Despite the changes that have affected the Cape in the last decade or so, mostly commercialization, Chatham still boasts a charming, walkable Main Street. Chatham's early prosperity - brought about by its successes in the shipping, whaling, and fishing industries, have left a considerable number of 18th-century buildings throughout town. Chatham is home to several lighthouses, including the Chatham Lighthouse, built in 1877. Chatham is also home to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, located on Monomoy Island.
Arts & Entertainment
The Monomoy Theatre
The Monomoy Theatre is a summer theater in Chatham that has been delighting residents and visitors for over 50 years. Each summer they perform comedies, dramas, and musicals - both contemporary and classic.
The Chatham Drama Guild
The Chatham Drama Guild is a small venue with a cash bar. They offer concerts, children's events, musicals, dramas, and more throughout the year.
The Creative Arts Center
Open all year, the Creative Arts Center in Chatham presents art exhibitions and offers classes and workshops in drawing, jewelry, painting, and pottery. Every year in the third week of August, the "Festival of the Arts" is held at Chase Park. Many students from the Creative Arts Center participate in this juried art show.
The Chatham Fiddle Company
More than just a fiddle shop, the Chatham Fiddle Company also puts on a popular concert series with performances throughout the year.
Dining
The Red Nun Bar & Grill
The Red Nun Bar & Grill is the place to go if you're looking for a delicious, juicy burger! Grab a local beer while you munch. You have to see for yourself why locals love this place so much. Even better - if you go on burger night, all of their famous burgers start at just $6.
The Impudent Oyster
Located in a former church with salvaged stained glass windows from all over New England, the Impudent Oyster serves up innovative seafood dishes. This restaurant is usually packed during the summer, yet cozy in the winter.
The Wild Goose Tavern
The Wild Goose Tavern is Chatham Village's only outdoor dining. If that isn't enough to draw you in, their inventive, locally sourced menu definitely will.
Chatham Squire
Chatham's family restaurant, Chatham Squire serves a multi-cultural menu. The casual atmosphere and non-pretentious food make the Squire a favorite haunt for everyone. They occasionally even have live music.
Beaches
Public
Cockle Cove
Taylors Pond Road
Chatham, MA
Cockle Cove is located in South Chatham and is a long, narrow beach with small waves. Cockle Cove is great for families. The warm water is ideal for swimming and windsurfing. Cockle Cove also features soft sand and a lifeguard on duty.
Forest Beach
Forest Beach Road
Chatham, MA
This family oriented beach offers free parking (it is limited so get there early). There is no lifeguard on duty. It's great for kids looking for seashells and there are some rock jetties. This calm beach is popular among windsurfers and moonlight strollers.
Harding Beach
Harding Beach Road
Chatham, MA
If you're looking to play some beach sports (frisbee, volleyball, wiffleball, etc) or build sandcastles, Harding Beach is the place for you. There is a marked swimming area, a large parking lot, and a lifeguard on duty. You will also find a trail that leads to the Stage Harbor Lighthouse.
Oyster Pond
Stage Harbor Road & Kingsbury Way
Chatham, MA
At Oyster Pond, you will find grills and lots of kids. If you are looking for a quiet day, this is not the place for you as it is very popular amongst families with small children and is close to the road, making for a noisy day.
Hamblin Pond
Pleasant Street
Chatham, MA
Popular among professional para-surfers and windsurfers, Hamblin Pond is small and full of shells and there is a cool rock jetty. Hamblin Pond is a great place to launch your boat. The parking area is small it's free.
South Beach
Shore Road by Chatham Light
Chatham, MA
Take the shuttle bus from Eldredge Service State, Main Street or walk because parking is limited to 30 minutes. This huge beach is popular among all ages. Although extremely popular, there is always plenty of room. Enjoy soft, clean sand, gorgeous views, and gentle waters. Public restrooms are available.
Ridgevale Beach
Ridgevale Drive
Chatham, MA
Along the southern shore of Chatham, Ridgevale Beach is a popular beach with plenty of room. There is a lifeguard on duty.
RESIDENTS ONLY
Schoolhouse Pond
Schoolhouse Pond Road
Chatham, MA
This freshwater, residents only beach features a roped off swimming area and a lifeguard. Restrooms are also available.
Schools
In 2010, neighboring Harwich and Chatham voted to regionalize the district. Since then, students in Chatham attend Monomoy Regional School District Schools. Kindergarten through 4th grade students attend Chatham Elementary School. 5th - 7th grade students attend Monomoy Regional Middle School. In 2014, a new high school was opened in Harwich. 8th - 12th graders attend Monomoy Regional High School. These students are invited to take classes at Cape Cod Regional Tech School free of charge.
Transportation
Chatham is home to the Chatham Airport. The Chatham Airport provides service to small airports on the islands and throughout the Cape.