A Day Trip to Chatham: Beaches, Main Street, and Cape Cod Charm

A local favorite for breakfast and lunch, The Chatham Filling Station serves classic diner fare with a coastal twist. Known for its warm atmosphere, this casual spot features items like fluffy pancakes and lobster rolls. One standout menu item is their corned beef hash, often praised for its fresh ingredients. Open year-round, it’s a great spot for a hearty, comforting meal any time of the year​.

Narrowland showcases innovative, edgy works, with a special focus on photography and modern art. Featuring artists such as Christopher Seufert, the gallery is known for its bold and eclectic offerings. Open year-round, Narrowland provides a fresh perspective on the Cape's art scene, blending contemporary photography with other mediums.

This gallery combines fine art and craft, showcasing a wide array of handmade items alongside traditional paintings and sculptures. Visitors will find jewelry, ceramics, and other artisan creations that complement the gallery’s fine art offerings. Artful Hand Gallery is open year-round and is a great place to find unique, handcrafted gifts.

A part of the well-known Mac’s Seafood family, this market and restaurant is perfect for seafood lovers. Mac’s Chatham Fish & Lobster offers fresh local fish and shellfish, available for both dining in or takeout. Their lobster rolls are especially well-regarded. Along with the seafood counter, they serve cooked seafood dishes like fried clams and fish tacos. Open year-round, it's a must-visit for fresh, sustainable seafood​.

Chatham Squire is a lively, classic spot in Chatham, offering an old-school tavern vibe with a fun, bustling atmosphere. Known for its hearty seafood dishes, the Chatham Cioppino and fried clams are local favorites. The restaurant also features a bar with live music and a variety of beers and cocktails, making it a great place for both meals and a night out. You'll see an Irish band sitting at a table in the dining room giving a full on concert surrounded by spectrum of people of every age. Sometimes they can get over the age differences, sometimes they can't but everybody has a good time until the uber rolls through. The Squire is open year-round, making it a reliable choice for locals and visitors alike.

A key feature of Chatham’s coastal landscape, the Chatham Lighthouse has stood since 1808, providing a beacon for mariners navigating the treacherous waters off Cape Cod. This working lighthouse offers tours during the summer season, typically on Wednesdays, allowing visitors to climb to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Monomoy Island. It's an important symbol of Chatham’s maritime heritage, with an informative display on the history of shipwrecks and coastal rescues in the area. The lighthouse is still operated by the U.S. Coast Guard and continues to serve its original purpose while also offering educational insights into the town’s nautical past.

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.

Del Mar is known for its inviting atmosphere and upscale yet relaxed vibe, offering a mix of local seafood, bistro dishes, and wood-fired pizzas. One standout item is the Fig & Prosciutto Pizza, highly praised by diners. The restaurant has an extensive wine list and craft cocktails, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. They are open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays, with reservations highly recommended due to its popularity. It operates year-round​.

A longstanding Chatham institution, Pates has been serving Cape Cod locals and tourists for over 60 years. Known for its classic American fare, it offers a diverse menu with a focus on prime cuts of steak and fresh seafood. A standout dish is the center-cut boneless New York sirloin, grilled to perfection over an open flame. The restaurant’s old-school charm is enhanced by its comfortable lounge, where guests can enjoy dishes like fried fish and chips or a steak sandwich. Pates is open year-round and provides an authentic Cape Cod dining experience steeped in tradition​.

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​.