-mile informal trail from the eastern end of the beach leads toward Stage Harbor Lighthouse, making Hardings a natural starting point for a longer coastal walk.

Hardings is one of the better launch spots for kayakers wanting to paddle toward the waters off Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. Local outfitters offer rentals in the area seasonally.

• Parking: $20/day, $75/week, $175/season; required June 20 through August 31
• Facilities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, seasonal food trucks
• Lifeguards: Yes, June 20 through August 31, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Dogs: Not permitted May 1 through September 15
• Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pP6YRuPzSDT9hK6X7

Ridgevale Beach

Ridgevale Beach sits between Hardings Beach and Cockle Cove, with Bucks Creek on one side and Eel Creek on the other. The setting creates two distinct swimming environments in one spot. The Nantucket Sound side offers open water and calm swimming, while the tidal creek side forms warm, shallow pools at lower tides that are ideal for young children and tide pool exploration.

Sailboat rentals and lessons, paddleboards, and kayaks are available seasonally at Ridgevale, making it the go-to beach for visitors who want to get on the water without traveling far from the sand. The snack bar and store on site keep full-day visits practical. Scenic walks along the creeks add a nature element that sets Ridgevale apart from a straightforward swimming beach.

• Parking: $20/day, $75/week, $175/season; required June 20 through August 31
• Facilities: Portable restrooms, seasonal snack bar and store
• Lifeguards: Yes, June 20 through August 31, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Dogs: Not permitted May 1 through September 15
• Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GSvq6ykX5nSGuahX7

Cockle Cove Beach

Cockle Cove Beach is located on Cockle Cove Road in South Chatham, the first major right turn off Route 28 past the Bassett House Visitor Center heading toward town. It is the calmest swimming beach in Chatham. 

Tiny Nantucket Sound waves, protected shallow areas, warm water, and a charming walking beach with a pedestrian bridge make this the most consistently recommended option for families with toddlers or young children just learning to swim.

The beach is smaller than Hardings or Ridgevale, which means it can feel more intimate but can also fill on peak summer weekends. Arriving earlier in the morning gives you more space and time in the water before crowds build.

• Parking: $20/day, $75/week, $175/season; required June 20 through August 31
• Facilities: Portable restroom
• Lifeguards: Yes, June 20 through August 31, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Dogs: Not permitted May 1 through September 15

Oyster Pond Beach

Oyster Pond is a saltwater tidal pond within walking distance of downtown Chatham. It delivers the warmest and calmest water of any Chatham beach, since the enclosed pond heats up quickly in summer sun. A swimming raft anchored offshore adds a fun objective for confident swimmers. Picnic tables, restrooms, and scenic pond views make it an easy spot for a relaxed half-day without driving across town.

This beach is one of the few in Chatham with free parking and lifeguard coverage, which makes it especially good value for families. Swimming lessons and Red Cross instruction programs through the Chatham Park Department are offered here seasonally. Contact the Park Department at (508) 945-5158 for current fees and schedule.

• Parking: Free (limited spaces)
• Facilities: Restrooms, picnic tables
• Lifeguards: Yes, June 20 through August 31, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Dogs: Not permitted May 1 through September 15
• Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cyKPSFcFLFE51jQSA

Forest Beach

Forest Beach is a small Nantucket Sound beach located off Forest Beach Road in South Chatham. It draws mostly local cottage owners and residents who prefer a quieter alternative to the more visited beaches. Free parking is available, though spaces are limited and can fill quickly on warm summer days.

There are no restroom facilities and no lifeguard coverage at Forest Beach. The calm, warm water and a relaxed pace make it appealing for anyone seeking solitude over amenities. Shell collecting along the shoreline is a popular low-key activity.

• Parking: Free, limited
• Facilities: None
• Lifeguards: No
• Dogs: Not permitted May 1 through September 15

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

Pleasant Bay (Jackknife)

Jackknife Cove sits on Pleasant Bay at the Chatham-Harwich town line. The cove gets its name from its distinctive jackknife shape, and its sheltered position within the bay delivers warm, shallow water that stays calm even on breezy days. The gradual slope from shore is forgiving for beginners and young swimmers, and the views across Pleasant Bay toward low-lying marsh and barrier features are classic Cape Cod scenery.

This is the only Chatham beach where dogs are permitted during summer, though the window is strictly managed: dogs are allowed before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. only. Kayaking in the surrounding bay waters is popular, and the gentle conditions near shore make it accessible for paddlers of all experience levels.

• Parking: Free
• Facilities: None
• Lifeguards: No
• Dogs: Allowed before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. during summer

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

Pleasant Street Beach

Pleasant Street Beach sits at the end of Pleasant Street on Nantucket Sound. It is a quiet family beach with a calm, local feel similar to Forest Beach. The shoreline connects to easy walking routes toward Red River in South Harwich. There are no restrooms and no lifeguard coverage. Free parking is available.

• Parking: Free
• Facilities: None
• Lifeguards: No
• Dogs: Not permitted May 1 through September 15

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

Schoolhouse Pond

Schoolhouse Pond is Chatham's only freshwater swimming beach. Located near Queen Anne Road, off George Ryder Road, it is a short bike ride from the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The pond is a popular spot for local families who want a quick freshwater swim at the end of the day without heading to the ocean.

Parking at Schoolhouse Pond requires a Chatham resident permit. Non-residents cannot park here during the season. There are no restrooms and no lifeguard coverage.

• Parking: Chatham resident permit only
• Facilities: None
• 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.

Dog Rules for All Chatham Beaches

Dogs are not permitted at Chatham beach and park areas from May 1 through September 15 each year. This applies to all beaches in town, with two exceptions: seeing-eye animals and police K-9 animals are always permitted.

• The only beach where dogs are allowed during peak summer months is Pleasant Bay (Jackknife Cove). Dogs are welcome there before 9:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m. during the restricted season.
• Outside the May 1 through September 15 window, dogs are generally allowed at beaches on a leash. Waste must always be picked up. For a full breakdown of pet-friendly options across the year, see the dog-friendly Chatham beaches guide.
• Official rules, including details on fines and all restricted areas, are published in the Town of Chatham's Beach and Parks Rules and Regulations.
• All Chatham beaches are closed from 10:00 p.m. until one hour before sunrise daily.

2026 Lifeguard Schedule

Lifeguard coverage runs from June 20 through August 31 at four beaches. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at all guarded locations.

Beach	Lifeguard Coverage	Hours
Hardings Beach	June 20 to August 31	9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Ridgevale Beach	June 20 to August 31	9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cockle Cove Beach	June 20 to August 31	9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Oyster Pond	June 20 to August 31	9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lighthouse Beach	Beach/boat patrols only	9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Lighthouse Beach, Forest Beach, Pleasant Bay (Jackknife Cove), Pleasant Street Beach, and Schoolhouse Pond have no lifeguards. Swimming at these locations is at your own risk.

Water quality at all public Chatham beaches is tested weekly during the swim season by the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment. An interactive beach dashboard on the Town of Chatham website shows current open/closed status for each location. Check it before heading out, especially after heavy rainfall.

Shark and Wildlife Awareness

Chatham's position on the Atlantic coast and the large gray seal population in the area bring seasonal great white shark activity to the waters off Lighthouse Beach and the outer shoreline. 

Shark sightings are more common on Atlantic-facing beaches than on Nantucket Sound or Pleasant Bay. Lifeguards at guarded beaches follow the Town of Chatham's shark sighting and response policy, which includes immediate beach closure when a confirmed sighting occurs.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy's Sharktivity app provides real-time sighting alerts for Cape Cod. Using it before the ocean swims at any unguarded beach is a practical safety habit. Sound-side and pond beaches carry a much lower likelihood of shark encounters.

For more on Chatham's seals, sharks, and the marine ecosystem that connects them, visit the Chatham seals and sharks overview.

Swimming Lessons

The Chatham Park Department offers swimming lessons and Red Cross instruction programs each summer. Lessons are typically held at Oyster Pond Beach. Contact the department at (508) 945-5158 for current schedules, fees, and enrollment information.

Town Landings

Chatham has several scenic town landings that are worth a stop for sunrise or sunset viewing even when the main beaches are busy. These peaceful waterfront viewpoints include Cow Yard, Strong Island, Scatteree, Crows Pond, Fish Pier, and Vineyard Avenue. Locations are shown in the Chatham Visitor Guidebook.

Quick Guide: Which Chatham Beach Should You Choose?

• For families with young children: Cockle Cove Beach for the calmest water; Oyster Pond for free parking and lifeguard coverage; Ridgevale Beach for tidal pools and on-site rentals.
• For scenic views and walks: Lighthouse Beach for Atlantic drama and seal watching; Hardings Beach for sunset views and the Stage Harbor Lighthouse trail.
• For amenities: Hardings Beach leads the way with two parking lots, three lifeguard stations, showers, and food trucks.
• For free parking with lifeguards: Oyster Pond Beach is the only location that offers both.
• For a quieter experience: Forest Beach, Pleasant Street Beach, or any beach during the shoulder season (late May through mid-June or September).
• For dog owners: Pleasant Bay (Jackknife Cove) before 9:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. during summer; most beaches after September 15.

 

Contact Information

• Chatham Parks Department: (508) 945-5158
• Beach Information: (508) 945-5100
• Town Website: www.chatham-ma.gov
• Emergency: 911
• Non-Emergency Police: (508) 945-1213