Chatham Light, Chatham

Summer, Chatham Light Beach

Description: Chatham Light is a scenic beach located near the center of town, situated across the road from its namesake lighthouse. This area had very little beachfront until maybe 10 years ago, when the Great Barrier Beach collapsed from repeated storm and hurricane surf.

The Chatham Break is a growing ocean channel separating Nauset Beach and Monomoy Island. This natural canal has allowed longshore drift to help create what locals call South Beach. While Nauset Beach shields it from heavy storm swell, waves still crest some 200 yards away at the Break. Eel grass and low dunes surround this unique area, along with expensive beachfront homes.

If you walk about half a mile to the right past the point, you can usually see a colony of grey seals. Their numbers vary with the seasons from a few dozen to literally hundreds. Please refrain from disturbing their natural safe haven.

Public facilities here are scarce, but there are ample concessions available nearby in town. Limited street parking abuts a railing equipped with telescopes for sightseers.