Fora Favorites: Where to Eat & What to Do in Chatham, Massachusetts

The Beachhouse at the Chatham Bars Inn: Soak up cove views while savoring tomato and watermelon gazpacho, pan-roasted scallops and a terrific lobster roll, all complemented by stellar house cocktails. 

Bluefins: Sushi and sake right on Main Street. 

Breweries: There’s no shortage of good local beer on the Cape, and local offerings near Chatham include Hog Island Beer Co. and Devil's Purse.

Buca's Tuscan Roadhouse (located in Harwich): Italian staples with a modern twist, as well as a comprehensive wine list and knowledgeable waiters. 

Cape Sea Grill: Creative American cuisine with fresh seafood and a sustainable focus.

Cuvee: Cape Cod’s only Relais & Châteaux restaurant, Cuvée is an intimate fine dining experience.

Impudent Oyster: All about the local seafood. Make a reservation for dinner. 

Kream N’ Kone: Soft-serve is the name of the game at this Cape Cod mainstay, but their onion rings have risen to fame as well. 

Pates: A fresh and approachable Chatham classic.

Stars at Chatham Bars Inn: The hotel’s main restaurant, Stars is a break from all the lobster shacks.

The Squire: Chatham’s famous eclectic restaurant offering Cape Cod-style pub fare. 

Atwood House: Learn about New England history and coastal life through an immersive experience at the Atwood Museum & House.

Chatham Lighthouse Beach: Best overall beach.

Cockle Cove & Harding’s Beach: Your best bets for a family-friendly beach.

Ridgevale Beach: An excellent, more off-the-beaten-path option.

Cranberry Bog Tours: A great family-friendly option to tour the area’s largest organic cranberry bog. Make sure to check scheduling ahead of time, as it’s seasonal, and note that the establishment is cash-only.

Chatham Shellfish Company’s: An interactive oyster farm where you can learn about oysters, enjoy a scenic barge tour out to Oyster Pond and even harvest your own oysters.

Main Street: The best way to get around Main Street is by foot. Start at either side and work your way through to explore local galleries, restaurants and shops. During Friday nights in the summer months, all roads lead to the Chatham Town Band concert for live music. 

Chatham Lighthouse: A picturesque and quintessential Cape Cod experience.

Monomoy Point Lighthouse: One of the earliest cast-iron lighthouses in the States. It’s located on the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, a beautiful area with eight miles of beaches off the elbow of Cape Cod, and an ideal spot for bird watchers.