Overview
Chatham is at the "elbow" of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and includes the villages of North Chatham, South Chatham and West Chatham. Its beautiful beaches, harbors, coastal scenes and its interesting village shops make it a popular day-trip destination as well as a top-notch vacation area.
In 2007 Chatham was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations.
8 sights · 7 things to do · 9 places to eat · 14 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Chatham
Chatham Light
This lighthouse is situated on the largest beach in Chatham, with clean sand stretching for miles and views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can still see seals from here and the water is safe to swim. Busy parking lot, and th…
Atwood House Museum
Godfrey Windmill
Built in C1797, the historic Godfrey Windmill was fully restored in 2009-12 so that it can once again grind grain just as it did in the 18th and 19th centuries. The mill is open for guided tours during the summer months.…
The Railroad Museum
Hearle Gallery
Munson Gallery
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 79°F; winter lows dip to about 25°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Mar and Nov. (climate data from nearby Provincetown)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- HYA Cape Cod Gateway Airport, Hyannis — 16 mi away. Directions
- ACK Nantucket Memorial Airport, Nantucket — 30 mi away. Directions
- BOS Boston Logan International Airport, Boston — 71 mi away (major hub). Directions
From Route 6 take Exit 85 (old exit 11); go left off the ramp onto Route 137 South; go straight through one set of lights (by car dealership); go straight (actually a right dogleg) at the four way stop at Queen Anne Rd. ( The Corner Store on corner); continue to the Route 28 intersection (the road will end). Turning right (west) will bring you into the South Chatham neighborhood, while turning left (east) will lead you through Chatham's Main Street (the local name for Route 28). Driving straight (or more precisely, left and then an immediate right up a driveway) brings you to Chatham's Tourist Information Center, sponsored by the local chamber of commerce. This is an excellent first stop, as the Center's volunteers can provide local context and suggestions.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $85–$225 a night (typical $185), from 8 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$130, mid-range ~$260, comfortable ~$390.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Chatham Light, Odell Studio Gallery, Struna Galleries
- Lunch The Impudent Oyster
- Afternoon Chatham Drama Guild, Monomoy Island Ferry
- Dinner The Blue Coral
Day 2
- Morning Hearle Gallery, Godfrey Windmill, Atwood House Museum
- Lunch Chatham Pier Fish Market
- Afternoon The Railroad Museum, Chatham Charters
- Dinner Chatham Fish & Lobster Co.
Day 3
- Morning Munson Gallery, Monomoy Theatre
- Lunch The Chatham Squire
- Afternoon Outermost Adventures
- Dinner Corner Store
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
From Route 6 take Exit 85 (old exit 11); go left off the ramp onto Route 137 South; go straight through one set of lights (by car dealership); go straight (actually a right dogleg) at the four way stop at Queen Anne Rd. ( The Corner Store on corner); continue to the Route 28 intersection (the road will end). Turning right (west) will bring you into the South Chatham neighborhood, while turning left (east) will lead you through Chatham's Main Street (the local name for Route 28). Driving straight (or more precisely, left and then an immediate right up a driveway) brings you to Chatham's Tourist Information Center, sponsored by the local chamber of commerce. This is an excellent first stop, as the Center's volunteers can provide local context and suggestions.
Get around
Remember that traffic is heavy on summer weekends. If leaving on Sunday, try to avoid mid-day.
Place Eldredge Garage Taxi & Limo
Place Capewide Taxi & Livery
See
Beaches
See Chatham Light
This lighthouse is situated on the largest beach in Chatham, with clean sand stretching for miles and views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can still see seals from here and the water is safe to swim. Busy parking lot, and the beach overlook has a 30 minute limit.
Galleries
Museums
See Godfrey Windmill (Chatham Windmill, historic Chatham Grist Mill)
Built in C1797, the historic Godfrey Windmill was fully restored in 2009-12 so that it can once again grind grain just as it did in the 18th and 19th centuries. The mill is open for guided tours during the summer months. On special Grinding Days, the mill is set in operation and grinds corn. For more information about tour dates and times, special events, and detailed directions, please visit the mill's website.
Do
Baseball
Chatham is home to one of the Cape Cod Baseball League teams, the Anglers (formerly A's). CCBL is recognized nationally as one of the best collegiate summer baseball leagues in the country. Every year numerous athletes are drafted by Major League Baseball, and each summer, fans can get acquainted with the future stars at Veterans' Field. If you like baseball, you will love the pure experience of the finest amateur baseball available anywhere.
Theatre
Tours
Do Monomoy Island Ferry
Provides a 90 minute tour giving an up close and personal look at hundreds of seals on Monomoy Island and the waters surrounding. The tour also includes a walking tour of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge along the entire west side of the Monomoy Islands to take a look at the Monomoy Lighthouse and sightings of white-tailed deer, owls, seals, and other wildlife.
Events
Do The Annual Hookers Ball
Held on the first Saturday in August. Under the Big White Tent on George Ryder Road, Chatham VFW. The Hookers Ball has grown from a small gathering at a raw bar to a 700 person bash, complete with a live and silent auction, seafood buffet and raw bar, live music, open bars, and dancing! Presented by the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fishermen's Association.
- Chatham Band, 15 Chatham Bars Ave (Kate Gould Park). On summer Friday nights from before the 4th of July to the Friday before Labor Day, the Town Band plays a concert in the park. They start at 8:00 PM and they last about an hour and a half. Bring a chair and a blanket. This is something your little ones would definitely enjoy.
Buy
Main St. Chatham is host to many small and distinctive shops. The best time to visit is late May/early June or September when the crowds have left. There is always plenty of free parking, but make sure to park within the lines because the police are notorious for ticketing naive tourists.
Eat
Eat The Blue Coral
A seafood restaurant that is eclectic, fun, and charming, and very family friendly. If your little one are not fans of seafood, don’t fret, they have a children’s menu (and full drink menu!).
Eat The Chatham Squire
A great place for fresh seafood and a night out with your friends.
Eat Corner Store
This is where the locals eat. Breakfast & lunch burritos and amazing panini sandwiches fresh, fast & fun (great prices as well).
Eat Del Mar Bar & Bistro
A nice restaurant near downtown Chatham with a unique artistic setting. If you're on a budget, the pizzas are an excellent choice.
Eat The Red Nun Bar & Grill
This is the perfect place to have a drink with your friends because it's never too crowded. $8-$11
Eat The Impudent Oyster
A fave. Creative menu, and a tad pricey. Convenient to shopping village.
Eat Chatham Fish & Lobster Co.
Great place to enjoy lunch/dinner: lobster rolls, hamburgers, fried seafood, sandwiches/wraps, salads, and daily specials.
Eat Chatham Pier Fish Market
Watch fishermen unload your dinner just minutes before it arrives on your plate.
Eat Carmine's
Nice, small pizza shack right at the center of Chatham. Serves pizza, calzones, coffee, smoothies and salads.
Sleep
Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Stay Chatham Bars Inn
Year round. One of the top hotels world-wide. AAA Four Diamond. Right on the Atlantic -- beautiful, luxurious and pricey. Choose from hotel rooms and suites, to cottages, to spa suites, and even indulge yourself in one of the hotel's special packages. There is a heated ocean front pool surrounded by cabanas, cushioned lounge chairs, and the hotel's private beach. The hotel also offers offers many activities for the kids.
Go next
Allow lots of time on Sunday's if heading to Boston or anywhere else in New England.
Nearby
Harwich
City / town · 27 listings · 6 mi away
Orleans
City / town · 24 listings · 8 mi away
Brewster
City / town · 27 listings · 8 mi away
Eastham
City / town · 38 listings · 10 mi away
Dennis
City / town · 34 listings · 13 mi away
Barnstable
City / town · 13 mi away
Yarmouth
City / town · 35 listings · 14 mi away
Hyannis
City / town · 39 listings · 17 mi away
My experience
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