East Sands is the smaller, more sheltered St Andrews beach south of the old harbour. It lacks the epic sweep of West Sands, but it is useful in a different way: close to town, family-friendly, and backed by a path, play space, and facilities rather than dunes.
The beach is also a practical place for watersports, with sailing and surfing activity around the harbour side. Come here when you want an easy seaside hour without making the West Sands outing, or when the wind makes a protected bay more attractive than a grand exposed beach.