There's nothing better than a day at the beach or a post-work evening stroll to watch the sunset over the sea and while we may not have a sandy cove in Cardiff, there are some great places just a short drive away to make sure we don't miss out on a paddle or sandcastle building sesh.
If you're happy to go further afield, or planning a holiday around Wales, the list of best beaches around the country is one to look at or if you're heading to Pembrokshire this summer, all the best beaches and coves are listed, here. An easy way to spot a great beach is if it has Blue Flag status, the list for 2022 is out and you can check that out, here. The beaches where dogs are banned over the summer can be found, here.
But if you just want a day or evening out not too far from the Welsh capital, we've got the perfect list - you just need to pack a towel and some suntan lotion.
Read more: The two Welsh seaside hotels named among the 25 best in the UK
Whitmore Bay, Barry
This is the main beach at Barry Island and it's long and sandy, flanked at one end by colourful beach huts and a climbing wall and the other by Marco's Cafe and two brilliant chip shops. It'll take about 30 minutes or thereabouts, depending on traffic, to get there from Cardiff.
Get there: Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 5TJ
Jackson's Bay, Barry
If you want to steer clear of the slots and fairground rides, Barry also has the smaller, sandy cove of Jackson's Bay, which is popular with wild swimmers and backs onto some high cliffs, so visually different to Whitmore in more ways than one. It is accessed down a steep path from Redbrink Crescent and also along 'Clement Colley Walk' which runs around the headland to Barry Island.
Get there: Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 5TU
Dunraven Bay (Southerndown)
This is one of the Vale of Glamorgan's great spots to watch the sunset on the clifftop or from the rocky and sandy beach (depending on where the tide is) and is part of the Glamorgan Heritage coast. Southerndown is the name of the nearby village, whereas Dunraven Bay - the actual beach - is named after the nearby castle ruins. Depending on traffic it might take you up to 40 minutes to get here from Cardiff.
Get there: Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan, CF32 0RP
Ogmore-by-Sea
Rock pools, sandy parts and a lovely place for a short walk, up and down the seafront, Ogmore by Sea is a popular beach to visit and has a large cliff top car park where you'll find street food and coffee traders and other facilities. It's also part of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.
Get there: Ogmore-by-Sea, Vale of Glamorgan, CF32 0PD
Rest Bay, Porthcawl
The long sandy beach at Rest Bay is perfect for a day exploring rock pools or a walk along the coastal path which runs across the back of the beach. There's a brand new water sports centre and cafe at the Blue Flag beach, which is a favourite among surfers. Another beach that should take you around 40 minutes to get to, Porthcawl also has Trecco Bay and Coney Beach to explore too.
Get there : Porthcawl, CF36 3UP
Nash Point
Another Vale of Glamorgan beach, this one is all rocks but is fun to explore with the kids and up on the cliff you can park up and relax on the picnic benches with a cuppa or take a walk and have a look at the lighthouse. It's about 45 minutes out of Cardiff.
Get there: Nash Point, Vale of Glamorgan, CF61 1ZH
Merthyr Mawr
Huge, vast sand dunes to explore and tire yourself out on, Merthyr Mawr Warren National Nature Reserve will lead you onto the all-year-round dog-friendly Newton Beach in Porthcawl - which leads directly to Trecco - while to the left you will find Ogmore. There's a beach walk from Candleston car park that's about 2.4 miles there and back. You'll get there in about 35 minutes from Cardiff.
Get there : Merthyr Mawr , CF32 0LR
