find the best beaches that allow dogs in Chatham
Chatham has some of the nicest beaches you’ll find on Cape Cod. The public beaches don’t allow dogs during the summer, but you can visit with pets in the offseason.
- Learn dog rules for Chatham beaches
- Find out where to get a beach sticker
- Find nearby beaches open to dogs in the summer
See below for a full list of public beaches in Chatham, ma, and to learn about other fun activities for pets nearby.
Dog rules for Chatham Beaches
Dogs aren’t allowed on public beaches in Chatham in the summertime, similar to most towns on Cape Cod.
- Chatham doesn’t allow dogs on public beaches from May 1st – September 15th
- Dogs are only allowed on the beach in the off-season
- Remember to always clean up poop
There are two Chatham Beaches where dogs are allowed during the summer:
- Nauset Beach: Pets are allowed on the oversand driving trails at Nauset Beach all summer long (when not closed for nesting piping plovers). Learn more about Nauset’s ORV trails
- Jackknife Beach: Pets are allowed in mornings and evenings at this beach on pleasant bay. No parking sticker required either – double bonus!
How to get a beach sticker in Chatham
Chatham beach parking stickers are required to park during the summer.
- How to get a Chatham beach parking sticker, or a Nauset Beach osv sticker (chatham residents only): click here
- Get a Nauset Beach osv sticker (via town of orleans, for all non-Chatham residents): click here
Chatham beaches that allow dogs
Here is a list of all the public beaches in Chatham, Massachusetts.
Cockle Cove Beach
435 Cockle Cove Road, South Chatham
Forest Beach
Forest Beach Road, South Chatham
Harding Beach
385 Hardings Beach Road, Chatham
Jackknife Harbor Beach
Orleans-Chatham Road (Route 28), Chatham
Lighthouse Beach
30 Main Street, Chatham
Oyster Pond Beach
Stage Harbor Road, Chatham
Nauset Beach oversand trails
Access via Beach Road, Orleans
Pleasant Street Beach
Pleasant Street, South Chatham
Ridgevale Beach
431 Ridgevale Road, Chatham
Frequently asked questions
Are there any off-leash dog beaches in Chatham, MA?
Dogs are not allowed off-leash on beaches in Chatham, even in the offseason. If you want an off-leash dog beach during the summer, you’ll need to visit Provincetown. The beaches on Commercial Street allow dogs to run free off leash in the mornings and evenings all year long.
Are dogs allowed on Chatham beaches in the summertime?
Dogs are only allowed on Chatham beaches in the offseason, from from September 16th – April 30th. This applies to all public beaches except for Nauset Beach ORV and Jackknife Beach.
What are the dog rules for Nauset Beach’s oversand driving trails?
Dogs are required to be on leash no longer than 30 feet at all times April 1st through Labor Day. Dogs are allowed off leash outside of those dates. The public beach at Nauset in Orleans prohibits pets from April 1st through Labor Day.
What is the nearest beach where dogs are allowed in the summertime?
For a full list of pet-friendly beaches in the summer, check out our guide to dog-friendly beaches on cape cod.
Jackknife Beach dog rules
Jackknife Beach is a small beach where dogs are allowed before 9am and after 6pm during the summer.
No beach parking sticker is required here. Cool!
The beach sand isn’t the best, lots of small rocks and broken shells in places.
but the gentle waters of Pleasant Bay are a perfect place to take a sandy walk, sniff out some crabs, or go kayaking. Nice sunsets.
Looking for beaches that allow dogs in the summer?
Find dog-friendly beaches on cape cod
Check out our full guide to all of Cape Cod’s beaches to find towns and beaches where dogs are allowed during the summer, including an off-leash dog beach.
Other pet-friendly activities in Chatham
Chatham has lots of great things to do with your dog: restaurants, dog walks and hiking trails, and so much more!
Restaurants in Chatham that allow dogs
Chatham has a bunch of dining options that are pet-friendly, perfect to visit after a day at the beach.
Kayaking on Pleasant Bay in Chatham
Learn about three great kayaking trips for all skill levels, taking off from Jackknife Beach.
- An easy paddle up Muddy Creek, a gentle tidal estuary
- A mid-level paddling adventure to Sipson Island
- A challenging day trip across Pleasant Bay to the back of Nauset Beach
