Looking for the perfect beach to soak up the sun? There are many options to choose from without leaving Chatham. A day on the sand is the perfect way to spend an afternoon after a busy morning, or a great way to relax for a whole day.
Lighthouse Beach is considered one of the most scenic beaches in Chatham and Cape Cod. The well-known break in the barrier beach is a unique geographical feature that has been part of the Chatham coast line forever. It’s amazing seeing the ever-changing coastline shaped by waves, wind and recent storms. It’s picture perfect. This breathtaking view is best seen by air. Stick’n Rudder Aero Tours located at the Chatham Airport offer scenic flights from 15 minutes to one hour. Take a sight- seeing flight over Chatham and see our beautiful beaches, lighthouses and the many seals. Rates start from a $100 for 15-minute ride and go up in price if you choose a longer trip. Another way to experience this stunning stretch of sand is to take a long stroll along the shore. You will find many sea treasures including the recently built Lighthouse beach shack. The shack is made from the debris of a home that was swept off North Beach. Walkers, beach lovers, tourist and locals continued to contribute to the structure making it a social media attraction with its out Facebook and Instagram pages. Make sure to snap some pictures and share them on our Facebook page. If you just want to soak up the sun, this large beach is the perfect spot to set up your umbrella and chair far away from the crowds. Swimming is prohibited in some areas due to strong currents, but for a stroll and sunbathing, this beach can’t be beat. If you would like to have a good stretch in the morning, daily yoga classes take place at the Lighthouse beach from 7:30-8:45 a.m. at just $10 a class. Parking at the beach is restricted to thirty minutes between 9:00 – 5:00 p.m., but there is a bigger parking lot nearby that offers a shuttle bus service to the beach. It is also within walking distance from the Inn at 1.2 miles.
Along Nantucket Sound there are several different beach options, with Harding’s Beach being the number one choice. There are food trucks offering burgers, gourmet hot dogs, Mexican affair and ice cream options. Enjoy a walk down the beautiful walking trail by the beach to get a glimpse of the second lighthouse in town, Stage Harbor light. The tall sand dunes are the perfect place to hide away, relax, read a good book and take in the scenery. On the way out make sure you visit Chillers, an authentic shave ice stand that serves shaved ice on top of soft serve ice cream. The flavors are endless and the bright colors are sure to make your day. Parking at this beach is paid and the cost is $20 for the day and you do not need a beach sticker. Ridgevale Beach is also a popular choice. It has a seasonal shop for snacks, drinks, and other beachy items. Forest Beach is a smaller beach with limited parking, but lends itself to a quieter atmosphere, as it is primarily used by locals. Cockle Cove is located in South Chatham, it’s a long narrow beach that offers warm waters, small waves and lot’s of room. Great for swimming, kayaking and windsurfing. All of the beaches on the Nantucket sound offer bike stands and are easily accessible from the Cape Cod bike trail.
A great alternative to the open ocean is Oyster Pond. This lovely salt water inlet is warmer than the ocean due to being much shallower, so it is a great place to dive in. There are platforms out in the water for diving, full restroom facilities, and if you are lucky, you can catch the ice cream truck! Parking is free, but we are lucky enough at the Old Harbor Inn to be just a few minutes’ walk away.
The Old Harbor Inn provides you with beach towels, chairs, umbrellas and coolers to start you on your way to a fantastic beach day. If you have’t booked your getaway to Chatham yet, now is the time to get 10% off your reservations of 7 nights or longer. Just give us a call at 508-945-4434 and mention this blog special! We hope to see you this summer!
