Shark Center Chatham

Cape Cod


Stop here for the lowdown on one of the Cape's most intriguing summer residents: the great white shark. Interactive exhibits and videos aimed at kids and adults attempt to demystify the animal given a good deal of bad PR in the Cape Cod–set movie, Jaws. It's under the auspices of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (motto: 'Awareness inspires conservation').


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cape Cod attractions

1. Chatham Fish Pier

0.8 MILES

In the mid- to late afternoon, head to Chatham Fish Pier, 1 mile north of Chatham Light, to watch the fishing fleet unload its daily catch.This is a prime…

2. Chatham Railroad Museum

0.8 MILES

Train buffs won't want to miss the 1910 caboose and assorted memorabilia at Chatham's original 1887 railroad depot. The Victorian building is an…

3. Chatham Marconi Maritime Center

1.11 MILES

Communication in all its guises is the focus at this museum dedicated to the history of WCC, a short-wave radio station that operated for many years in…

4. Oyster Pond Beach

1.12 MILES

Oyster Pond Beach, on a calm inlet, is small but the swimming is good and parking is free (but fills up quickly). It's a popular family spot.

5. Chatham Light

1.89 MILES

For dramatic vistas of sand and sea, head to the lighthouse viewing area on Shore Rd. The landmark lighthouse dates to 1878; its light is visible 15 miles…

6. Lighthouse Beach

1.9 MILES

Directly below Chatham Light is Lighthouse Beach, an endless expanse of sea and sandbars that offers some of the finest beach strolling on Cape Cod…

7. Hardings Beach

2.75 MILES

For the warmer waters of Nantucket Sound, the long and sandy Hardings Beach is the prize. It's a good family option, and there are lifeguards, restrooms…

8. Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

2.76 MILES

Take Morris Island Rd beyond the Chatham lighthouse to reach this 7600-acre wildlife refuge, spreading from Morris Island to encompass the shifting sands…

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