Chatham MassachusettsATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Chatham, Massachusetts.
1. Chatham Lighthouse Beach
SCENIC COASTAL PARADISE
Chatham Lighthouse Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area with its stunning coastal views. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and watching seals that frequently appear offshore. The beach sits at the base of the historic Chatham Lighthouse, adding a picturesque backdrop to this natural attraction.
2. Chatham Pier Fish Market
FRESH SEAFOOD AND SEALS
The Chatham Pier Fish Market offers visitors the chance to watch fishermen unload their daily catch while seals playfully beg for scraps. Fresh seafood can be purchased directly from the market, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. The pier provides an authentic Cape Cod fishing village experience with stunning harbor views.
3. Atwood Museum
HISTORIC CAPE COD HERITAGE
The Atwood Museum, housed in an 18th-century house, offers a fascinating glimpse into Chatham's rich maritime history. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring antique furnishings, maritime artifacts, and displays about the town's seafaring past. This living history museum provides an educational experience about Cape Cod's cultural heritage.
4. Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum
COMMUNICATIONS HISTORY LANDMARK
The Marconi-RCA Wireless Museum celebrates the site where Guglielmo Marconi established one of the first transatlantic wireless communication stations in America. The museum features original equipment, photographs, and interpretive displays that tell the story of early radio communications. Visitors can learn about the technological innovations that revolutionized global communications in the early 20th century.
5. Chatham Lighthouse
HISTORIC COASTAL BEACON
Chatham Lighthouse stands as a historic beacon that has guided sailors along the treacherous Cape Cod coast since 1808. The active lighthouse offers seasonal tours where visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Chatham Harbor. Its distinctive white tower serves as both a navigational aid and one of Chatham's most photographed landmarks.
6. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE NATURAL SANCTUARY
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 7,600 acres of protected habitat for migratory birds and marine wildlife. The refuge features unspoiled beaches, dunes, and salt marshes that can be explored via hiking trails and guided tours. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife including seals, shorebirds, and occasionally whales from this pristine conservation area.
7. AWSC Shark Center Chatham
GREAT WHITE SHARK EDUCATION
The AWSC Shark Center Chatham educates visitors about the natural history and conservation of white sharks through interactive exhibits and displays. The center offers fascinating insights into these misunderstood predators whose presence has increased in Cape Cod waters in recent years. Visitors can learn about shark research, public safety efforts, and the important ecological role these vulnerable species play in marine ecosystems.
8. Ridgevale Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY COASTAL RETREAT
Ridgevale Beach offers a tranquil family-friendly beach experience with calm waters and extensive tidal flats. Children can enjoy exploring tide pools teeming with marine life when the tide recedes. The beach provides amenities including restrooms, a snack bar, and kayak rentals for a comfortable and adventure-filled day by the sea.
9. Chatham Windmill
HISTORIC GRINDING LANDMARK
The Chatham Windmill, also known as the Godfrey Windmill, is a restored 18th-century gristmill that stands as a testament to the area's agricultural past. Visitors can tour the interior during summer months to see the original wooden gears and grinding stones that once produced flour for local residents. The picturesque windmill sits in a grassy park that's perfect for picnicking or simply enjoying the historic atmosphere.
10. Veterans Field
BASEBALL AND COMMUNITY HUB
Veterans Field is home to the Chatham Anglers, part of the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League where future MLB stars often play during summer seasons. The field offers a quintessential small-town baseball experience with intimate seating, no admission fees, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy America's pastime while watching talented college players compete in what many consider the premier amateur baseball league in the country.
11. Cape Cod Rail Trail
SCENIC BIKING PATHWAY
The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 25-mile paved bike path that passes through Chatham and several other Cape towns along a former railroad right-of-way. Cyclists, walkers, and joggers can enjoy a safe, scenic route through woodlands, salt marshes, and coastal areas. The well-maintained trail offers numerous access points, bike rental shops, and stops at beaches, restaurants, and ice cream shops along the way.
12. Chatham Bars Inn
LUXURIOUS OCEANFRONT RESORT
Chatham Bars Inn is a historic luxury resort that has been welcoming guests to its oceanfront property since 1914. The elegant inn features upscale accommodations, multiple dining venues, a spa, and private beach access with stunning views of the Atlantic. Visitors can experience Cape Cod luxury at this renowned property, which serves as both a premier lodging option and a destination for fine dining and special events.
13. Chatham Cranberry Bog Tours
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
Chatham Cranberry Bog Tours offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Cape Cod's historic cranberry cultivation traditions. Guided tours explain the growing and harvesting processes while showcasing the picturesque bogs that have been part of the region's agricultural heritage for generations. Visitors can witness the fascinating wet harvest method during the fall season when the bogs are flooded and the berries float to the surface for collection.
14. Main Street Chatham
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Main Street Chatham offers a quintessential New England shopping experience with its charming mix of boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores housed in historic buildings. Visitors can browse for unique souvenirs, clothing, art, and gourmet foods while enjoying the picturesque small-town atmosphere. The pedestrian-friendly district also features cafes and restaurants perfect for a leisurely break between shopping adventures.
15. Chatham Band Concerts
TRADITIONAL SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT
The Chatham Band Concerts have been a beloved summer tradition since 1932, drawing crowds to the Kate Gould Park gazebo every Friday night during summer months. Families gather with picnic blankets and chairs to enjoy lively performances of marches, show tunes, and patriotic music in a wholesome community setting. The evening typically concludes with the audience joining in singing "America the Beautiful," creating a memorable Cape Cod experience that captures the town's charm and community spirit.