Our Top 5 Beaches in Chatham You Need to Visit (2025)

Without a doubt, the best part of visiting Cape Cod are the beaches. With over 40 miles of pristine beaches on the Cape Cod Seashore, Chatham is home to some of the most beautiful beach spots on Cape Cod. They range from great swimming spots for kids to offering amazing views for an evening sunset stroll with your loved ones. This blog shares our favorite beaches in Chatham, including parking and facilities to help you plan the perfect beach day during your next summer getaway.

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Chatham is home to 9 amazing beaches that are open to the public. Let’s dive in to our favorites below!

No beach day is complete without a few supplies: 

1. Sunscreen (is a must!)
2. Beach Chairs + Umbrella - Pleasant Chatham Cape has 5 chairs and 1 umbrella for your use
3. Beach Toys - Bocce, Frisbee, Beach Board, and Sand Toys
4. Cooler for drinks and snacks

And if you are visiting with your fur-baby be sure to bring:

1. Long lead for safe exploring and play
2. Chuckit for fetch
3. Waste bags for pick up

In no particular order, except for the first one ;-), here are our picks for Chatham beaches you need to visit during your next stay.

1. Pleasant Street Beach in South Chatham - just a .7 mile walk from Pleasant Chatham Cape - is along the calm(er) waters of Nantucket Sound. This beach is a great family beach and offers free, limited parking. It also has a beautiful rock jetty you can explore at your own risk - don't forget your water shoes! Primarily a local beach for those staying on Pleasant Street, there are no lifeguards on duty or other facilities.

2.  Pleasant Bay (Jackknife Beach) in North Chatham has a sheltered cove for children, warm, shallow water, and nice views of the tide in the meandering cove of the Jackknife. It is a great spot for kayaking nearby and most importantly, this beach is open to dogs, including during peak season, before 9AM and after 6PM. Free (limited) parking, no lifeguard or facilities.

3.  Hardings Beach in West Chatham has warmer and calmer waters on Nantucket Sound. This is where you’ll be able to walk the dunes to Stage Harbor Lighthouse. With two parking lots, three lifeguard stations, a bathhouse with showers, and food service trucks in each lot, Harding's is Chatham's most family-friendly beach. You'll find more than enough room for long walks, a game of beach bocce (a favorite among the locals), a game of frisbee, or a world-class sand castle. You will enjoy views of Stage Harbor and Oyster River, Bucks Creek, and Monomoy. Parking fees apply for non-residents.

4.  Lighthouse Beach sits below the watchful gaze of Chatham Light, an active lighthouse at the Coast Guard Station that aids in the navigation of Chatham Waters. Only half a mile from downtown, this beautiful expanse of sand offers nature walks out to southern Monomoy Island plus views of the daily migration routes of Chatham's many seals and fishing boats. Lighthouse Beach is not guarded by lifeguards. It is swim-at-your-own-risk and is open in most areas. Chatham Beach pass is required for parking at Bridge Street Parking.

5.  Ridgevale Beach is located between Harding's Beach and Cockle Cove. It is a very scenic spot for short walks, includes a seasonal snack bar and offers sailboat rentals and lessons, paddle boards, and kayak rentals. Life Guards on duty during the season. Parking fees apply for non-residents

TIP:  Be sure to confirm if beach permits are necessary before your trip.

There you go, folks. Whether you are looking for a full day at the beach or a chance to bring your dog for some water play, you will for sure find a beautiful beach in Chatham - no matter the season.

XO,

Jenn