Chatham's calmest swimming beach, a shallow curve of sand on Nantucket Sound split by a tidal marsh creek. A footbridge from the gatehouse lot crosses the creek before reaching the sand, and kids wade the warm shallows for hermit crabs at low tide.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot $30/day, $90/week, $190/season (2026 non-resident visitor rate); free with resident/taxpayer beach sticker
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Dawn to dusk generally; lots open 1hr before sunrise, close 10pm; lifeguards/gatehouse staffed 9am-5pm in season.
Accessible
Wheelchair access noted
Lifeguard
On duty late June-Labor Day, roughly 9am-5pm
Dogs
No dogs Memorial Day-Labor Day; leashed permitted off-season.
Managed by
Chatham Recreation & Beaches Division
(508) 945-5175 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
Cost$30/day, $90/week, $190/season (2026 non-resident visitor rate); free with resident/taxpayer beach stickerStickerChatham resident/taxpayer beach sticker or non-resident visitor pass
Cockle Cove Road lot (gatehouse)
Access points along this beach
Gatehouse lot entrance
Staffed in season
Footbridge over the tidal creek
Connects the lot to the sand; kids wade the creek at low tide
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Portable restrooms at the lot
Common questions
Is Cockle Cove in Chatham open today?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-07-16). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is it good for young kids?
It's widely recommended as Chatham's calmest swimming beach: protected shallow water, tiny Nantucket Sound waves, and a tidal creek and footbridge kids can wade and explore for hermit crabs and small fish at lower tide.
Is there parking at Cockle Cove, and what does it cost?
Free lot ($30/day, $90/week, $190/season (2026 non-resident visitor rate); free with resident/taxpayer beach sticker). Cockle Cove Road lot (gatehouse)
Are there restrooms at Cockle Cove?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Cockle Cove?
No dogs Memorial Day-Labor Day.
Been here? Help keep it current.
Prices, hours, and facilities change. A quick note keeps the next visitor from guessing.