North Berwick has some of the best beaches in eastern Scotland. The town beach (West Bay, immediately west of the harbour) is broad, sandy, and faces directly toward the Forth — at low tide it stretches for almost a mile. Milsey Bay, on the east side of the harbour, is smaller and has the tidal swimming pool. Both fly the blue flag for water quality most years.
For more space and pine-forest backing, drive a few minutes west to Yellowcraig Beach at Dirleton, which is the area's family favourite and looks across to Fidra Island.
The water in the Firth of Forth is cold all year round — typically 6°C in winter, 13°C in late summer — but it is clean. Wetsuits are common; surf schools operate from East Beach at Dunbar 25 km east.