10 Best Beaches in Chatham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod

Looking to go to the beach in Chatham, Massachusetts? Well, you are in luck! This town boasts some of the greatest beaches on Cape Cod. Chatham is where I live and work, so I have spent a lot of time at all of the town’s beaches. During the summer months, there are super popular beaches including Harding’s Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Ridgevale Beach. There are also some more lowkey gems such as North Beach, Monomoy Beach, and Jacknife Cove. In this blog post, I will cover the 10 best beaches in town and give you info including parking fees, popularity, amenities, parking advice, and more.

1. Lighthouse Beach

Lighthouse Beach is the first beach on my list because it is arguably the most famous in Chatham. This beloved beach can be found right below the Chatham Lighthouse Overlook along Main Street. There is a wooden stairway that allows visitors to walk down from the overlook and onto the white sand beach. Lighthouse Beach is a unique spot in Chatham because it is always changing. A decade ago, the beach was hundreds of feet wide and miles long. Nowadays, it is a fair bit smaller due to erosion, but still very beautiful and spacious. Today, the beach measures just about a mile long.

At one mile long, beachgoers can always be nicely spaced out. There are lifeguards at the main section of the beach below the overlook during the summer months. The water at Lighthouse Beach typically is on the cooler side due to the currents. Speaking of the currents, they are something to be wary of when swimming here. Oftentimes, I find myself moving quickly down the shoreline while in the water due to the drafts. Also, there are seals often in the water, so watch out for those too. 

When spending time at Lighthouse Beach, be sure to walk to the iconic Lighthouse Beach Shack. This beach shack was assembled using washed-up rubbish and it has become a beloved fixture of the town. It can be found in the dunes just south of the beach stairway. And... it probably does have to be mentioned, but be sure to admire the historic Chatham Lighthouse which stands proudly above the beach.

Amenities: There are portable restrooms at the top of the stairs and lifeguards during the summer months

Parking: Parking for Lighthouse Beach is not easy to find. The Chatham Lighthouse overlook parking lot has dozens of spaces, but they are limited to just 30 minutes. Beachgoers with Chatham Beach Stickers can park in a designated area along Bridge Street and walk to the beach. Non-residents can acquire a daily, weekly, or seasonal Chatham Beach Permit to park along Bridge Street. Additionally, Lighthouse Beach can be reached by walking from downtown or by taking the Chatham Valet Shuttle which operates at the 365 Main Street lot. 

 

2. Harding’s Beach

Harding’s Beach is another iconic beach in Chatham. The beach is located on the Nantucket Sound, so it often has warmer and calmer water than the Atlantic-facing beaches in town. Harding’s Beach is a very long beach. While the two main parking areas stretch several hundred feet with beach in front of them, the entire beach is nearly a mile and a half long.

At the westernmost point of the beach is the historic Stage Harbor Lighthouse. Walking out to the lighthouse is a great activity. Visitors can walk along the beach to it or through a path in the dunes. While the lighthouse is privately owned, visitors are welcome to walk around it. If you make the trek during the summer, be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sun protection. The journey round-trip is about 2.5 miles.

Harding’s Beach is often busy during hot summer days due to its wonderful water and amenities. The beach is staffed with lifeguards and there is a bathhouse with showers, restrooms, and changing rooms. Additionally, food trucks can often be found parked in the beach lots serving up hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, and more! This is the perfect beach for soaking up the sun, walking, playing frisbee, and splashing around.

It’s also important to note that Harding’s Beach is a beloved location for windsurfers, so be sure to stop by on windy days to watch the surfers fly around!

Amenities: Seasonal lifeguards, bathhouse, and food trucks

Parking: There are two large parking lots for visitors of Harding’s Beach. They can hold over 300 cars in total. While this capacity is high, it is best to arrive early to the beach to guarantee a parking spot. Parking is free for residents with stickers. For non-residents, parking is $20.00 per day $75.00 per week $175 for the season. Fees are collected during the summer season from June 21 to September 1.

 

3. Ridgevale Beach

Ridgevale Beach is a charming spot along the Nantucket Sound. The beach can be reached by turning off Main Street and driving to the end of Ridgevale Road, which is about 1 mile. At the beach, there is a good-sized 80-car parking lot and the Ridgevale Beach Snack Bar. The snack bar has been operating for more than 60 years and offers staples like burgers, lobster rolls, chicken tenders, ice cream, sodas, and much more! The snack bar also has general beach goods including floats, beach chairs, umbrellas, toys, and sunscreen. Chatham Sail is also operated from the building and they offer rentals of sailboats (hobies and sunfish), kayaks (singles and doubles), and stand-up paddleboards. 

A boardwalk brings beachgoers from the parking lot to the white sand shoreline. It crosses a small creek which is a beloved spot for children to play and enjoy the sand, little sea creatures, and calm waters. The beach section facing the Nantucket Sound is wide and long. It has plenty of space for all beachgoers. There are lifeguards stationed at the beach during the summer. Overall, this beach boasts the most amenities of any beach and also is good for all ages thanks to its unique position with creek and ocean frontage. 

Amenities: Seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, snack bar, lifeguards, boat rentals, gear rentals, store

Parking: There is one parking lot for visitors of Ridgevale Beach. It can hold just about 80 cars and it fills up quickly on nice summer days. Parking is free for residents with stickers. For non-residents, parking is $20.00 per day $75.00 per week $175 for the season. Fees are collected during the summer season from June 21 to September

 

4. Jackknife Cove

Jackknife Cove used to be a local secret beach, but it seems like a lot of people told a lot of people about it. This sandy spot along Pleasant Bay has continued to grow in popularity over the years and nowadays it is packed on every nice summer day. The beach is a wonderful spot to spend any summer day and is especially a favorite among children.

Jacknife Cove is one of the few public beaches along Pleasant Bay, which boasts calm and warm water. The bay is popular among boaters and you will often see people tubing and sailboats sailing from the shore. There are no lifeguards at this beach, no restrooms, and no concession stands. There are simply a few trash cans and that is in. 

Jackknife Cove is a beloved spot by many people and for many different reasons. It is a great calm spot to relax and soak up the sun. It is also fun for kids because of the calm and warm water. Many kids enjoy playing in the small river in the middle of the beach. Additionally, kayakers and paddleboarders seem to love Jackknife Cove. It is a great place to launch a watercraft and paddle around the Bay, under the Route 28 bridge, and down Muddy Creek.

Amenities: N/A

Parking: Visitors of Jackknife Cove can turn off Route 28 and drive down a steep hill to the sandy parking area. There are spots for a few dozen cars down along the beach. Parking is free and the lot does fill up quickly on nice summer days. 

 

5. Oyster Pond Beach

Looking to enjoy downtown Chatham and go for a swim? Consider parking at Oyster Pond Beach! This small sandy beach can be found just one-tenth of a mile from Chatham's bustling Main Street. Visitors can park at the beach and then easily stroll through downtown and come back to end the visit with a swim. This small beach is often full of younger kids because the swimming area is sectioned off, there are floating rafts, the water is warm/calm, and there are seasonal lifeguards. There is no steep drop-off either. Due to its accessibility, this is actually where the Chatham Community Center holds group swim lessons.

Amenities: Seasonal bathhouse with restrooms and changing rooms, lifeguards, sectioned-off swim area, and floating docks

Parking: Parking is available right at the beach in the lot off Stage Harbor Road. There are about 50-60 parking spaces. Parking is currently free year-round. Additional parking can be found in downtown Chatham behind the Chatham Orpheum Theater.

 

6. North Beach Island

There’s just something about an island that cannot be topped. Chatham, Massachusetts is fortunately home to many awesome islands that all boast excellent swimming and relaxing opportunities. The king of them all is North Beach Island! North Beach Island is a rather new addition to town as it used to be part of Nauset Beach. But, in 2008, a break formed in the beach and split up Nauset Beach. The new island created was named North Beach Island.

North Beach Island is situated right across from the Chatham Bars Inn and it has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. The island boasts wavy swimming on the Atlantic Ocean side and calm swimming on the Chatham Harbor side. One of the best aspects of North Beach Island is getting to take in the views. Sitting on the harbor side, beachgoers can watch sailboats, fishing vessels, and paddlers go all around the harbor along with seeing Chatham Bars Inn and other Shore Road landmarks. On the Atlantic Ocean side, visitors can enjoy unobscured views of the Atlantic Ocean. There is nothing between you and Europe when you are looking out to the sea. That said, you are bound to see seals, fishing boats, and even the occasional shark looking out towards the ocean.

Amenities: None (be sure to not leave any trash on the island!)

Parking: None. Well, there is plenty of "parking" for boats with anchors. If you do not own a boat or have a friend with a boat, the island can be reached by taking a Beachcomber Shuttle from the Chatham Fish Pier or taking the Chatham Bars Inn’s Bartender Boat (this is reserved for guests only).

 

7. Monomoy Beach

A very special place in Chatham is the Monomoy Wildlife Refuge located at the southernmost part of the town. This refuge is constantly changing due to erosion and has seen its trail system change significantly recently. Fortunately, the refuge still features some great trails and awesome beaches. After parking, visitors can walk down Tisquantum Road to the trailhead. This trail leads visitors out to a peninsula that has the Nantucket Sound on one side and Stage Harbor on the other.

There are beaches on both sides of the peninsula, so visitors can opt for either side. Both sides feature calm and warm water during the summer. There is a lot to see at the beach from the wildlife of the refuge to the boats on the water and even Stage Harbor Lighthouse in the distance! This is one of the most remote places in the town and a great place to swim. Just remember, you will have to walk back to your car after, so be prepared. Pack water, shoes, and plenty of sunscreen. No trash bins can be found along the trails, so carry out whatever you bring!

Amenities: Portable restrooms at the parking area

Parking: Visitors can park at the Monomoy Wildlife Refuge lot at the end of Wikis Way. It should be noted that this parking area may not be around much longer due to erosion. Parking is free.

 

8. White’s Pond Beach

Not a fan of salt water (or sharks)? Consider swimming in one of the ponds in Chatham. There are many great freshwater ponds to swim in, but my favorite is White’s Pond. White’s Pond is located just a short distance from downtown, but you will feel a world away. This pond is one of the largest in town and it is pretty undeveloped which allows visitors to truly connect with nature and enjoy the clean water. The water is calm and warm and there is a nice sandy beach for relaxing at. There is a good-sized parking lot for visitors of White’s Pond Beach and a portable restroom adjacent to the parking lot.

Amenities: Portable restroom

Parking: About a dozen parking spaces can be found along Wilfred Road just above the beach. The lot can fill up quickly on nice summer days as it is also used by rail trail bike riders. 

 

9. Cockle Cove Beach 

Cockle Cove Beach is another favorite beach of mine in Chatham. This beach is located just a few hundred yards west of Ridgevale Beach. In fact, they share the same sandy shoreline. Visitors can park at the end of Cockle Cove Road, where there are about 80 parking spots. The beach features the calm and often warm water of the Nantucket Sound.

There are dunes which are fun to walk through and Cockle Cove Creek on the other side of them. Beachgoers at Cockle Cove can easily walk to Ridgevale Beach to enjoy the snack shack, store, and boat rentals. There are lifeguards at Cockle Cove along with portable restrooms.

Amenities: Lifeguards and portable restrooms

Parking: There is one parking lot for visitors to Cockle Cove Beach. It can hold just about 80 cars and it fills up quickly on nice summer days. Parking is free for residents. For non-residents, parking is $20.00 per day $75.00 per week $175 for the season. Fees are collected during the season from June 21 to September 1.

 

10. Forest Beach

Located just west of Cockle Cove Beach, in South Chatham, is Forest Beach. This beach features its own shoreline which stretches for about half a mile. It has several jetties along it which have helped it maintain its shape over the years. The beach features soft sand, plenty of seashells, and often calm water. Facing the Nantucket Sound, beachgoers can enjoy watching the boats constantly move around in the distance. The beach does not offer many amenities, but this is a benefit because it often leads to it being more lowkey and easier to get in than others such as Ridgevale and Cockle Cove nearby. There are no lifeguards, so be sure to take caution while swimming here.

Be sure to admire the Half Way House which can be found right at the shore by the parking lot. This house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was a shelter for shipwrecked mariners erected in the late 19th century.

Amenities: Portable bathrooms

Parking: There is one parking lot for visitors to Forrest Beach. It can hold just about 40 cars and it fills up quickly on nice summer days. Parking is free for residents. For non-residents, parking is $20.00 per day $75.00 per week $175 for the season. Fees are collected during the season from June 21 to September 1.

 

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this blog post covering the 10 best beaches in Chatham, Massachusetts. Chatham is a very special town and it has a lot to offer in terms of beaches. From beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, beaches on the Nantucket Sounds, beaches on ponds, and beaches on islands. There are so many great places to beat the heat in town, that it makes things hard to choose.