Chatham Lighthouse Beach
30 Main St, Chatham, Massachusetts
Situated below the historic Chatham Light lighthouse, on the Atlantic Ocean side of Chatham, this Cape Cod destination is the largest and one of the most scenic beaches in the Chatham area. The expansive sandy beach offers stunning views and is ideal for strolling, fishing, and watching seals and other wildlife.
Chatham Lighthouse Beach’s proximity to Chatham makes it easy to visit the beach on your own. Sit on the beach and soak in the views, sunbathe, and relax, or take a walk on the beach, past sand dunes and shallow pools, on the way to Monomoy Island toward the south. Along the way, look for seals and other wildlife. With strong currents and riptides, as well as shark sightings, swimming is not recommended, and prohibited entirely in certain areas.
There are no lifeguards at Chatham Lighthouse Beach. The currents are also very strong, and great white sharks have been spotted in the water. Swim at your own risk.
Pay attention to the flagpoles at the beach. A red flag means swimming is prohibited in all areas. Swimming is also prohibited at the south end of the beach.
Non-residents of Chatham must purchase a Chatham Beach Pass and display it in their vehicle to park along Bridge Street between late June and early September.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach between May 1 and September 15.
Chatham Lighthouse Beach is located 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) from downtown Chatham. You can walk south from the Main Street area, or if you’re driving, take Main Street to Shore Road to the parking lot. Free parking is available for 30 minutes. Parking on Bridge Street requires a beach pass over the summer.
Chatham Lighthouse Beach can be visited year-round, though summer offers the best beach weather. Summer also offers yoga on the beach and tours of Chatham Light on select Wednesdays. The beach is open (along with parking areas) from 1 hour before sunrise to 10pm. Free parking at the parking lot is only good for 30 minutes.
Standing 48 feet (15 meters) tall, Chatham Light is a treasured local landmark. It was built at its current location in 1877 as one of two light towers, though the north tower was moved to Eastham to become Nauset Light in 1923. An operating lighthouse under the Coast Guard, it’s one of the few lighthouses in the country that still runs 24 hours a day. Tours of the lighthouse are available on certain Wednesdays in the summer.
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