Coolest Things To Do In Chatham, MA (Updated 2026)

Golden beaches, upscale resorts, amazing seafood restaurants, and classic New England charm. Located on the elbow of Cape Cod, Chatham is the quintessential Cape town known for its preppy vibe and lively downtown. Growing up just next door in Harwich, I often found myself wandering over to Chatham to soak up the sun on the beaches, browse the local boutiques, and grab a lobster roll by the water. In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Chatham, MA - whether you’re here for a weekend or a summer escape.

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About Chatham

History - Established in 1712, Chatham was first a community most well known for its fishing, shipping, and whaling industries. Today, Chatham is a vacation spot.

Best Hotels In Chatham

Luxury Chatham Hotels

🛎️Chatham Bars Inn - Set in downtown and on the harbor, The Chatham Bars Inn is a beautiful and historic hotel. Opening in 1914, it embodies that old New England charm with dark wood features, small ship replicas, and framed jerseys on the walls. I always loved going here for brunch overlooking the harbor - you can do this even if you are not staying there.

🛎️Wequassett - The Wequassett is another renowned Cape Cod hotel. Tucked away on the Harwich Chatham line, the Wequassett is all things luxury - you will find stunning views of the water all throughout, a beautiful golf course, a top notch spa, tennis, thoughtfully designed rooms, and incredible restaurants throughout the property.

Middle Range Chatham Hotels

🛎️Greyfinch Chatham Inn - The Greyfinch Inn is an adorable bed and breakfast located right by the stunning Monomoy. Offering only three rooms, your experience at the Greyfinch Inn will be tailored to your every need. At the Grayfinch Inn you will find spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, up to date amenities, and more!

🛎️Old Harbor Inn - The Old Harbor Inn is a quaint and cozy bed and breakfast situated in the heart of Chatham.

Budget Chatham Hotels

🛎️The Chatham Motel - The Chatham Motel is the most affordable place to stay on this list. The highly rated Chatham Motel located in West Chatham offers an outdoor swimming pool, spacious rooms, and more.

🛎️Pleasant Bay Village Resort - Located in North Chatham is the lovely Pleasant Bay Village Resort. At the Pleasant Bay village resort is a great family hotel as they offer large rooms.

Chatham House Rental

🛎️Chatham House Rental - This gorgeous house located in the heart of Chatham is perfect for groups or families. At this house you will find two bedrooms with four beds, a kitchen, living room, and more.

What To Do In Chatham

Chatham Lighthouse

The Chatham Lighthouse is situated on the outer cape side of Chatham near Monomoy. Built in 1808, The Chatham Lighthouse was built to warn ships of the dangerous currents in Chatham Bar.

Monomoy

Monomoy is a nature reserve situated in the elbow of the Cape. You can visit Morris Island, which is an extension of Monomoy. While on Morris Island you can do the Morris Island loop trail and marvel at the sandy coastline.

Monomoy Island itself is only reachable by boat. Most people will anchor there boats and then swim out to the Island. On Monomoy Island you can visit the Monomoy Lighthouse, do some hiking, or go camping. Monomoy is the place to be if you love nature. Keep an eye out for seals and sharks. Monomoy is known for their massive shark and seal population. So avoid swimming off the Island.

If you know how to drive a boat you can rent one from Down Cape Charters. You can also hire a captain on one of these boats as well.

Downtown Chatham

Downtown Chatham is a great way to spend a rainy day down the Cape. You will find affordable boutiques, cafes, restaurants, museums, and more in Downtown Chatham. My favorite shops in Downtown Chatham include The Black Dog, Mahi Gold, and White Marley.

Go To The Beach

This guide on what to do in Chatham would not be complete without a mention of the stunning beaches. The best beaches in Chatham include Lighthouse Beach, Ridgevale Beach, and Forest Beach.

The Lighthouse Beach is probably the most popular beach in Chatham. Located right next to the Chatham lighthouse you will find calm water and golden sand at The Lighthouse Beach.

Ridgeside Beach is unique because you get both the bayside and the ocean on one beach. Situated in Nantucket Sound you will find calm waters at Ridgeside Beach.

Forest Beach is located on the Harwich Chatham Border in Nantucket Sound. Forest beach is popular among the locals an is a perfect place for a fun beach day in Chatham.

Visit The Candy Manor

It doesn't matter how old you are, The Candy Manor is always great fun. The Candy Manor is located in Downtown Chatham and offers an array of different homemade candies. You will find penny candy, fudge, chocolate, and more at the Candy Manor.

More on the Chatham Candy Manor here.

Chatham Pier Fish Market

Offering the freshest seafood you can get and incredible views, The Chatham Pier Fish Market is a must visit in Chatham. You can visit the walk up window, order there, and eat at one of the picnic tables. You could just go to the fish market, buy your seafood, and cook at home. A new option they have at the Chatham Pier Fish Market is delivery. You can order here and they will bring fresh lobsta to your doorstep!

Visit Shore Road

Cape Cod is home to picturesque streets and houses. Shore Road in Chatham is a great example of Cape Cods beauty. Situated on the coast and within walking distance of downtown Chatham, Shore Road offers views of some of Cape Cods most impressive homes.

Visit The Chatham Shark Center

It is no secret that Cape Cod is full of Great White Sharks, I mean they film Shark Week on the Cape. Most of the sharks are on the outer Cape and around Monomoy. The Chatham Shark Center is a great place to visit if you want to learn more about sharks on the Cape. They are open daily from 10am - 4pm. Check updated hours of operation here.

Oyster Pond

Oyster Pond is a saltwater pond located right by downtown Chatham. In Oyster Pond you will find oysters. To learn more about oyster farming you can do this tour with Chatham Shellfish Company. Another great thing to do in Oyster Pond is going kayaking. Rent a Kayak from the Chatham Kayak Company here.

Do The Morris Island Loop Trail

The Morris Island Loop Trail is Chathams best kept secret. Located on the secluded Morris Island, The Morris Island Trail is a part of the Monomy Nature Reserve and is the only island you can drive to. So it is a great way to experience Monomoy without renting a boat. For more read our Quick Guide To The Morris Island Loop Trail.

Take a Day Trip

The Cape has so many adorable little towns so if you have an extra day on your trip to Chatham, MA then consider doing a day trip. Some places worthy of a day trip on the Cape and Islands include Provincetown, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Harwich. If you don't want to travel far go to Harwich for the day (it is the town west of Chatham.)

Best Restaurants In Chatham

Best Coffee Shops In Chatham

☕Snowy Owl - Snowy Owl is easily my favorite coffee shop on the Cape. You will find there locations all over Cape Cod. The one in Chatham is situated in downtown behind the Lilly Pulitzer. At this location they only serve coffee and pastries.

☕Public Cafe - Public Cafe is located in downtown Chatham and serves up coffee, breakfast food, and lunch food. The Public Cafe is a great place for a morning coffee or to grab sandwiches for the beach.

☕The Chatham Perk - The Chatham Perk, located in Downtown Chatham offers lovely coffee and pasieres. Make sure to buy some eclairs for later at The Chatham Perk.

Best Restaurants In Chatham

🍴The Chatham Squire - The Chatham Squire is one of the most iconic restaurants in Cape Cod. Opening in 1968, the Squaire serves up deltable pub food, is a fun place to be at night, and offers live music almost every night!

🍴The Chatham Cut - The Chatham Cut is the best steak house in Chatham. Located in downtown, you will find incredible food, drinks, and service at the Chatham Cut.

🍴Pates - Pates is another luxury restaurant in Chatham. Located in West Chatham, Pates offers perfectly prepared seafood and drinks. Make sure to make a reservation at Pates.

🍴Wild Goose Tavern - Situated in Downtown Chatham, The Wild Goose Tavern serves top notch seafood and is a great place for a middle range dinner or lunch. Be sure to make a reservation at The Wild Goose.

How To Get To Chatham

If you are flying into Massachusetts then fly into Boston Logan International Airport for the cheapest flights. At Boston Logan you can find flights from all over the world.

From Logan you can rent a car and drive to Chatham (Boston to Chatham takes about 2 hours). If you are on a budget I would recommend taking the bus. I have used Peter Pan Bus Lines and have never had any issues.

In terms of getting around Chatham - there is no public transportation. So to get around you will either need to walk, take an uber, or rent a car.

When To Visit Chatham

Chatham is a summer destination. During the winter, most shops and restaurants are closed. To get the best prices visit Chatham during the shoulder seasons. You could go at the end of May or in early fall to get the best prices on airfare and hotels. Visiting during the holidays in always fun too. Most of the shops ethier close after the holidays or open back up for them. Downtown Chatham is a festive place to do any holiday shopping.

Chatham, MA FAQs

Is Chatham in Cape Cod?

Yes. Chatham is located on the elbow of the Cape in Barnstable County.

What county is Chatham, MA in?

Barnstable County

What is Chatham, MA Known for?

Chatham, MA is known for its adorable bed and breakfasts, golden beaches, sharks, fishing, and tourism.

Does Chatham, MA have a Downtown?

Yes. Chatham has one of the best downtown areas on Cape Cod. You can find an array of shops and restaurants in Downtown Chatham.

Coolest Things To Do In Chatham, MA Wrap Up

Chatham is home to golden beaches, cozy bed and breakfast, unique boutiques, and more. I hope that this guide on What To Do In Chatham, MA helps you plan the perfect trip to Cape Cod. If you liked this post we think you will love our Locals Guide To Boston, 5 of The Best Towns To Visit In Cape Cod, and our guide to 15 Places To Visit In Massachusetts.