Koszalin's practical value as a base is largely down to Mielno, the Baltic resort town 14 kilometres to the north. Mielno sits on a narrow strip of land between Lake Jamno and the open sea, with good sandy beaches on both sides. In July and August it is extremely popular with Polish holidaymakers, but outside the peak season — June and September are both pleasant — the beaches are quiet and the water swimmable, if cold. The lake side offers calmer water and is good for windsurfing and kayaking.
Further east along the coast, Kołobrzeg is a larger resort with a restored medieval old town and a functioning fishing harbour. It is one of the more attractive Baltic resorts in Poland, with a good spa tradition and a long beach backed by dunes. From Koszalin, both Mielno and Kołobrzeg are easily reached by bus or car, making the city a sensible base for exploring the Pomeranian coast without staying in the resorts themselves.