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This is a world-class area for windsurfing, canoeing, power boating, fishing and spending a quiet day in a beach chair on the shore.  It also provides an awe-inspiring natural environment for a long afternoon hike and picnic but, with all there is to do here, it's not particularly a family beach experience.

There are a number of Chatham-managed town landings located on Pleasant Bay which offer boat launches, some smaller swimming beaches, and auto parking. However, if your goal is a stereotypical day at the beach we recommend one of the other Atlantic-facing or Nantucket Sound beaches.  There are no lifeguards, snack bars or bathrooms available.

Harboring 7,285 acres of saltwater at high tide, it is the largest bay contiguous to the Cape Cod National Seashore, and is bordered by the towns of Chatham, Harwich, Brewster and Orleans. The Bay's ecosystem constitutes an invaluable resource for the surrounding communities and region. From marsh to estuary, and embayment, Pleasant Bay supports an ever-adapting fount of wildlife, and is one of the most biologically diverse and productive marine habitats on the east coast of the United States.

Pleasant Bay is protected from the Atlantic Ocean by a barrier beach which provides sheltered water for a variety of natural resources and human activities. The barrier beach, known as Nauset Beach in Orleans and North Beach in Chatham, is wholly situated within the boundary of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

The northern portion of the Bay is known as Little Pleasant Bay. Several islands are also within Pleasant Bay, and two, Pochet Island and Sampson Island, are located within the Cape Cod National Seashore boundary.

The Monomoyiks and Nausets were among the first native peoples to recognize the beauty and sustenance provided by "Monomoyik" or "Great Bay" as it was first called. The heritage left by these first inhabitants is alive today in place names and artifacts throughout the Bay. Along these shores it is reported that the Pilgrim's guide and mentor Squanto died and was buried. Portaminicut was the name given for "place of big rocks," and today still describes the picturesque shore along this portion of Pleasant Bay.

Route 28 winds along the inner shore of Pleasant Bay, creating a lovely scenic drive between Chatham and Orleans. Scenic views and historic structures contribute to this atmosphere. The old brick former operations center of Marconi's second wireless station on Cape Cod are visible across from Ryder's Cove in Chatham. Historical markers posted at various locations describe revolutionary war era encounters, notable local citizens, and 19th century historic sea rescue activities.