The Heart of the Cape: Why Chatham Wayside Inn is the Ultimate Main Street Escape

There is a specific kind of magic that happens in Chatham, Massachusetts. It’s the sound of the Atlantic breeze, the sight of the iconic lighthouse, and the charm of a town that feels like a classic postcard brought to life. At the center of it all - literally - sits Chatham Wayside Inn.

Whether you are a seasoned Cape Cod traveler or planning your very first coastal getaway, staying in the heart of the village changes the way you experience the area. Here is how to make the most of your weekend at our historic Main Street inn.

The Perfect Main Street Location

Forget hunting for parking or navigating summer traffic. When you stay with us, the best of downtown Chatham is right outside your front door. You are steps away from high-end boutiques, local art galleries, and the famous Friday night bandstand concerts. There is something uniquely relaxing about being able to wander through the shops and return to your room for a mid-afternoon refresh without ever touching your car keys.

Coastal Adventures on Two Wheels

One of our favorite guest amenities is our fleet of complimentary Priority bicycles. Chatham is incredibly bike-friendly, and we recommend taking a scenic ride down to the Chatham Lighthouse. From there, you can pedal over to the Chatham Fish Pier to watch the local fishing fleet bring in their daily catch (and keep an eye out for the seals that follow them!). It’s the most authentic way to see the "elbow" of the Cape.

Dining at the Wild Goose Tavern

You don’t have to go far for one of the best meals in town. Our on-site restaurant, the Wild Goose Tavern, is a staple of the Chatham dining scene. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty breakfast before a day at Lighthouse Beach or sipping a cocktail on our outdoor patio as the sun sets over Main Street, the "Goose" offers a quintessential Cape Cod atmosphere that locals and visitors adore.

A Truly Pet-Friendly Cape Cod Getaway

We believe a family vacation isn't complete without your four-legged members. As one of the premier pet-friendly hotels in Chatham, we welcome your dogs (up to 70 lbs!) to join the fun. Between the dog-friendly trails in the area and the many outdoor spots in town, your pup will enjoy the salty air just as much as you do.

The Chatham Insider Checklist

Check off these 5 must-do activities during your stay at Chatham Wayside Inn:

• The Sunrise Shot: Take one of our bikes to the Chatham Lighthouse at dawn. It’s the most photographed spot on the Cape for a reason.
• Seal Watching: Walk or bike to the Chatham Fish Pier around 3:00 PM to watch the fishing boats come in—the local grey seals are always there for the show.
• Main Street Stroll: Visit The Candy Manor for hand-dipped chocolates, just a 2-minute walk from our lobby.
• Patio Dining: Secure a street-side table at the Wild Goose Tavern for the best people-watching in the village.
• Beach Day: Grab our complimentary towels and head to Lighthouse Beach to walk the shifting sands of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.

Plan Your Chatham Escape

From the complimentary beach towels for your afternoon at Harding’s Beach to the cozy, refined comfort of our rooms and suites, we’ve designed Chatham Wayside Inn to be your perfect coastal sanctuary.

Ready to experience the best of Cape Cod? Book now at Chatham Wayside Inn or explore our sister property, the Greyfinch Chatham Inn, just a short stroll down Main Street.