3 beaches near Edinburgh: Where to go for sun, sand, and surf

Look, no one is calling the Scottish capital of Edinburgh a beach destination. This is a city where you come to experience rich history, beautiful architecture, and some of the best relics of Scottish history and culture, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

However, Edinburgh does lie on the south side of the Firth of Forth, an estuary that opens onto the North Sea right outside the city. Many islands in the estuary make for impressive views, like Bass Rock and Cramond Island. This also means that you can find some of the most stunning beaches not far from Edinburgh's city centre on Scotland's East Coast. Okay, admittedly, the water here is chilly, even in July, the warmest month, when temperatures reach 16°C/60°F. Still, that makes for a refreshing dip on a hot day, though if you want to stay in the water any longer, a wetsuit may be advisable, especially during the colder months.

You don't have to swim to enjoy the best beaches near Edinburgh, of course. Many of these beaches are worth visiting just for their incredible natural beauty and as a way to take a break from the busy Edinburgh city centre.

Edinburgh's top beaches

Cold water or not, Edinburgh's best beaches get busy during the summer months. That can make them fun places to be, but if you prefer a little solitude, that's not hard to find either. Check out some of these great beaches to enjoy the seaside near the city.

Portobello Beach

Portobello Beach is Edinburgh’s beloved seaside escape, located just a few miles east of the city center. Easily accessible by car, bus (the #26 bus to Seton Sands from Princes Street), or even by bike, the beach is a short 15-minute drive or 20-minute bus ride from the heart of Edinburgh, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to enjoy the fresh sea air and scenic views of the Firth of Forth.

The beach stretches for about two miles along the coast, offering a wide sandy shoreline perfect for relaxing walks, sunbathing (on Scotland’s sunnier days), and picnics. The promenade, which runs parallel to the beach, is a hub of activity where people stroll, cycle, or enjoy a seat on one of the many benches with views of the sea. The relaxed atmosphere and open space make it a favorite spot for families, dog walkers, and anyone looking to unwind by the water.

Portobello Beach has long been a popular destination, with a history as a Victorian-era seaside resort. While it retains some of its historical charm, the beach now has a modern, lively feel with plenty of cafes, ice cream parlors, pubs, and shops along the promenade. You can stop for a coffee, grab some fish and chips, or enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at one of the seaside pubs.

For those who enjoy water sports, Portobello Beach offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, with rental services available nearby. The calm waters of the Firth of Forth make it a great place to try out these activities or simply enjoy a leisurely swim during the warmer months.

The beach also plays host to various events throughout the year, including outdoor markets, festivals, and community events. The Portobello Kayaking and Sailing Club regularly organizes activities and this is also where you can rent equipment for the day.

If you're looking for a leisurely walk, the promenade provides lovely views of the sea and connects to nearby attractions such as Joppa to the east. For a dose of history, Portobello also has some interesting historical landmarks, including Bellfield, a beautifully restored former church that now functions as a community center and events space.

Beyond the beach itself, the surrounding area of Portobello offers a charming seaside suburb with independent shops and a strong sense of community. You can explore the local boutiques, art shops, and traditional bakeries, or take in some local culture by visiting Portobello’s Town Hall.

If you're going to engage in the water sports available here, you'll want to know your belongings are safely looked after while you're out on the water. Luckily, Bounce partners with local businesses throughout Edinburgh to make it easy to find a place to leave your things behind while you enjoy the sandy beach.

John Muir Country Park

John Muir Country Park is a beautiful nature reserve located on the coast of East Lothian, just east of the town of Dunbar and about 30 miles from Edinburgh. Named after the famous naturalist and conservationist John Muir, who was born in Dunbar, the park celebrates his legacy while offering a tranquil escape into nature. It’s easily accessible by car from Edinburgh, with a drive of about 40-50 minutes, and there are public transport options to Dunbar. Take the X7 bus from Princes Street and get off at School Brae. Then, walk less than a mile to the park.

John Muir Country Park stretches along the Firth of Forth coastline, offering a diverse landscape of sandy beaches, mudflats, salt marshes, grasslands, and woodlands. This mix of habitats draws outdoor enthusiasts, families, walkers, and birdwatchers. The park’s peaceful surroundings provide the perfect escape to reconnect with nature or explore Scotland’s scenic coastline.

The wide, sandy beaches are one of the park's main attractions, particularly the stretch near Belhaven Bay, which is popular with families and dog walkers. During low tide, the bay reveals expansive sandy flats that are ideal for beachcombing or paddling in the shallow waters. The beach is also known for being a great spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with its wide open space and coastal breezes.

For those interested in wildlife, John Muir Country Park is a haven for birdwatching. The salt marshes and mudflats are home to a wide variety of bird species, including wading birds, ducks, and geese, making it an excellent destination for ornithologists and nature lovers alike. The nearby Tyne Estuary is another rich area for birdlife, offering a quieter area for observation. If you want to add more of this activity to your trip, the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick near Cramond Beach is a worthy addition to your itinerary.

The park is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained walking and cycling paths, which take visitors through its diverse landscapes. One of the highlights is the John Muir Way, a long-distance trail that runs from Helensburgh on Scotland’s west coast to Dunbar on the east. Walking a section of the trail through the park means following in the footsteps of John Muir and taking in the stunning coastal scenery and peaceful woodlands.

The beaches here are a little way out of the city itself, and if you're driving, you may want space in the car for your travel companions and your beach gear. To make things easier, leave your bags behind with Bounce luggage storage in Edinburgh.

Yellowcraig Beach

Yellowcraig Beach is a stunning coastal gem located near the village of Dirleton in East Lothian, about 25 miles east of Edinburgh. This beautiful, wide, sandy beach is surrounded by grass-covered dunes and woodland. It's a peaceful and natural setting for a day by the sea. Easily accessible by car, it’s about a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh, with parking available close to the beach.

One of the unique features of Yellowcraig Beach is its breathtaking views of Fidra Island, a small rocky island just offshore. Fidra Island, with its lighthouse and dramatic rock formations, is said to have been the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Treasure Island. Stevenson often visited the area as a child, and the mysterious, wild nature of Fidra is reflected in his famous tale of adventure and pirates. Today, the island is a protected wildlife sanctuary, particularly known for its seabird colonies, including puffins, gulls, and cormorants.

The beach itself is ideal for walking, sunbathing, or exploring the rock pools at low tide. The combination of soft sand and grassy dunes makes it a great place for families and dog walkers to enjoy a relaxed day outdoors. The views from Yellowcraig Beach are simply stunning, with the picturesque Fidra Island and the Firth of Forth creating a dramatic backdrop for visitors.

For those who love outdoor activities, the beach is a perfect starting point for coastal walks. There are well-marked trails that take you through the surrounding dunes and woodlands, offering beautiful views of the coastline. John Muir Way is nearby and runs close to the beach.

This beautiful beach is a great way to see the wilder side of Scotland. If you already checked out of your holiday accommodation, let Bounce look after your heavy bags so you can squeeze in one last day at the beach before traveling to the next nearby town or great Scottish city.