Chatham Beaches

The Sound beaches are wonderful for small children, beach sports and relaxing afternoons ...

But it's the Ocean beaches that you'll photograph over and over, and remember for years to come.

Parking Fees: From May to September, at most beaches in Chatham non-residents may park only by daily fee ($15) or weekly pass ($60), paid at the beach entrance. Call (508) 945-5180 for more info.

Chatham Light Beach

If you asked me to name one of the Chatham beaches that's a "must-visit", I'd have to say Chatham Light Beach, for sure.

This is the beach that's right in front of Chatham Lighthouse. (It's also referred to as "Chatham Lighthouse Beach" or just "Lighthouse Beach".)

Granted, with its dangerous currents, major drop-offs from sand to sea, and summertime shark sightings - this is not a swimming beach. In fact, swimming is highly restricted here and sometimes not allowed at all, for just those reasons.

However, this enormous and ever-changing beach is perfect for hanging out in a beach chair, watching for seals, and long romantic walks.

The scenery at Chatham Light Beach is, in a word ... Phenomenal!

• Body of Water: Atlantic Ocean
• Crowd Factor: Busy during the summer, but so large that you won't feel crowded.
• Amenities: None.
• Location: About 1/2 mile from downtown Chatham on Shore Road, just across the street from Chatham Lighthouse.
• Parking: Small parking area with a 30-minute limit. If you're planning to stay longer than a half hour, park in town and take the shuttle (from Eldredge Taxi on Main Street), walk, or bikeride to Lighthouse Beach.
• Extremely Important: As I said above, the waters off Lighthouse Beach can be trecherous. Be sure to pay close attention to all posted warnings, and always make safety your #1 priority.

Forest Beach

Ask any local to suggest a nice beach that's away from the crowd, and they'll probably mention Forest Beach.

This is one of the more quiet beaches in town. In addition to the usual swimming and sunning, this is also a great place to view local wildlife and gather a bucket of beautiful shells.

Families with small children love this beach!

• Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
• Crowd Factor: Quiet.
• Amenities: None, except an ice cream truck that comes by daily during the summer.
• Location: At the end of Forest Road (off Rt. 28) in South Chatham, MA.
• Parking: The lot is very small, but parking is free.

Ridgevale Beach

Ridgevale Beach is largest - and one of the most popular - south side Chatham beaches.

One of the really neat features at Ridgevale is its little creek. The super-calm creek waters make a good splashing spot for small children, while older children and adults enjoy swimming in the Sound.

This is an excellent spot for shell collecting, too.

• Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
• Crowd Factor: Busy on prime beach days, but plenty of room to spread out.
• Amenities: Lifeguards in season, food concession, restroom facilities.
• Parking: Medium-sized parking lot. Non-resident parking fee ($15/day, $60/week).

Hardings Beach

Hardings is another of the more popular Chatham beaches on Nantucket Sound.

The sand is nice here, there's a designated swim area, plenty of room for beach sports, and a walking trail that leads to Stage Harbor Light.

• Body of Water: Nantucket Sound
• Crowd Factor: Moderately busy in the summer months.
• Amenities: Lifeguards, restroom and shower facilities, snack bar. Handicap access surf chairs available.
• Location: Barn Hill Road (off Rt. 28) to Harding's Beach Road.
• Parking: Good sized parking lot. Non-resident parking fee ($15/day, $60/week).

South Beach and Monomoy Island

When you really, really want to get away from it all ... take a water taxi/shuttle to South Beach or Monomoy Island.

That's where you'll find the most remote, pristine Cape Cod beaches.

There are absolutely no amenities on South Beach or Monomoy. So you'll need to bring everything you need with you.

(That includes drinking water, food, sun block, bug spray, and your cell phone - with a fully charged battery, in a waterproof bag.)

For such a special Chatham beaches adventure, I think the water taxi fares are really reasonable ($20 per person to North Monomoy / $20 per adult and $10 per child aged 12 and under to South Beach.)

Visit Outermost Harbor Marine's website for details.