Chatham Family Fun Guide Things to Do 2024
Chatham, Massachusetts, has become an upscale seaside resort without losing any of its true-blue New England village charm. Sandy beaches, a lively Main Street scene, and lovely seaside lodging make Chatham both a convenient anchor for a wide-ranging Cape Cod vacation and a perfect place to make your home for a week vacation on the Cape. Find out what to do on your Cape cod family vacation in Chatham MA
There is so much to do in Chatham! This will be your ultimate family fun guide!
Why do most people come to Chatham for vacation or to live? The Beaches! With miles of pristine white sand, a day at the beach, swimming, stretching with yoga or even surf casting is better than a day in the office.
Whether you are an avid Avid Sportfisherman or Boater, Chatham is your home port to the ocean. If you love water sports, for example – kayaking and paddle boarding – we have places where you can rent or purchase equipment.
You can view the playful seals by booking a cruise on one of our Seal Tours or watch them follow the fishing fleet into the Chatham Fish Pier from the overlook as the fishing boats come in with their daily catch.
Chatham is blessed with beautiful scenery, as evidenced by our Conservation and Preservation areas, and our many Nature Trails and Parks. Tours are available for Wildlife/Birding enthusiasts.
The Scenic Landmarks are abundant and well worth a casual stroll on a sunny afternoon.
If you love music, the summer Band Concerts are a wonderful addition to the sounds of Chatham.
If Baseball is your sport, then have we got excitement for you! Veterans Field in Chatham is the home park of the Chatham Anglers (Chatham A’s), one of 10 teams in the widely known Cape Cod Baseball League.
If you are into Biking, then Chatham has the most beautiful paths, roads and off the beaten path areas to ride by and see.
Is Golf your other passion? Chatham has by far the most beautiful golf courses overlooking the Atlantic. Challenging, yes – but so worth it.
Are you the Museums and Historic Places type? Chatham boasts some of the best preserved historic homes and buildings, culminating in Chatham winning the 2007 Distinctive Destinations Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation which we are very proud of!
Favorite Chatham Beaches
Six major saltwater beaches welcome visitors with views of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
Chatham 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. Though typically closed to the public, Chatham Light is occasionally open to tourists during the summer months. Admission is free.
Harding’s Beach, West Chatham, in the warmer, calmer waters of Nantucket Sound. With two parking lots, three life guard stations, a bathhouse with shower 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), frisbee or a world-class sand castle. You will enjoy view of Stage Harbor and Oyster River, Bucks Creek and Monomoy. Good bird watching.
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.
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.
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.
Forest Beach, South Chatham Nantucket Sound Beach, small family beach, mostly visited by local cottage owners.
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.
Pleasant Street Beach, South Chatham End of Pleasant Street, similar to Forest Beach, easy walks across to Red River in South Harwich, family beach.
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 – a short biking distance from the bicycle trail. Chatham resident permit parking only
Where to Eat & Drink on your Family Cape Cod Vacation
Chatham Squire – established in 1968, the family restaurant offers a multi-cultural menu and indoor & outdoor seating. The Squire is the place that everyone looks for when they visit Chatham.
Hangar B Eatery – open for breakfast and lunch at The Chatham Municipal Airport. They offer indoor and outdoor seating, a grab and go option in the summer, and their own organic fair trade coffee at their roasting bay in North Chatham.
Chatham Perk – handcrafted sandwiches, pastries, espresso, juice, and smoothie bar. They offer indoor & outdoor seating, as well as, breakfast and lunch.
Chatham Pier and Fish Market – one of the best views in town! Enjoy your lobster at the easternmost point in Massachusetts. Pull up with your car or boat and pack your coolers with ice for the perfect beach day. You can also order online or eat at the market while watching the fisherman unload the day’s catch.
Impudent Oyster Seafood is the name of the game, and here the choices do not disappoint — from lobster and Cape sea scallops to Chatham littlenecks and of course, Wellfleet oysters.
Where to Visit in Chatham on your Family Cape Cod Vacation
Chatham Lighthouse – the original structure was built in 1808 and stands at 48 feet tall. It’s one of the few lighthouses in America that still operates 24 hours a day.
Atlantic White Shark Center – has worked in collaboration with shark science experts to improve, influence, and educate the community.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge Spanning 7,604 acres, this seaside refuge is an important nesting and feeding habitat for migratory birds that features saltwater and freshwater marshes, dunes, and ponds. A visitor center is located on the mainland section of the refuge; nearby is a short walking trail that takes strollers through a variety of habitats. North and South Monomoy islands are accessible by boat only.
Where to Stay in Chatham on your Family Cape Cod Vacation
our favorites
Chatham Bars Inn has been an idyllic Cape Cod family vacation retreat noted for its excellent service, fine cuisine and beautiful surroundings since 1914. The Inn is nestled near the heart of Chatham on 25 beautifully landscaped acres overlooking Chatham Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. This world-famous turn-of-the-century landmark has a remarkable ambiance. The expansive lounge, front veranda and main dining room have been returned to their original grandeur, affording panoramic ocean views and gentle sea breezes.
The Chatham Wayside Inn is set in the heart of the quaint seaside village of Chatham, offers stylish accommodations, comfortable dining and outstanding service creating the perfect Cape Cod experience year-round. Chatham’s strolling Main Street, an exclusive mile of boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants, is just steps from your door.
Captain’s House Inn A most distinctive Cape Cod bed and breakfast, the Captain’s House Inn is regarded by many respected lodging reviewers as perhaps “The Cape’s” finest small inn. This four-diamond sea captain’s estate on two acres in Chatham, Massachusetts is the perfect choice for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat from the workaday world. Adults only.
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