Curator’s statement
Cape Cod has been a reoccurring destination for many New Englanders over the decades and rightly so, it has all the components of a beach vacation that caters to all walks of life with plenty to do. Personally, Cape Cod has been a place for childhood (and adult) memories for as long as I can remember, and its impact has been profound on my connectedness to the water that surrounds it. One town that I particularly feel privileged to call my home away from home is Chatham. An area that if you look at a map is referred to as the ‘elbow’ of ‘the Cape’. Billed as a luxury seaside town, its shops & restaurants, beautiful resorts and rugged sandy beaches live up to its reputation and should be your primary destination if you are planning a weekend in Cape Cod.
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Where to stay in Chatham, Cape Cod
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Things to do in Chatham, Cape Cod
Beaches Abound!
The Cape is known for its beaches, saltwater coves and creeks. Your weekend in Chatham, Cape Cod has six different beaches, all with views of Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
Hardings Beach
Ridgevale Beach
Cocklecove Beach
Oyster Pond Beach
Forest Beach
Chatham Lighthouse Beach (the most scenic of them all)
Pro Tip: Head over to Ridgevale Beach if you want to rent sailboats, kayaks or paddleboards.
Biking:
Cape Cod Rail Trail
If you are looking for a great family activity or just looking for some old-fashioned exercise, this 25-mile flat bike path runs along six towns and is a local and visitor favorite! Rent your bike and helmet at these popular bike shops:
Museums:
Need a break from the beach?
Nature Walk:
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
If you are looking to connect with nature and maybe see a few of our resident gray seals during your weekend in Cape Cod, check out the Wildlife Refuge. The refuge protects habitats critical to the survival of migratory birds, horseshoe crabs, tiger beetles, gray seals and other wildlife. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is on the southeast corner of Cape Cod in Chatham, Massachusetts and is open for access during the summer months.
Baseball:
Chatham Anglers Baseball Game
Your weekend in Cape Cod would not be complete without this quintessential summer-time activity. The Cape Cod minor league is donation-supported with teams spread across the Cape. Games start in June and run through August. Truly a gem and always a good time with family and friends.
Day Trips:
Day Trip to Nantucket
One of the most amazing things about Cape Cod is our islands. Nantucket, a former whaling port, will take you back in time with its quaint cottages, cobblestone streets, small shops and wonderful restaurants.
Pro tip: Avoid Hyannis summer traffic, pick up the Freedom Ferry from the beautiful Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich Port, only 15 minutes from downtown Chatham, MA. Parking is convenient and FREE for day-trippers.
Places to eat & drink in Chatham, Cape Cod
For Foodies:
Cuvee Chefs Table @ The Chatham Inn - Cuvee Chatham
CBI Farm to Table - Chatham Bars Inn
Gourmet Breakfast:
Hanger B - Hanger B Chatham
Local Coffee:
Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters - Snowy Owl Coffee
Beachside Lunch:
The Beach House @ Chatham Bars Inn - Beach House Grill
The Pelham House Resort (Dennis Port) - Pelham House Resort Dining
Local Fish:
Pisces Restaurant & Bar - Pisces of Chatham
Impudent Oyster - The Impudent Oyster
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Travel Advisor
Stephanie Cunningham
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Looking for an elegant beach experience for a special proposal, date night or girls weekend? Check out Cape Coastal Picnic.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Massachusetts.