Minehead's beach is a long, gently shelving stretch of fine sand and shingle that runs east from the harbour for about three miles to Blue Anchor. At low tide it is enormous; at high tide the sea covers most of it and laps the seawall. The water quality has been consistently rated good in recent years and there is a designated swimming zone with seasonal lifeguards in front of the resort.
The walk east along the promenade to Blue Anchor Bay is flat, paved, and good for families. For something wilder, head west on the South West Coast Path: within ten minutes you are above the town on North Hill, with the small pebble cove of Greenaleigh Beach down a steep path below.