Chatham, MA: Lighthouses, Seafood & Scenic Walks

When visiting the coast, one tourist attraction is always the local lighthouse. The Chatham Lighthouse, once called Twin Lights, has been around since 1808. Today, the lighthouse is a National Coast Guard station and living quarters. It was also the setting of Hollywood Movie The Finest Hours, starring Chris Pine and Casey Affleck. Tours of the lighthouse are typically available on Wednesdays, but times and days vary depending on the season, so be sure to check ahead. Visitors are asked to wear appropriate footwear since there are 44 steps and an 8-foot ladder to reach the top of the lighthouse. Admission for the tours is free.

37 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633, Phone: 508-945-3830

Ready for some non-screen time? Head outdoors to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge to check out an area that has been restricted for migratory birds and animals. Established in 1944, just outside of popular Cape Cod, this 7,604-acres of land includes both fresh and saltwater areas for animals. As of 2019, five species of birds on the endangered species list can be found nesting at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. On top of this, an additional 35 species are under protection here at the refuge. One of the most popular attractions are the 30,000-50,000 seals that come to shore to rest and give birth.

30 Wikis Way, Chatham, MA 02633, Phone: 508-945-9559

Once a larger part of Chatham, windmills were a big part of Chatham and working with the saltworks. There were once eleven windmills, yet there are now only two still standing. The only one that is accessible to guests is the Chatham Windmill. Old Grist Mill, as it was once called, was built in 1797, and today, efforts continue to keep the old building restored. Tours are offered over the summer months, though poor weather can cause tours to change or be canceled. Certain times of the year, the mill is put into use, and it grinds corn just as it did in the 1700s and 1800s. Admission to the windmill and tours is free.

125 Shattuck Place, Chatham, MA 02633, Phone: 508-945-5175

In today’s environment, there are many chain stores where patrons can buy food, often at “discounted” prices. Chatham Village Market is run by four Chatham lovers, who want to provide a full-service grocery store to the locals. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Chatham Village Market fresh and ready for you. Organic produce and meats can be found freshly packaged in their departments. This is the perfect place to go to stock up your pantry for your vacation. If you want to grab a quick bite, there are plenty of French bread pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and more prepared and ready to take with you.

20 Queen Anne Road, Chatham, MA 02633, Phone: 508-945-9783

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

For those who love the rails, a fun place to visit during your stay in Chatham is the Chatham Railroad Museum. This museum opened in 1960 but is held in a restored 1887 railroad depot that was once a real depot for Chatham. Over its years, the museum has gathered several wonderful antiques that are unique or important to the history of the railroad in America. The star of the museum is a 1910 wooden caboose, which has been restored to its original state. This caboose traveled over a million miles between NYC and Chicago during its service.

153 Depot Road, Chatham, MA 02633, Phone: 508-945-5780

One of the oldest homes in the area, Caleb Nickerson House has been around since about 1829. Open only during the warmer months, this homestead can be toured at your leisure. Take a look at the working beehive oven to see what’s being made, check out the kitchen garden to see what local produce that is grown, and chat with the period volunteers, who have made this homestead their passion. Since the land dates back to a 1664 settlement, check out the archaeology display that shows off some of the great artifacts found on the property.

1107 Orleans Road, Chatham, MA 02633, Phone: 508-945-6086

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

The Chatham Marconi Maritime Center looks at the history of wireless communication. Today’s wireless communication typically refers to phone’s and the Internet, but those who worked on the waters were familiar with it long before cellphones. This museum looks at the history of and current trends in wireless communication. Learn all about the Chatham Radio WCC, interact with the Morse Code station, and check out the WWII Enigma cipher machine. Along with the museum exhibits, Marconi Maritime Center also offers programs and STEM special topic talks throughout the year for children and adults. Make sure to make a stop in the gift shop for shirts and hats.

831 Orleans Road, North Chatham, MA 02650, Phone: 508-945-8889

The Chatham Chamber of Commerce is the place to go if you want to know about any events, festivals, or fun facts during your stay in Chatham. The Chamber of Commerce works to provide residents and visitors with a comprehensive list of businesses, hotels, restaurants, and shops in the area. When you’re ready to plan your trip to Cape Cod, or better yet, Chatham, be sure to check out the Chatham Chamber of Commerce website for information and advice. You may even be lucky enough to spot one of the hidden gems or unknown events around town that only the COC and locals could tell you.

2377 Main Street, South Chatham, MA 02659, Phone: 508-945-5199

A great place for people of all ages to learn about life in coastal New England, the Atwood Museum in Chatham, Massachusetts features more than a dozen different exhibits, over ten galleries, a garden, and a gift shop. Nearly everyone can find something of interest at the museum, whether their interest is culture, fashion, art, or history. Exhibits at the Atwood Museum include the Double Take Exhibit, the Fishing Gallery, Main Street Cape Cod, the Life Saving Services Exhibit, the Alice Stallknecht Mural Barn, a Native American dwelling, and the Old Atwood House dating back to the 1700’s among many others.

347 Stage Harbor Rd, Chatham, MA 02633, 508-945-2493