Beaches

Dogs, cats, horses and other livestock, domestic animals, or and pets are not allowed from April 1st to September 15th of each year in beach areas, with the exception of seeing-eye animals, and police K-9 animals. 

Cockle Cove Beach, South Chatham
An interesting Nantucket Sound Beach with tiny waves located on Cockle Cove Road; the first major road on the right off Route 28, after the Bassett House Visitor's Center going toward town. It's very popular for children because there are warm waters, calm protected swimming areas with shallow areas; a nice walking beach with a lovely bridge.

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: Daily: $ 15.00, Weekly: $ 60.00, Seasonal: $125.00
Lifeguards: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the season (June 20-August 31).
Facilities: Portable Restrooms

Forest Beach, South Chatham
Nantucket Sound Beach, small family beach, mostly visited by local cottage owners. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: No Fee. Limited Parking
Lifeguards: No
Facilities: No Restrooms

Harding's Beach, West Chatham
The largest public beach in town, convenient parking, gentle waves, on Nantucket Sound, long walks to Stage Harbor Lighthouse area, views of Stage Harbor and Oyster River, Buck Creek and Monomoy. Good birding watching. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: Daily: $ 15.00, Weekly: $ 60.00, Seasonal: $125.00
Lifeguards: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the season (June 20-August 31).
Facilities: Restrooms, Snackmobile

Oyster Pond Beach, Chatham
Salt water pond, very warm and calm waters, swimming lessons,  raft for swimmers, centrally
located within walking distance from town, very scenic views and picnic tables. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: No Fee
Lifeguards: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the season (June 20-August 31).
Facilities: Restrooms

Pleasant Bay (Jackknife), North Chatham
Sheltered cove for children, warm, shallow water, nice views of the tide in the meandering cove of the Jacknife (shaped like a jackknife), at the border of Harwich, lovely sweeping views across Pleasant Bay. Good kayaking nearby. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: No Fee
Lifeguards: No
Facilities: No Restrooms

Pleasant Street Beach, South Chatham
End of Pleasant Street, similar to Forest Beach, easy walks across to Red River in South Harwich, family beach. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: No Fee
Lifeguards: No
Facilities: No Restrooms

Ridgevale Beach, West Chatham
Located between Harding's Beach and Cockle Cove, with Buck’s Creek and Eel Creek on either side, very scenic, short walks, seasonal snack bar. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: Daily: $ 15.00, Weekly: $ 60.00, Seasonal: $125.00
Lifeguards: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. during the season (June 20-August 31).
Facilities: Portable Restrooms, Ridgevale Beach Snack Bar & Store and Nauti Jane’s Boat Rentals.

Schoolhouse Pond, West Chatham
Located near Queen Anne Road, off of George Ryder Road. Swimming beach with fresh water, popular local beach with children and young families, quick swims at the end of the day. Chatham resident permit parking only, a short biking distance from the bicycle trail. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: Residents Only Beach
Lifeguards: No
Facilities: No Restrooms

South Beach (Lighthouse Beach), Chatham
Most dramatic views of the Atlantic, with public telescopes, located in front of the lighthouse cliff on Shore Road at the edge of the old village. South Beach, is always changing with the movement of sand and tides, very popular especially with young adults, swimming is more challenging during changing tides, water is colder, can walk out to open ocean with large waves, good birding, bird protection areas, seal watching, yoga on the beach in the summer, many miles of walking on large sandy and open ocean beaches. Sometimes there are small wading pools and coves.  Recommended to walk or shuttle (fee) from town. 

Parking & Non-Resident Fees: Limited 30-minute parking – STRICTLY ENFORCED
Lifeguards: No
Facilities: Shuttle Bus available at Eldredge Service Station, Main Street (Fee).

Town Landings
Visit our town landings indicated in the Chatham Guidebook. While you need
a beach sticker during the day, you may visit these wonderfully scenic areas after hours to watch the sun rise or set. These peaceful viewing spots include: Cow Yard, Strong Island Scatteree, Crows Pond, Fish Pier, Vineyard Avenue.

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 Town Website