Best Beaches in Chatham MA

An empty beach close to sunset. The water is very calm on the right, the sandy beach is on the left. Farther down the shoreline a treeline can be seen behind which the sun is going down.

Forest Beach

A quiet, lesser-known beach located in South Chatham, ideal for those seeking a more serene and private coastal experience. The beach is bordered by marshlands, offering opportunities for birdwatching, and the calm, shallow waters make it family-friendly. It's a great spot for leisurely walks and watching boats in the distance. Parking is limited but free, and the beach typically remains uncrowded, even in peak summer months. There are no facilities or lifeguards, dogs are only allowed in the off-season, and beach fires are not permitted, adding to its peaceful, natural vibe.

A line of surf board, kayaks, and paddleboats sit on the sandy beach as the sun goes down. The light in the sky against the clouds is a pale yellow and violet. No one is on the beach.

Cockle Cove Beach

435 Cockle Cove Rd, South Chatham, MA 02659

Popular with families due to its calm waters and easy access. Located on Nantucket Sound, this beach offers warm, shallow waters perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. The long stretch of sandy shoreline is also ideal for beachcombing and walking. Parking requires a permit during the summer season and is typically easy to find with a large lot nearby. Lifeguards are on duty, but there are no food concessions or restrooms directly on the beach. Beach fires are not allowed.

A sandy beach fills the bottom half of the frame. On the beach closer to the water stands a lifeguard chair and four people hanging out as the sun goes down on the otherwise empty beach. The sand is flanked by tall dune grass on the right. The sky is the top half of the frame and dark blue and yellow.

Ridgevale Beach

431 Ridgevale Rd, Chatham, MA 02633 431 Ridgevale Rd, Chatham, MA 02633

One of Chatham's best options for families, with its combination of a large sandy beach and tidal pools that are perfect for children to explore. The beach sits at the meeting point of the ocean and a salt marsh, providing calm, shallow waters suitable for swimming and kayaking. A snack bar and restrooms are available, enhancing its family-friendly appeal. Parking is available with a permit during the summer, and the large lot makes it relatively easy to find a spot, even in peak season. Fires are not permitted on the beach.

The majority of the bottom of the image is a fine sand beach with footprints, though all of the people are gone. The water is very calm. The sky is incredibly colorful and gorgeous, almost electric or neon violet, orange, yellow, and blue.

Hardings Beach

One of Chatham’s largest and most popular beaches, offering expansive sandy stretches and warm, calm waters on Nantucket Sound. It's great for swimming, walking, and even some beginner-level windsurfing. The beach also provides a scenic walk to Stage Harbor Lighthouse at the western end, making it an attractive destination for those who enjoy a bit of adventure. Parking is ample and requires a permit during the summer. Restrooms and lifeguards are available, but beach fires are not allowed.

Looking down from the wooden stairs that lead down the sand at a sprawling fine-sand beach. The beach is crowded with beach grass, cutting paths in several direction before the water. The sky is blue with some thin clouds.

Lighthouse Beach

30 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633 15089455199

One of Chatham’s most scenic spots, located near the iconic Chatham Lighthouse. This expansive beach offers dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and is a favorite for sunbathing and strolling along the shoreline. Due to strong currents, swimming here is limited, but the breathtaking scenery makes up for it. Parking is limited, and there is no designated lot, so visitors often park and walk from nearby streets. Lifeguards are present, and beach fires are not allowed.

Aerial view of North Beach, the water in front of it, and then North Beach Island across from the beach before the Atlantic Ocean. Many people crowd the beach, umbrellas are visible. Many people also swim in the water as well. It's a beautiful summer day.

North Beach & North Beach Island

North Beach is a remote barrier beach that can only be accessed by boat or with a 4WD vehicle and an oversand permit. This beach offers an undeveloped, wild landscape perfect for those looking for a more rugged Cape Cod experience. It is a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, and escaping the crowds of Chatham's more accessible beaches. Due to its isolation, there are no facilities or lifeguards, so visitors need to come prepared. Beach fires are allowed with the proper permits, making it a popular spot for evening bonfires.

Past the tall, overgrown, seagrass and a small creek that cuts through and empties into the larger body of water, the pond itself is expansive in the picture. Two people wade into the water. The pond is flanked by houses and littered with boats.

Oyster Pond Beach

Small, family-friendly beach located along a saltwater pond, offering exceptionally calm, warm waters. It’s ideal for young children and those looking for a quiet spot to swim or kayak. The beach is a short walk from downtown Chatham, making it convenient for families looking for a relaxing day out. Parking is limited and requires a permit in the summer, but the area is generally not too crowded. Beach fires are not allowed, and there are basic restroom facilities available.

$A remarkable sunrise coming up over Pleasant Bay. There are some boats in the water, a tree line beyond, and then the clouds delivering an incredible refraction of the rising sun's light. The sky is gold, violet, and blue.$

Jacknife Beach || Olivia’s Trench

Jacknife Beach sits along Pleasant Bay, offering a unique mix of a sandy beach and shallow tidal flats, making it perfect for families with small children. It’s also a popular spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing, with beautiful views of the bay. The waters are calm, and the beach is generally quieter than some of Chatham’s more popular spots. When the land was first settled, a large trench was dug there where a battle ensued. The trench was named for an estate landowner's daughter who was an intimate of one of the soldiers. While the soldier died heroically in battle, her fate is unknown. Parking is limited, but manageable, and a permit is required during the summer. Fires are not allowed on this beach.

I'd like to find...