20 Noteworthy Things To Do In Chatham Ma

Known as the “elbow” of Cape Cod, Chatham is located at the southeastern tip of Cape Cod. It is a coastal town with lots of things to do.

It has various attractions and is an important place to have fun with friends and family.

This town is mainly famous for beach activities and its Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge but it has interesting museums, mouth-watering restaurants, scenic places, and many more.

Check out the following famous tourist destinations and enjoy your trip! 

• Chatham Lighthouse
• Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
• Chatham Windmill
• Steve Lyons Art Gallery
• Chatham Village Market
• Chatham Railroad Museum
• Caleb Nickerson House
• Chatham Marconi Maritime Center 
• Chatham Chamber of Commerce
• Atwood Museum
• First Congregational Church of Chatham
• Captain House Inn
• Eldredge Public Library
• Mayo House
• Chatham Pier and Fish Market
• Ducks in the Window
• Chatham Anglers Baseball game
• Chatham Shellfish Company 
• Stick’s Rudder Aero Tours
• Antique Stores 

1. Chatham Lighthouse

Built-in 1808, Chatham Lighthouse was known as the Twin lights. The Hollywood movie Finest Hours has some scenes here. 

Things to do- Visit this Lighthouse and explore the National Coast Guard station as it is older than two centuries you will get historical vibes and glimpses of the past of this place. Here you will get the perfect sunrise and sunset view. 

Parking- Free parking 

Address- 37 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633, US

Timings- 1 pm to 3:30 pm, Wednesday 

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2. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

Founded in 1944, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is spread over 7604 acres. It has both saltwater and freshwater sites for animals. Around 30000 – 50000 seals come to the shoreline.

It is home to many bird species which are on the endangered list. It is maintained by the United States Fish and Wildlife Services. 

Things to do- If you are into flora and fauna then you can’t miss this. Here you will see various types of birds and you can relax away from a chaotic world.

You can also visit Monomoy Island Excursions and boat through the Atlantic Ocean. You will encounter many seabirds, and fishes including whales and sharks, and seals during boating. 

Parking- Free parking 

Address- Chatham, Ma 02633, United States 

Timings- 24 hours 

3. Chatham Windmill

There are two windmills in Chatham, it was eleven once. Built-in 1797, Chatham Windmill worked with saltworks. 

Things to do- It is among the free activities that you can do in Chatham. Tours are allowed in the summer months.

Out of two windmills, only one is accessible to tourists, and efforts are continuously made to restore another one. You can visit this place and explore it to see the corn grinding. 

Parking- Free parking 

Address- 125 Shattuck PI, Chatham, Ma 02633, United States 

Timings- 11 am to 3 pm, Monday Wednesday, and Friday 

4. Chatham Shellfish Company 

The next item on our list of best places to do in Chatham, Ma is visiting the Chatham Shellfish Company to explore the seafood of Chatham. Here oysters are harvested with other seafood such as scallops and bottlenecks.  

Things to do- Visit this place if you are a seafood lover. There are so many restaurants that provide delicious delicacies with local seafood.

Some famous restaurants are That Talkative Pig, Impudent Oyster, and Pisces. Learn about the culture, economy, and ecology of the maritime community. 

Address- 393 Barn Hill Road, Chatham, Ma 02633, United States 

Timings- 3 pm to 5 pm on Thursday and Friday 

5. Chatham Village Market

Chatham Village Market is an interesting spot in Chatham. It is a perfect place that provides complete essential things. 

Things to do-  Here, you can find anything that you are looking for. Chatham Village Market has fresh meat, organic products, and everything that you need in your pantry.

If you want to satisfy your hunger, then they have plenty of sandwiches, bread pizzas, salads, and other food options. 

Parking- Free parking 

Address- 20 Queen Anne Road, Chatham Ma, 02633, United States 

Timings- 7 am to 8 pm, seven days a week 

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6. Chatham Railroad Museum

Established in 1960, Chatham Railroad Museum was once an actual railway depot for Chatham. Here you will find an old wooden Caboose of 1910 which is revamped to its initial stage.  

Things to do- If you are interested in rails then it is a must-do place for you. Visit this museum to get information about railroads and their important role in the activities of the people. 

Address- 153 Depot Road, Chatham, Ma 02633, United States 

Timings- 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Saturday 

7. Caleb Nickerson House

Built-in 1829, Caleb Nickerson House is one of the oldest homes in Chatham. Here you will find a beehive oven, a kitchen garden, old displays, and many other things. 

Things to do- As it is an old place, you can check out the archaeological displays of old artifacts that even dated back to 1664. Explore the kitchen garden to see what volunteers grow there. 

Address- 1107 Orleans Road, Chatham, Ma, 026333, United States 

Timings- 10 am to 2 pm, Wednesday to Saturday 

8. Chatham Marconi Maritime Center

It is a special place that emphasizes the history of wireless communication. Wireless communication does not simply mean the internet or phones.

It dates back to cell phones. This museum has displays of the old and current trends of wireless communication. 

Things to do- Get information about the history of wireless communication including Chatham Radio WCC. You can also check out the gift shops for buying hats and shirts. 

Address- 847 Orleans Road, North Chatham, Ma 02650, United States 

Timings- 1 pm to 4 pm, Wednesday to Sunday 

9. Chatham Chamber of Commerce

Here, you will get information about upcoming events, festivals, and fests in Chatham. They have a list of all hotels, restaurants, shops, and businesses. 

Things to do- Be sure to visit this place to get an idea about your timings and the places to visit. You may find some unknown events here where you won’t find many crowds. 

Address- 2377 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633, United States 

Timings- 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday 

10. Atwood Museum

This museum has displays, galleries, a garden, and exhibitions of all ages to learn about the coastal lifestyle of New England. In addition to this, it has a gift shop. 

Things to do- Explore the things dating back to the 1700s. Visit the Double Take Exhibit, Main Street Cape Cod, Fishing Gallery, Alice Stallknecht, and many other things. Get information about the old lifestyle of coastal towns. 

Address- 347 Stage Harbor Road, Chatham Ma, 02633, United States 

Timings- 1 pm to 4 pm, Tuesday to Saturday 

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11. First Congregational Church of Chatham

Built-in 1866, this church has been providing a spiritual site for the people of Chatham. 

Things to do- Attend worship programs on Sunday, they don’t force anyone to attend, it’s totally up to your faith and belief. You can also have coffee outside the church.

If you are interested in following your traditional routine even on your trip then you can visit this.  

Address- 650 Main St, Chatham, MA 02633, United States 

Timings- 8 am to 3 pm, Tuesday to Friday, and 10 am to 12 pm on Sunday 

12. Captain House Inn

This is a four-building resort with more than 16 different guestrooms, gardens, an outdoor pool, an evening wine reception, and many other amenities.

Their rooms are unique and they provide lots of facilities such as expensive toiletries, beautiful welcome baskets, and a lot more. 

Things to do- Want to spend one or two days in Chatham? Then Captain House Inn is perfect for it. Here you will get a luxurious bed and breakfast.

You can go to an evening wine reception and have fun with your gang. Spend some time in the swimming pool or visiting the gardens. 

Address- 369 Old Harbor Road, Chatham Ma, 026333, United States 

Timings- 24 hours 

13. Eldredge Public Library

Built-in 1895, Eldredge Public Library is home to more than 100000 materials. It is a historical site in Chatham, managed by a private board of trustees. They organize various programs each year. This place is perfect for those who are into genealogy. 

Things to do- This is a must-visit place if you are interested in knowing historical things. You can attend their programs and as they provide genealogy classes each month, you can try to attend them. 

Parking- Free parking 

Address- 564 Main St, Chatham MA, 02633, United States 

Timings- 1 pm to 7 pm, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 

14. Mayo House

Built-in 1820, Mayo House is an old Cape Cod-style house. It is now restored for the public by going through several renovations. Mayo House is now the Chatham Conservation Foundation’s Headquarters and it is the place for regular meetings.

Things to do- Visit this place to get an idea about the old architecture of houses on Cape Cod. 

Parking- Free parking 

Address- 540 Main St, Chatham, Ma, 02633, United States 

Timings- 1 pm to 3 pm, three days a week 

15. Chatham Pier and Fish Market

It is a fish market that offers seafood. Here you can observe beautiful fish and you can also satisfy your hunger.

Things to do- It is a perfect place for sightseeing. You can also check out the nearby Fisherman’s monument, The provider, as it tells about the maritime community and the importance of the sea to them.

The visitor’s balcony is the perfect place for your new Instagram post as its background is making it a picture-perfect spot. Have fresh seafood and enjoy your day.

Address – 45 Barcliff Ave, Chatham Ma, 02633, United States 

Timings –  11 am to 7 pm and Tuesday closed 

Best Places To Stay In Chatham Ma

Here is a list of the best hotels and resorts to stay in Chatham Ma.

• Pleasant Bay Village Resort
• Chatham Inn
• The old Harbor Inn
• The Chatham Motel
• Chatham Bars Inn
• The Chatham Wayside Inn
• Hawthorne Motel
• Captain’s House Inn
• Chatham Seafarer Inn
• Chatham Highlander

Things To Know Before Visiting Chatham Ma

Heavy traffic during July and August

If you are driving to Chatham in these months then avoid traveling on Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings.

Make restaurant reservations

During July and August months, it is recommended to make reservations in the midrange and upscale restaurants. 

Know local food

Lobster rolls, oysters, scrod, and fish are local cuisines.

Mind your smoking 

Tobacco consumption is prohibited in all public places in Massachusetts. You can not take marijuana in public places and in addition to this, you can not consume cannabis in social places.  

Things To Pack When Visiting Chatham Ma

The best time to visit Chatham is in August as it is warm and soothing. So I’m writing all those things that you will need to pack during August. 

• Sunscreen lotion

It is the most important thing on a summer trip. Sunscreen lotion will protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun which may cause serious skin problems. 

• Beach essentials

The Beach essentials list includes swimwear, lightweight towels, a waterproof phone bag, a dry bag, a snorkel set, and others. 

• Light clothes

As the weather is warm and humid, make sure to pack light and comfortable clothes so that you can enjoy your trip freely. 

• Bug repellent

It will save you from insects including disease-causing mosquitoes. 

• Small portable cooler

This will keep your drinks and water cool and you can save money by buying these things. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can you walk on Monomoy Island?

Yes, you can go for self hiking there. They offer a trail map for this and you can get an information panel alongside. 

Q2. How many lighthouses are in Chatham?

There is one Lighthouse in Chatham known as Twin lights.  

Q3. Can you go inside Chatham Lighthouse? 

You can tour Chatham lighthouse on the grounds as due to maintenance issues, tourists are not allowed to go inside. 

Q4. What is Chatham known for?

Chatham is famous for the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge and Chatham lighthouse. 

Q5.Can I visit Chatham dockyard?

Yes, you can visit the Chatham dockyard and you are free to explore it once you are inside the dockyard. 

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