Chatham, Mass, USA is located on the elbow of Cape Cod, halfway between Falmouth and Provincetown. Our seaside community of 6,700 year-round residents offers a variety of exciting outdoor, cultural, and historical activities as well as all of the convenient services and comfortable daily living.

Our website tells you what is going on in Chatham and provides you with lists of local businesses, services, and non-profit organizations. The Event Calendar allows you to explore community events throughout the year. You will also find useful facts all about Chatham, its history, helpful contacts, and Town services.

The Chatham Chamber of Commerce is pleased to provide you with this informational resource on Chatham. If you do not find all the answers to your questions on this site, our dedicated staff is ready to assist you. They are located in our Visitor Information Center, which is open year-round at the David T. Bassett House on Route 28 at the corner of Route 137 in South Chatham. The downtown Information Booth in front of the Town Hall on Main Street is open from May to October.

Whether you’re planning a summer beach week, a crisp fall weekend, or a cozy winter escape, this guide organizes the best experiences by season, plus simple itineraries to help you plan fast.

Things to Do in Chatham, MA (2026)

 

Top Picks (First-Timer Favorites)

If you only have a day or two, start here:

• Spend time on Chatham’s beaches (then jump to our Beaches guide)
• Stroll Main Street for shopping and galleries (see Shopping)
• Visit iconic scenic landmarks (start with Scenic Landmarks)
• Check what’s happening during your dates (browse the Events Calendar)

Things to Do by Season

Spring (March–May)

• Enjoy scenic walks and landmarks (see Scenic Landmarks below)
• Explore Main Street shops and galleries (see Shopping below)
• Look for seasonal community happenings (see Events below)

Summer (June–August)

• Beach days are a must (see Beaches below)
• Catch a Chatham A’s game (see Baseball below)
• Enjoy outdoor performances (see Band Concerts below)

Fall (September–November)

• Comfortable weather for biking and sightseeing (see Scenic Landmarks below)
• Great time for downtown browsing (see Shopping below)
• Find seasonal fairs and activities (see Events below)

Winter (December–February)

• Cozy dining and a quieter pace (see Dine below)
• Scenic drives and iconic viewpoints (see Scenic Landmarks below)
• Check for holiday and winter programming (see Events below)

Suggested Itineraries

1-Day “Best of Chatham”

Morning: Start with Scenic Landmarks
Midday: Lunch in town (see Dine below)
Afternoon: Beach time (see Beaches below)
Evening: Main Street stroll (see Shopping below)
Optional: Add something happening today (see Events below)

Weekend Itinerary (2 Days)

Day 1: Beaches + Downtown shopping + Dinner
Day 2: Scenic Landmarks + Parks/Playgrounds + Events
(Use the sections below to pick your exact stops.)

Family-Friendly Half Day

• Start at Parks & Playgrounds
• Add a beach stop
• Wrap with casual dining

Rainy-Day Plan

• Shops and galleries (see Shopping below)
• Museums and historic places (see Historic Places below)
• Finish with a great meal (see Dine below)

Beaches

Chatham is known for its beautiful beaches. Each beach offers a unique experience:

• Lighthouse Beach: Enjoy the views of Chatham Light and North Beach Island while you relax in the sand.
• West Chatham Beaches: Family-friendly, local beaches and warmer water located on the Nantucket Sound.
• Ponds, Harbors, and More: A collection of harbors and ponds accessible to locals and tourists alike.

Shopping

Discover unique finds and local treasures in Chatham's charming shopping districts:

• Main Street Boutiques: Find everything from high-end fashion to handmade crafts in these boutiques.
• Art Galleries: Explore local art at numerous galleries showcasing works by Cape Cod artists.
• Specialty Shops: Find one-of-a-kind gifts, souvenirs, and artisanal products at Chatham's specialty stores..

Where to Stay

Chatham offers a range of accommodations for every preference and budget:

• Historic Inns and Bed & Breakfasts: Experience Chatham's charm with a stay in one of its historic inns or cozy B&Bs.
• Luxury Resorts: Enjoy upscale amenities and stunning ocean views at Chatham's luxury resorts.
• Vacation Rentals: Choose from a variety of vacation homes, cottages, and condos for a comfortable and private stay.

Find the perfect place to stay by exploring our Where to Stay page.

Dine

Savor delicious cuisine at Chatham's diverse dining establishments:

• Seafood Restaurants: Enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood at restaurants with stunning views.
• Casual Cafes and Bistros: Relax with a casual meal at one of Chatham's charming cafes or bistros.
• Fine Dining: Indulge in gourmet meals and exquisite wines at Chatham's fine dining venues.

Check out our Dine section for restaurant recommendations and dining options.

Scenic Landmarks

Explore Chatham's iconic landmarks and breathtaking scenery:

• Chatham Lighthouse: Visit this historic lighthouse, a beloved symbol of Chatham, and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge: Discover diverse wildlife and scenic trails in this protected natural area.
• Cape Cod Rail Trail: Bike or walk along this picturesque trail that winds through Chatham's scenic landscapes.

Baseball

Experience America's favorite pastime in Chatham:

Chatham A's Baseball Team: Cheer on the local baseball team at home games, enjoying a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.

Find game schedules and more details in our Baseball section.

Band Concerts

Enjoy live music and vibrant performances in Chatham:

• Summer Concert Series: Attend outdoor concerts featuring a variety of musical genres performed by local and touring bands.
• Community Events: Participate in community gatherings that showcase talented musicians and foster a lively cultural scene.

Discover upcoming performances and concert venues in our Band Concerts page.

Parks & Playgrounds

Spend quality time outdoors in Chatham's parks and playgrounds:

• Public Parks: Relax in well-maintained parks offering picnic areas, walking paths, and recreational facilities.
• Playgrounds: Let the kids enjoy safe and fun playgrounds equipped with modern play structures and open spaces.
• Sports Fields: Engage in various sports activities at Chatham's sports fields, perfect for both casual play and organized leagues.

Explore our Parks & Playgrounds section for details on outdoor recreation options.

Historic Places

Delve into Chatham's rich history by visiting its historic sites:

Historic Homes and Buildings: Tour beautifully preserved homes and buildings that reflect Chatham's architectural history.

Visit our Historic Places page to plan your historical exploration.

Plan Your Visit

Chatham, MA, is a destination that combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and a welcoming community spirit. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, our comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your time in Chatham.

• Accommodations: Find the perfect place to stay with our Where to Stay recommendations.
• Dining Reservations: Make reservations at top restaurants through our Dine section.
• Upcoming Events: Stay updated on local events and activities by visiting our Events Calendar.

Contact Us

Have questions or need assistance planning your trip? Contact us today, and our team will be happy to help you make your visit to Chatham unforgettable!

Chatham Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 793
Chatham, Mass  02633

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the best things to do in Chatham, MA, in summer?
Beach days, baseball, band concerts, scenic landmarks, shopping, and checking local events during your dates.

What are the best things to do in Chatham, MA, in the off-season?
Scenic landmarks, downtown shopping, cozy dining, and seasonal community activities.

Where should first-time visitors start?
Start with beaches, Main Street shopping, and scenic landmarks, then add events happening during your visit.

How many days do you need in Chatham?
One day covers the highlights, but a weekend gives you time for beaches, landmarks, shopping, and events.