Oyster Pond Beach

Oyster Pond Beach is only a few blocks from the center of town south on State Harbor Road from Main Street, with warm, calm waters, fine views, picnic tables, and a swimmer's raft.

Lighthouse Beach

Chatham's largest beach is Lighthouse Beach, only a half-mile (800 meters) from the center of town. Splendid as it is, it has some strong currents and no lifeguards.

Harding's Beach

Harding's Beach, on calmer Nantucket Sound in West Chatham, is the most family-friendly of Chatham's beaches, with lifeguards, bathhouses for changing and showering, and food trucks for sustinence. Follow Main Street (Route 28) west from the center of town for about 2 miles, and turn left (south) on Barn Hill Road to Harding's Beach Road.

Nearby Cockle Cove is best for the smallest kids, with shallow warm-water wading and splashing areas. Ridgevale Beach, also nearby, is similar to Harding's.

Pleasant Bay (Jackknife) Beach

Pleasant Bay (Jackknife) Beach, near the Harwich town line in North Chatham, is another good choice for families, a sheltered cove with warm, shallow water. No lifeguards or toilets, but no admission fee either. Pleasant Street Beach in South Chatham is similar.

For Chatham Residents Only

Schoolhouse Pond Beach is for Chatham residents only, and Forest Beach is mostly used by local property owners.

—by Tom Brosnahan

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