Harbor
Colonial Acres Beach
Yarmouth, MA
Hidden gem
(224)
Familiescalm waterQuiet
Calm waterUncrowdedSunsets
1 / 5
Sound SideSticker / Day FeeHidden gemBest in September
Forest Beach
Chatham, Massachusetts · Nantucket Sound
4.6(103 reviews)
A South Chatham neighborhood secret
A small, residential sound-side beach in South Chatham. Warm, calm water and limited parking keep it peaceful. A genuine neighborhood beach.
Forest Beach is a South Chatham hidden in plain sight — the road dead-ends at the sound and the modest lot fits maybe twenty-five cars. The neighborhood is residential, the cottages well-kept, and the beach has the feel of a backyard you happen to be welcome at. Water is warm, calm, and shallow with no rip current and almost no surf — a smaller, even quieter version of Cockle Cove. There's no bathhouse, no snack bar, and no lifeguard most years; come prepared and pack out what you bring in. The walking is excellent: head west along the shore at low tide and you can poke into Forest Beach Creek, watch ospreys hunt the salt marsh, and have the sound to yourself. Best in shoulder season when sticker enforcement eases and you might be the only car in the lot. The platonic ideal of a Cape neighborhood beach.
Photo spot
Late afternoon light on the marsh grass behind the beach with the cottages soft-focused beyond.
Arrive
anyCrowds
LowDogs
SeasonalLifeguards
On dutySunsets
Great spotBest for
FamiliesQuiet
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- South-facing
- Length
- ~0.2 mi
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- fine_soft
- Shade
- Open — no natural shade
Wildlife
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
$50
resident sticker / season
$200
non-resident / season
- Lot size
- Small
- Enforcement
- Sticker only — no daily passes.
Sticker required, small lot
Getting there
- From Sagamore Bridge
- 50 min
- From Bourne Bridge
- 55 min
- Nearest urgent care
- Outer Cape Health Services Harwich Port (10 min)
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Not available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Accessible parking
- 1 spaces
Dogs
No dogs Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
AlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Safety & stewardship
Lifeguards on duty· Late June through Labor Day
Photo by Joel Ingold via Google Places
Today
Water67°F
Sunrise5:06 AM
Sunset8:17 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water70–74°F (July–Aug)
TidesLow variance
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishoccasional
Length~0.2 mi
Facilities
Lifeguards
Late June through Labor Day, 9am–4:30pm
Forest Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Forest Beach?
Forest Beach requires a town parking sticker or a paid day pass in summer. Lots fill early on weekends, so arrive before about 10am.
Are dogs allowed at Forest Beach?
Dogs are not permitted at Forest Beach during the summer season — No dogs Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Does Forest Beach have lifeguards?
Yes — Forest Beach is staffed by lifeguards during the summer season (Late June through Labor Day).
Are there restrooms at Forest Beach?
Forest Beach does not have public restrooms on site, so plan accordingly.
What is the water like at Forest Beach?
Forest Beach is a Nantucket Sound beach on Nantucket Sound. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 70–74°F (July–Aug).
What is Forest Beach best for?
Forest Beach is especially good for families and quiet.
When is the best time to visit Forest Beach?
any.
