With summer just around the corner, many people will be heading to beaches across Scotland to enjoy the nice weather that rarely graces our nation.
There are plenty of sandy and pebbly beaches near Edinburgh to choose from, with a seemingly endless choice of places to soak up the sun.
And another thing the people of Edinburgh love to do when it's nice out is grab a drink - alcoholic or not - with a friend.
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Edinburgh also has an expansive list of pubs, bars and restaurants with beer gardens to enjoy a pint in the sun.
Here are seven of the top-ranked beaches and beer gardens in and around Edinburgh that locals can choose from when they head out into the warm weather this month and onwards.
Portobello Beach
A popular choice, Portobello Beach has plenty of sun, sea and sand to choose from. Just a few miles from the city centre of Edinburgh, the beach is a charming seaside suburb, with two miles of sand making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
The Seaside Award-winning beach draws large crowds in good weather and also includes a promenade full of cafes, restaurants and leisure attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
Portobello’s elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture is protected within the conservation area and there are a number of attractive parks to enjoy.
Rose Street Garden
Located on George Street, this popular bar and restaurant has had quite a few customers in summers past - including local celebrity Martin Compston.
In fact, he has had his own cocktail made with his cheeky grin printed on top of it - called the Compsto-politan. The laid-back restaurant serves a variety of cocktails all with their own unique twist.
Food is highly rated and they have a charming courtyard to dine in the sun, or rain if the weather turns - with umbrellas and heaters available.
Cramond Beach
A short ride on the number 41 will take you to the shores of Cramond Beach, where the island is in view of the dramatic tide.
On low-tide days, people can make the kilometre walk to the Cramond Island, but it is recommended to check the tide levels first, or risk being stranded.
There isn't as much to do here as Portobello, but a quiet drink at The Cramond Inn could be all you need to finish off the day.
The Last Drop
Located in the popular of Grassmarket in Edinburgh, this pub boasts one of the most well-known beer gardens the capital has to offer.
The old-school public house is known for its warm welcome and cracking selection of real ales.
When summer rolls around, you'll find a cute outdoor terrace that's been designed with sunny pints and people-watching in mind. It is a perfect place to stop, and the Edinburgh Castle backdrop makes it perfect for any tourist.
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North Berwick Beach
Located in East Lothian, and half an hour by train from the capital, this beach has coastal scenery and vibes down to a T.
There is an abundance of shops, restaurants and galleries to explore, making it the perfect place to waste the day away from bustling city life.
Milsey Bay and West Beach are both situated here, offering sand, great paddling conditions, and stunning views of Bass Rock.
Slug & Lettuce - George Street
Plenty of Slug & Lettuce locations get a good name, but this bar on George Street transforms in good weather - taking over part of George Street with a beautiful garden terrace.
With plenty of people watching to do, this stunning beer garden has it all - pints, cocktails, food and free entertainment!
Innis & Gunn Edinburgh
IPA lovers will be waiting for this inclusion into the list - Innis & Gunn is a great option in Edinburgh's West End.
This place offers over 26 different ales on tap, which can be sipped in the sun at one of the street side tables.
For the beer lover in your life, the Leith location is also an option if you are in that area of the city.
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