Harding's Beach is one of three Chatham beaches that sell a visitors pass at the gate, with Ridgevale and Cockle Cove. Parking is free for US military personnel, active or retired, with a valid military photo ID.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $30/day, $90/week, $190/season (2026 non-resident visitor rate); free with resident/taxpayer beach sticker
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
Dawn to dusk generally; lots open 1hr before sunrise, close 10pm; fee/gatehouse staffed 9am-5pm in season.
Season
Open year-round; parking lots open 1 hour before sunrise, close 10pm. Fee/gatehouse enforcement only in season (see entry_fee).
Lifeguard
On duty 9am-4:30pm daily, in season (roughly late June-Labor Day)
Off duty · back late JuneDogs
No dogs May 1-September 15; leashed (6ft max) permitted rest of year; owners must remove waste.
Allowed now · ban starts May 1Managed by
Chatham Recreation & Beaches Division
(508) 945-5175 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid 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
Hardings Beach Road main lot (gatehouse)
Hardings Beach Road main lot (gatehouse)
Cost$30/day, $90/week, $190/season (2026 non-resident visitor rate); free with resident/taxpayer beach sticker
Second Hardings Beach Road lot
CostSame fee/sticker structure as main lot
Access points along this beach
Main lot gatehouse
Staffed in season
Mobi-Mat beach access
Runs from the parking area to the shoreline
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Bathhouse near the main lot
Showers
Outdoor rinse showers at the bathhouse
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Hardings Beach by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 40° | 39° | 42° | 49° | 55° | 63° | 69° | 68° | 66° | 60° | 50° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Chatham (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Hardings Beach in Chatham open today?
Hardings Beach is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Do non-residents need a sticker?
A resident/taxpayer beach or combination sticker or a beach visitors pass is required. Non-residents can buy a sticker online or at the gate at Harding's, Ridgevale and Cockle Cove, cash or credit.
Is there parking at Hardings Beach, and what does it cost?
Paid lot ($30/day, $90/week, $190/season (2026 non-resident visitor rate); free with resident/taxpayer beach sticker). Hardings Beach Road main lot (gatehouse)
Are there restrooms at Hardings Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at Hardings Beach?
Water at Hardings Beach averages about 39°F in February and 69°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Chatham from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Hardings Beach?
No dogs May 1-Sep 15; leash required rest of year.
Can you swim at Hardings Beach?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Hardings Beach off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Hardings Beach?
No dogs May 1-September 15; leashed (6ft max) permitted rest of year; owners must remove waste.
Is there an entry fee at Hardings Beach?
No, entry is free.