On the southeastern side of Cape Cod, you’ll find the quaint town of Chatham.
This charming New England escape is famous for its picture-perfect beaches and stunning shoreline.
If you’re on the hunt for the best beaches in Chatham, you’ve come to the right place.
Best Time to Go the Beaches of Cape Cod
The weather in Cape Code is gorgeous from May to October.
The best beach weather is from June to August when the afternoon highs reach up into the upper 70s.
This is also the time when you’ll be competing for space with tourists from around the country and paying a premium at hotels.
If you’re more interested in walking the beaches and exploring the picturesque towns, the shoulder seasons are well worth considering.
From late April to late May and again from mid-September to mid-October, you’ll find beautiful weather and fewer crowds. Just note that the evenings can still drop into the 40s, so it’s worth bringing a jacket.
Exploring the Best Beaches in Chatham
The sunny shores of the Cape Cod peninsular are home to more than 130 different beaches.
You could spend months beach hopping and falling in love with each one, or make a beeline for the best of the best.
Short on time? Let’s count down the jewels of Chatham.
Cockle Cove Beach
This calm sandy beach is ideal for a family day out. Facing the Nantucket Sound, this small beach is perfect for lounging, walking, and collecting shells.
While it’s a great swimming beach, it’s worth noting that it’s a bit more of a neighborhood beach.
That’s a major perk in the sense that it’ll bring you away from the tourists but it also means you’ll want to bring your own stuff.
There is usually a lifeguard during the summer and there are basic bathroom facilities, but not much beyond that.
Paid parking is available right at the beach though, if there is no lifeguard on duty, there is no charge to park.
Ridgevale Beach
A dream all-ages destination, the shores of Ridgevale Beach are calm and sandy.
You’ll find shallow water for the kids to splash around along with sheltered picnic areas and a snack bar.
While the amenities are fairly basic, there is a place nearby where you can rent a paddleboard or kayak.
The beach is also known for its diverse marine life so it’s a fun spot to walk around and see if you can spot different kinds of crabs, mussels, and clams.
Chatham Lighthouse Beach
One of the only lighthouses in the country that still operates 24 hours a day, visiting the Chatham Lighthouse is a rare experience. Pack a picnic or just bring the camera to snap pics.
Located about one mile from downtown Chatham, the lighthouse is an easy trek or you can drive over and park right next to the lighthouse.
Here are few useful planning tips:
- If you do drive to the lighthouse, make note of the parking times. You can only park there for 30 minutes at a time.
- During the cooler months, you might not have anyone notice that you have overstayed your allotment. During the summer, however, the parking lot is regularly monitored.
- From the lighthouse, continue on to Chatham Lighthouse Beach. If you are an early bird, this is a perfect spot to come for the sunrise. Whatever time of day you arrive, it’s worth taking a stroll down the shoreline.
Things to Do in Chatham
Beyond exploring the best beaches in Chatham, you’ll want to plan plenty of time to wander around the town itself.
Here are a few of the must-see stops.
Main Street Shops and Restaurants
As soon as you arrive in Chatham, you’ll want to make a beeline for Main Street. Browse the one-of-a-kind boutiques and find your perfect souvenir.
The Fisherman’s Daughter and The Mayflower are essential stops.
If you have a sweet tooth, the famous Candy Manor is well worth the wait (but do plan plenty of time for your visit as this place tends to be busy).
Godfrey Windmill
Less than a ten-minute walk from Main Street, you’ll find Chatham Godfrey Windmill.
For more than two centuries, this windmill has been grinding corn. While that might not sound all that exciting, it’s a pretty little spot.
Keep In Mind – If you come during July or August, there is a free tour of the windmill that is a fun little addition to your visit.
Chatham Pier Fish Market
From the windmill make your way over to the Chatham Pier Fish Market.
It’s a great place to get seafood so come hungry. They are a restaurant on-site and a great spot to grab something to bring back to your cottage if you happen to be staying at a place that has a kitchen.
You’ll almost always find seals here lounging in the sun so it’s a great alternative to a seal tour if you’re short on time to do it all.
These little guys know precisely when the fishing crews typically arrive back on the shores so around mid-afternoon, you’ll find seals lining the docks. At other times of the day, seal spotting can be a bit more hit or miss.
Where to Stay in Chatham
For your perfect home away from home, the Sea House is an ideal base.
Located near Oyster Pond Beach, this spacious house has plenty of room for the whole family.
Want to experience that famous local charm? The enchanting Captain’s House Inn will give you the complete bed and breakfast experience.
Stroll through the English gardens and take a short scenic stroll into the heart of Chatham.
Book a Tour
Only have one day to explore Cape Cod?
There are handy tours that depart directly from Boston and will show you the very best of the area.
Here is a couple we love:
- From Boston: Cape Cod and Provincetown Private Day Tour
- Boston: Cape Cod Day Trip with Oyster Tasting and Ferry Ride (a must for seafood lovers!)
Conclusion
Cape Cod is an absolute must-see destination and the town of Chatham is easily amongst the most charming spots in New England. From beaches to antique shopping, this place is second to none.
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