Strolling amongst the cobbled streets and steep wynds of Edinburgh, unless you’re looking out from atop Arthur’s Seat, it’s easy to forget that the Scottish capital is also home to breathtaking stretches of silvery sands and dramatic coastal views which can give travelers a completely new perspective on the city.
Only a few miles to the northeast, where the Firth of Forth spills out into the North Sea, many hardy travelers can find sterling sweeps of sand from Forth Bridge, all the way to North Berwick. Here are the top beaches to visit from Edinburgh.
Portobello Beach
Best beach for activities
A 20-minute bus ride from the city center, Portobello Beach is a local favorite. Located on the eastern outskirts of the city, the quaint high street drops straight down to the curved promenade via steep cobbled alleys. Enjoy a coastal stroll between the soft sand and elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture that runs parallel to the seafront.
Brave Scots swim in the sea all year-round. There are kayaks, windsurfing equipment, and boats available to rent here. If the water is too cold for a dip, consider visiting the Portobello Swim Centre, a wonderful 19th-century swimming pool designed in a Scottish Renaissance-Queen Anne style.
Portobello is also renowned for some fantastic restaurants. After an active day, enjoy homemade food at The Beach House where ingredients are mainly sourced from their own vegetable garden, paired with a warming coffee. If the weather is fine, snag a table on the promenade for unrivaled views of the bay that stretches as far as the eye can see.
Cramond Beach
Best for coastal walks
If you’re looking for somewhere to stretch your legs, Cramond Beach is easily accessible via a 45-minute bus route from the city center. The beach, a former fishing village, is only 0.3 miles (0.48km) long but is backed by nearly 20 acres (8.09 hectares) of well-trodden paths zigzagging through grassy knolls and coastal dunes, offering various routes to explore.
If you visit at low tide, when the beach’s rippled sand reveals wildlife usually hidden beneath white-tipped waves, you can walk along a causeway to a tiny island home to various species of seabirds and crustaceans. The rock pools teem with life here too. Look out for clams, crabs, and oysters hiding among the seaweed-covered crags.
Check the tide times ahead of your visit as they come in quickly and may leave people stranded.
North Berwick
Best for families
A 30-minute train ride from Edinburgh, North Berwick offers numerous activities to keep you busy for a day. From pitch-and-putt on the beachfront to a variety of independent shops and cafes within whitewashed buildings, this East Lothian resort captivates visitors before they even reach the sand.
The beach runs the full length of this bustling seaside town, ensuring you’re never far from the crashing waves. The variety of available activities makes it perfect for a family day trip, including an interactive seabird centre designed to educate about coastal conservation alongside delicious treats to keep everyone energized. For a proper seaside supper, visit North Berwick Fry for fish and chips where the entire family is welcome—including dogs!
Yellowcraig Beach
Best beach for wildlife
While visiting any beach in Edinburgh, be cautious of seagulls attempting to snatch your chips. However, if you’re keen on wildlife, get your cameras ready at Yellowcraig Beach.
Gannets can be seen diving at 90mph (145kph) overhead, and there’s a protected puffin colony near the nearby Bass Rock, which grows every year. Keep your eyes on the waves during migration seasons to possibly spot dolphins (May–October) or a rare pod of minke whales (June–August).
Yellowcraig Beach is about a 40-minute drive east of Edinburgh, just shy of North Berwick. You can also reach it directly using the 124 bus in less than 90 minutes, followed by a short walk down the flat, rock-strewn beach.
Seacliff Beach
Best beach for picnics
Nothing surpasses a beach picnic, so consider visiting Mimi’s Little Bakery in Edinburgh for a cream tea to-go (and ample sweet treats) followed by a stop at Valvona & Crolla for meats, pickles, and freshly-baked bread, before heading to Seacliff Beach. An hour’s drive from Edinburgh, this is one of the smallest and quietest coastal spots near the capital. The clear waters are sheltered by the hooked end of the beach, ensuring the smooth sands are free from seaweed and driftwood.
While here, pay a visit to the ruins of Tantallon Castle, towering above Bass Rock’s position off the coast. The grounds of the castle are free to explore, but paying £3.60 to climb to the top of the 17th-century stone towers is well worth it for the 360-degree views of lush cliffs and the foamy sea below.
Gullane Beach
Best for wild camping
Experience the sound of the waves by wild camping on Gullane Beach. Choose a spot protected by sloping sand dunes for added shelter while enjoying breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth to the west.
While there are no on-site facilities, the nearby village offers public restrooms that can be used free of charge, allowing you to freshen up post-camping. As a responsible wild camper, remember to leave no trace: take all your litter and properly extinguish any fires. Parking is conveniently available at just £2 for all-day and overnight parking, ensuring your vehicle remains close with all your supplies for a worry-free camping experience under the stars.
St Abbs
Best beach for boating
Film enthusiasts may recognize St Abbs as New Asgard from Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame when characters venture to recruit Thor for their mission. However, there is much to see in this quaint fishing village, even if you’re not on the hunt for the God of Thunder. Boat trips depart several times daily, allowing visitors to experience the Scottish coastline from the buffeting waves.
For another perspective, climb to the top of St Abbs Head, a chalky cliff offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s a mere 30-minute climb from the village and rewards hikers with scenic vistas of chalk cliffs inhabited by numerous seabirds and the colorful houses of St Abbs.
