As a native Scot, visiting Scottish beaches is one of my favourite pastimes. Scotland has some of the most incredible coastal scenery in the world, and although Edinburgh is a bustling city, you’d be surprised how many stunning beaches are nearby. This guide explores the best beaches near Edinburgh for a grand day out.
When it comes to coastal beauty spots, visitors to Scotland are spoiled for choice. Whether you love family beach days or remote hikes among the dunes, these beaches near Edinburgh are perfect for day trips or weekend breaks in Scotland.
Portobello Beach
With its flat sandy shore and stunning views across the Forth River estuary, Portobello Beach is one of the best beaches near Edinburgh. If you’re looking for Scottish beaches with a classic Victorian promenade, Portobello should be at the top of your list.
The seafront is lined with historic architecture, which gives Portobello Beach promenade a classic seaside feel. The sheltered bay means that in summer the water is ideal for swimming, as well as for water sports like sailing and kayaking. Dogs are allowed on the beach, and you’ll find some limited roadside parking just a short walk from the shore.
Parking at Portobello Beach may be busy during the tourist season, so on a nice day I prefer to take the bus. Buses 26, 19, and 45 all connect Edinburgh city centre to Portobello Beach and take around 30 minutes to get there. If you plan to stay for the weekend, you’ll find plenty of nice hotels in Portobello, Edinburgh.
Yellowcraig Beach
Just a 50-minute drive from Edinburgh and near North Berwick, Yellowcraig Beach is one of Scotland’s best beaches for dramatic scenery. The shore overlooks Fidra Island, a rocky outcrop with a lighthouse, which is believed to have inspired Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson when writing his novel, Treasure Island.
Sandy dunes and scenic coastal paths make this a great beach for paddling in the summer or walking in the cooler months. Yellowcraig is also accessible to wheelchair users and has a wheelchair-friendly walkway and ramp.
“If you’re visiting Yellowcraig with kids, make a stop at the outdoor adventure playground located just a short walk from the shore. A large, metred car park is available and costs around £2.50 per day, and the beach also has accessible toilets.”
Aberdour Silver Sands
Aberdour Silver Sands is around an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and is perfect for a day trip out of the city. Surrounded by greenery and just off Silversands Park, Aberdour Beach has sloping sands that run down to a sheltered bay. Ideal for paddling plus there is also a kayaking club at one end of the cove. While if you have kids why not try out the kid’s golf green and the bouncy castle that is often set up during the summer.
Note: Aberdour Silver Sands has a lifeguard and on-site toilets but they are only available during the summer.
Cramond Beach
Cramond is one of the best seaside towns to see historic sights and is home to the beautiful Cramond Beach and Cramond Island. The town is one of Scotland’s oldest fishing settlements and still has its row of white fishermen’s cottages near the coastline. From the beach, you can walk along the river Almond and see the picturesque Cramond Falls. On the beach itself, you can enjoy a walk on the sand or a stroll along the promenade. Parking is available at the beach and dogs are allowed too.
“Cramond Beach is attached to Cramond Island by a stone causeway, which is accessible at low tide and is one of my favourite spots to walk to. If you plan on doing this make sure to check tide times before you set out.”
Gullane Beach
Gullane Beach is one of the best beaches in East Lothian to visit on sunny days. Large sand dunes help keep it sheltered and the soft golden sands are perfect for stretching out on your beach towel. Gullane also has lots of beautiful rock pools, which become visible when the tide is out. If I’m looking for clean water beaches near me to go for a dip, Gullane is definitely the top of my list.
Gullane is also a fantastic spot to visit if you’re into wildlife, as it is located just along the coast from the Aberlady Bay Nature Reserve and has many native species living there. While hikers heading to Gullane can explore the nearby coastal trails. From Gullane, you can walk to Dunbar, which has plenty of photogenic beauty spots and is part of the John Muir Country Park. This trek also runs past the North Berwick Scottish Seabird Centre and takes roughly 6 hours.
Fisherrow Sands
Fisherrow Sands is a relatively hidden gem and is one of the best beaches near Edinburgh for a relaxing visit. The sand flats are a haven for many protected seabirds, so I always take my binoculars when I’m heading that way. Fisherrow Beach also has an outdoor children’s play area and there are public toilets nearby.
You’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants in the nearby town of Musselburgh, which is a great spot to try local shellfish or grab an ice cream. In the summer, Musselburgh also puts on its annual Musselburgh Festival, which features rides, kid’s workshops, and street food stalls. For somewhere to stay, check out Drummohr Campsite, which is home to some of the best glamping Edinburgh has to offer.
Note: Although dogs are allowed on the beach, they can disturb the wildlife, so it’s best to keep them on a lead.
Looking for more things to do in and around Edinburgh? Check out these free things to do in the city and KAYAK’s favourite Edinburgh food markets.
