Beach-Hopping in Paradise: Jersey’s Best Beaches and What Makes Each One Unique (2025)

Welcome to Jersey’s stunning coastline! This little island is fringed with a diverse array of beaches – from sweeping golden bays to tucked-away coves. Whether you’re a sunbather, surfer, rock-pool explorer, or sunset chaser, Jersey’s shores offer something special at every turn. In this friendly insider’s guide, we’ll explore some of the very best beaches around the island, uncovering what makes each one unique. So grab your sun cream and let’s go beach-hopping in paradise!

1. St. Brelade’s Bay

An aerial view of St. Brelade’s Bay on a summer day, with its wide golden beach bordered by seaside cafes and hotels. This iconic beach often tops the lists of Jersey’s favorites – and for good reason​. St. Brelade’s Bay boasts soft golden sand and gentle, clear waters that are perfect for swimming​. The bay is south-facing and soaked in sunshine, with a picturesque backdrop of palm trees and gardens along the promenade. The vibe here is lively yet relaxed – families, friends, and older locals all love this beach for its safe bathing and beautiful views. On a warm day, it’s a postcard-perfect scene of beachgoers swimming, building sandcastles, or snoozing under parasols as yachts bob in the bay.

St. Brelade’s is as convenient as it is gorgeous. It’s easily accessible – you can even catch a bus from St. Helier, and there’s parking right across the road. Facilities are plentiful: clean public toilets, outdoor showers, and places to rent deck chairs or even water sports gear. In summer, lifeguards watch over swimmers, so families feel at ease. And when hunger strikes, you’re spoiled for choice – cafés and restaurants line the shore, from casual beach cafes to spots like the Crab Shack and Oyster Box, serving fresh seafood with a view. Don’t miss treating yourself to a Jersey dairy ice cream or a cold drink from a kiosk. St. Brelade’s Bay really has it all – no wonder it was recently voted one of the best beaches in the UK!​

2. St. Ouen’s Bay

The vast expanse of St. Ouen’s Bay at low tide, with Atlantic waves rolling in – a surfer’s paradise on Jersey’s west coast. If you crave space, surf, and sunsets, head to St. Ouen’s Bay. Stretching along five miles of Jersey’s west coast, this beach is a wild and wonderful playground for seaside adventurers​. The sand seems endless – even on a summer day you’ll find plenty of room to spread out, fly a kite, or play beach cricket. St. Ouen’s consistent Atlantic swells make it the surfing capital of Jersey​. Seasoned surfers and beginners alike flock here year-round, drawn by the reliable waves and the laid-back surf community vibe. If you’ve never surfed, no worries – there are surf schools and rental shops right on the bay to get you started​. Even just watching the surfers carve the waves can be thrilling entertainment over your morning coffee by the shore.

Despite its popularity with surfers, St. Ouen’s never feels overcrowded – its sheer size guarantees a tranquil spot for everyone​. The atmosphere is a bit more rugged and natural here. Behind the beach, rolling dunes and nature reserves invite seaside walks when you need a break from the water. Facilities are conveniently dotted along the bay: multiple car parks (free parking) make access easy, and most have public toilets. Hungry beachgoers can choose from several beloved eateries right on the beachfront. Drop into a laid-back surf café like El Tico or Le Braye for a tasty lunch, or grab a burger and sunset beer at the iconic Watersplash – a beach bar and surf club that’s part of local lore. In the evenings, St. Ouen’s is famous for its spectacular sunsets: many locals park up just to watch the sun sink into the sea in a blaze of color​. It’s the perfect ending to a day at this beach, whether you’ve been riding the waves or simply enjoying the wild beauty of Jersey’s west coast.

3. Plémont Bay

Plémont is the very definition of a hidden gem. Tucked away on Jersey’s northwestern tip, this secluded cove offers drama and beauty in equal measure​. High cliffs envelop a small stretch of sand that only reveals itself at low tide – making your visit feel like a secret adventure. Exploring Plémont is half the fun: you’ll descend a long, steep staircase (about 200+ steps – a bit of a workout!) to reach the beach​. But once you arrive, you’re greeted by golden sand, rugged rock formations, and the sense of discovery. Plémont is famous for its sea caves and rock pools – the largest caves in Jersey are found here, waiting to be explored when the tide is out​. Bring a flashlight or waterproof camera and venture inside these echoing caverns, or snap a silhouette photo against the cave openings for a truly unique Jersey memory. There’s even a little waterfall trickling down the cliffs onto the sand, where you might catch people taking a brisk natural shower under the falls​. From curious kids to avid photographers, everyone finds something to marvel at in Plémont’s natural playground.

The vibe at Plémont Bay is peaceful and off-the-beaten-path. It’s a beloved locals’ beach, and you’ll often find a few intrepid families, couples, and hikers who’ve made the trek down. Because of the step access, you won’t see anyone lugging huge coolers or tents – visitors pack light, and the beach never gets too crowded. Lifeguards are on duty in summer (mid-May to mid-September) to keep an eye on swimmers exploring the waves and pools. One important tip: check the tide times before you go​. At high tide the beach is completely swallowed by the sea, and it’s easy to lose track of time in those caves! Plan to visit as the tide is falling so you have a few hours to enjoy the sand. When you’ve had your fill of adventure, you can reward yourself at Plémont Bay Café up on the clifftop – a lovely café serving homemade waffles, burgers, crab sandwiches and more with an unbeatable panoramic view. Sitting on the terrace with a slice of cake after climbing those steps, overlooking the turquoise bay you just explored, is pure bliss. Plémont may require a little effort, but its wild beauty and hidden treasures make it well worth it​.

4. Grève de Lecq

On Jersey’s north coast lies Grève de Lecq, a family favorite that feels like a cozy secret among the cliffs​. This sheltered bay is flanked by wooded hills and dramatic cliffs, giving it a snug, scenic charm​. The sand here is a coarse golden hue, and a little stream trickles across the beach to the sea – a simple feature that provides endless entertainment for kids who love to build dams and splash in the trickling water​. Rock pools emerge at low tide, full of tiny crabs and critters to discover. The sea at Grève de Lecq doesn’t retreat too far even at low tide, so you’ve usually got good swimming conditions and a pretty view of the water all day long​. In summer, lifeguards patrol the beach, adding extra reassurance for families enjoying a dip or a paddleboard session​. The whole bay has a friendly, playful atmosphere – it’s the kind of place where local families set up camp for the day with coolers and beach games, and visitors quickly feel at home among them.

Grève de Lecq comes well-equipped without losing its natural charm. Parking is easy and free, just a short walk from the sand​. You’ll find public toilets and outdoor showers to wash off sandy toes. When hunger strikes, there are a couple of great options right by the beach. Colleen’s Café sits along the small promenade – a beloved spot for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon cream tea with fabulous views of the bay​. (Their homemade cakes are hard to resist!) There’s also a casual snack kiosk for ice creams and cold drinks, and often an ice cream van parked up – perfect for treating the kids. Just off the beach, a charming country pub housed in an old watermill (just up the lane) offers hearty meals and a beer garden shaded by trees​. With food, facilities, and even some nearby walking trails (the scenic clifftop path to the Devil’s Hole blowhole is not far), Grève de Lecq has everything you need for a fun-filled family beach day. It’s no surprise this bay is the most popular spot on Jersey’s north shore​ – it truly has something for everyone, wrapped in a beautiful and sheltered setting.

5. Beauport Beach

If your idea of beach paradise is a secluded cove with crystal-clear water and hardly a building in sight, Beauport will steal your heart. Tucked around the corner from St. Brelade’s Bay, Beauport Beach is often called Jersey’s hidden gem – a place of unspoiled beauty and tranquility​. The beach is framed by high cliffs and gorse-covered hills, giving it a sense of enclosure and shelter from any breeze. The sand here is soft and golden, dotted with pebbles and lapped by water that can be remarkably blue on a sunny day. Thanks to its off-the-beaten-track location, Beauport is usually quiet and peaceful. You might share it with a handful of sunbathers and the odd pleasure boat moored offshore. In fact, it’s a favorite anchorage for small boats – don’t be surprised to see a couple of yachts bobbing in the bay as their owners take a swim on a hot day​. The vibe is all about relaxation: this is the kind of beach where you bring a good book, listen to the seagulls, and feel a world away from the busier tourist spots.

Getting to Beauport Beach is a small adventure in itself. You’ll need to walk down a steep footpath and a set of steps from the clifftop parking area to reach the sand​. It’s not wheelchair or stroller accessible, and carrying a heavy picnic back up can leave you huffing and puffing – but that natural isolation is exactly why Beauport remains so uncrowded and special​. (Take your time on the way back up, and enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline as a built-in rest!) There are no facilities on the beach itself – no café, no shop, not even a lifeguard or rental shack here​. So come prepared with whatever you’ll need for the day: water, snacks, sunscreen, and perhaps a snorkel to explore the rocky nooks. (There are public toilets by the car park up top, so you’re not totally without amenities​.) The reward for this bit of extra effort is a truly idyllic spot that feels almost like a private beach. The water is usually calm for swimming, and at high tide Beauport becomes a little lagoon, great for a paddle or a float. At low tide the sands expand, revealing rock pools at the edges of the bay. If you’re up for a little exploration, scramble along the rocks on either side for different perspectives – just be cautious and wear good shoes. Beauport is proof that sometimes the prettiest beaches require a little walk, and it’s so worth it for the slice of paradise you get in return​.

6. Portelet Bay

Tranquil twilight at Portelet Bay, with the tide gently surrounding Janvrin’s Tomb on its tidal islet. Portelet Bay is a jewel of the south coast – a gorgeous, horseshoe-shaped cove that feels like a secret hideaway. It’s well-loved by locals and those visitors lucky enough to discover it, often praised as one of Jersey’s greatest beaches​. What makes Portelet instantly eye-catching is the tiny island right in the middle of the bay, topped with an old stone tower. This is Janvrin’s Tomb (a historic Martello tower and the resting place of a 18th-century sea captain), and it gives the bay a storybook quality. At low tide you can walk across the wet sand and rocks to circle the little island – it’s fun to explore around the base of the tower, imagining pirate lore, before the water comes back in. The whole bay is ringed by cliffs and wooded slopes, keeping it sheltered from winds and lending a wild natural beauty. Because of that protection, the waters here are usually calm – perfect for snorkeling and kayaking​. You can often spot marine life in the clear shallows or around the rocks (bring a mask if you enjoy snorkeling!). Kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders love gliding around Portelet’s calm bay – some even paddle over from nearby Ouaisné or St. Brelade’s Bay. If you’re up for it, it’s possible to kayak out of the cove and around to see hidden caves and coves along the shore​.

Like many of Jersey’s prettiest bays, Portelet hides at the bottom of a cliff – which means a steep descent and climb. A long zigzagging stairway of about a hundred steps leads you down through the trees to the beach​. This does require a bit of effort (and isn’t ideal for those with mobility issues), but it also means Portelet is never overrun with crowds. The beach down below is usually quiet, with just a handful of sunbathers, snorkelers, and families who don’t mind the hike. Facilities are minimal on the beach itself, but uniquely, Portelet does have a fantastic eatery right on the sand. The Portelet Bay Café is a much-loved spot that serves up wood-fired pizzas, fresh local seafood, and salads – you can wander straight from your beach blanket to a table for lunch!​

Enjoying a delicious pizza with your toes in the sand and that epic view of the bay is an experience you won’t forget. (The café is seasonal, usually open in spring and summer daytime, and some evenings – it’s a good idea to check times in advance.) Up at the clifftop near the parking area, you’ll also find the old Portelet Inn pub. It’s a family-friendly pub known for its quirky pirate-themed play area, perfect if you have kids who need to burn off energy after the climb​. The inn’s beer garden is a lovely place to relax for a pint or meal with a panoramic outlook. Between the beach café and the hilltop inn, you definitely won’t go hungry or thirsty at Portelet. The atmosphere here is mellow and natural – think couples on romantic picnics, avid swimmers doing their daily laps in the bay, and locals sunbathing with a good book. Portelet Bay invites you to slow down and soak in the scenery. It’s the kind of beach you can easily settle at for a full lazy day, periodically cooling off in the gentle sea and just admiring the view of that little tower island standing guard over the tranquil cove.

7. Ouaisné Bay

Right next door to St. Brelade’s (literally around a small headland) lies Ouaisné Bay – a connected beach with a very different feel. While St. Brelade’s bustles, Ouaisné (pronounced like “Way-nay”) remains relatively quiet and undeveloped, making it a favorite for locals seeking a more low-key escape. This wide stretch of sand is actually continuous with St. Brelade’s at low tide, but it’s separated by a rocky outcrop and a defensive sea wall, giving Ouaisné its own identity​. The sand is flat and firm, excellent for walking and jogging. At one end, you’ll find a cluster of sand dunes and wild grasses – one of the few areas of natural dune habitat on Jersey’s south coast. These dunes not only add beauty but also are fun for children to clamber on (under supervision, as they are protected areas). Ouaisné is often blissfully uncrowded, even in mid-summer​. You can lay down a towel and be surrounded by nothing but open sand and sea views, with St. Brelade’s busy bay just out of sight around the corner. The beach faces southwest, so it gets plenty of sun and is also a great spot to watch the sun set or to catch the evening light on the water. The vibe here is very relaxed and nature-oriented – you might see local dog walkers (Ouaisné is dog-friendly year-round, unlike some other beaches with summer restrictions), and families who prefer a quieter beach day. It’s also popular with swimmers who want to do proper open-water swims in a quieter setting; the waters are generally as calm and safe as St. Brelade’s since it’s essentially the same bay, just less crowded.

Despite its quieter feel, Ouaisné does have a few amenities to make your visit comfortable. There’s a decent-sized free car park tucked behind the dunes, so parking is usually straightforward. Adjacent to the parking, you’ll find public toilet facilities (so handy when spending a few hours here)​. And perhaps Ouaisné’s most famous feature: the Old Smugglers Inn pub sits just by the edge of the bay. This cozy, historic inn (parts of it date back centuries) is a much-loved watering hole for islanders. It’s the perfect place to retreat to when you want a break from the sun – enjoy a pint in the beer garden or a hearty pub lunch inside the rustic, ship-themed interior​. Many people combine a swim at Ouaisné with fish and chips or a seafood platter at the Smugglers Inn, making for a classic Jersey summer evening. If you’re up for a short walk, explore the headland path that starts at the end of Ouaisné Bay: a little trail will lead you up to a viewpoint and bench that overlook both Ouaisné and St. Brelade’s Bay from above. It’s a fantastic spot to appreciate how these two beaches blend – one bustling, one tranquil. In windy weather, locals actually prefer Ouaisné, as the bay can be a touch more sheltered. All in all, Ouaisné offers a quiet slice of paradise with the bonus of having St. Brelade’s attractions nearby if you want them. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a peaceful morning swim almost to yourself, then wander over to the next bay for an ice cream – the best of both worlds.

8. Havre des Pas

Havre des Pas brings a different flavor to Jersey’s beach scene – a blend of Victorian seaside charm and urban convenience. Located on the edge of St. Helier (the island’s main town), Havre des Pas is not a vast natural beach like others on this list. Instead, it’s a smaller sandy cove best known for its historic tidal swimming pool. This ornate sea pool, built in the 1890s, is the centerpiece of Havre des Pas and a cherished part of Jersey’s heritage​. At high tide, the pool refills with fresh seawater, effectively becoming an ocean infinity pool where you can swim sheltered from any waves​. At low tide, the pool is enclosed by a concrete wall, and a sandy beach stretches out beyond it to the water’s edge. Around the pool are terraced areas and steps where sunbathers lounge as if at an old-fashioned lido. There’s even a small children’s splash pool sectioned off for little ones​. The atmosphere here is wonderfully nostalgic – imagine families enjoying picnics on the sun-warmed concrete, kids jumping gleefully into the pool, and couples perched on the edge chatting with their feet in the water. All with the backdrop of cheerful seaside buildings and the open sea beyond the pool.

Because it’s essentially an urban beach, Havre des Pas has plenty of facilities at hand. Along the promenade you’ll find everything: public toilets and even showers and changing rooms by the pool​, a cafe right at the poolside for teas, snacks or lunch, and across the road a string of hotels, bars, and restaurants. You can easily grab an ice cream or some hot fish and chips from a nearby shop and enjoy them while sitting on the seawall (a favorite local tradition on a summer evening). In peak season, lifeguards are on duty around the bathing pool, keeping an eye on swimmers’ safety​. Havre des Pas is also known for occasional water polo matches and swimming galas in the pool – real community events that are fun to watch if you catch one. The beach area itself, though not huge, has sand for making castles and space for sunbathing when the tide is out. The vibe here is lively and sociable. You’ll encounter a mix of older Jersey residents taking their daily dip, office workers coming for a quick lunchtime swim, and tourists from the nearby hotels experiencing a bit of local life. In the evenings, the area comes alive as people dine at the pub patios and the lights twinkle on the water. If you fancy a stroll, the seaside promenade here connects further east toward the harbour at La Collette and west back toward town, offering lovely coastal views. Havre des Pas is the beach to choose when you want a convenient, family-friendly swim spot with character, or if you’re staying in St. Helier and need a quick beach fix without traveling far. It shows a different side of Jersey’s beach culture – one steeped in history and community, right on the doorstep of the city.

9. Archirondel Beach

On Jersey’s east coast, Archirondel offers a charming change of scenery with its pebbly shore and iconic red-and-white tower. This small beach is nestled in St. Catherine’s Bay, with green hills on one side and the open sea on the other. As you arrive down the winding lane, the first thing you’ll likely notice is Archirondel Tower – a 18th-century round fort painted in bold stripes of brick red and white, standing on a rocky outcrop at the edge of the beach. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Jersey, and it lends Archirondel a unique character. The beach itself is a mix of coarse sand and pebbles. At high tide, the water comes up quite close and the upper beach is mostly smooth pebbles – bring water shoes if you have tender feet. But at low tide, a decent expanse of firm sand and rock pools is revealed, making it great for a bit of wading and exploring. Swimming at Archirondel is enjoyable, especially around mid to high tide when you can dive in right off the pebble bank – the bay here gets deep quicker than the very shallow southern beaches, so you’re swimming almost immediately​. The area is also popular with kayakers and paddleboarders on calm days, and you might see fishermen casting off the nearby pier. One of the delights of Archirondel is the scenic view: on a clear day, you can gaze out and see the coast of France on the horizon​, and watch sailing boats coming from St. Catherine’s slip. The vibe is peaceful and somewhat hidden-away, since Archirondel is off the main tourist track. You’ll often find mostly local families and couples here, enjoying a quiet morning swim or a weekend beach picnic.

Archirondel may be small, but it has a beloved spot to refuel: the Driftwood Café sits right at the edge of the beach, offering front-row seats to the tower and sea. This rustic beach café is known for hearty breakfasts, delicious crab sandwiches, and homemade cakes – an ideal place to start or end your beach time. There are a few tables and also takeaway for enjoying your meal on the sand. Facilities wise, Archirondel has a car park (free) just behind the cafe, which makes access easy. There are also public toilets on site (tucked by the car park), so basic needs are covered. If you’re up for a walk, you can venture north on the coastal path towards St. Catherine’s Breakwater, a scenic walk with sea views and spots to sit and watch the waves. In late summer, blackberries grow along the path – a sweet treat if you pick a few! Archirondel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quiet beach with charm and a bit of history. It’s particularly lovely in the morning, as the east coast sunshine sparkles on the water – and a morning swim followed by coffee and breakfast at the Driftwood Café will make you feel like you’ve truly experienced Jersey’s laid-back coastal life. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the pretty tower before you leave!

10. Green Island

Last but not least, Green Island (La Motte) offers a little adventure on Jersey’s southeast coast. This beach gets its name from the small grassy islet just off shore – at low tide you can actually walk across the wet sand to this “green island” and stand atop it, marooned in your own tiny world until the tide comes back in. Green Island Beach is a relatively small cove, but at low tide it transforms dramatically. Jersey’s tidal range is one of the largest in the world, and here the sea retreats to unveil a vast expanse of sand dotted with rocky outcrops and pools​. It’s rock-pooling heaven – kids and adults alike can spend hours searching the shallow pools for bright anemones, little fish and crabs scuttling among the seaweed. The sand is smooth and firm, great for running around or playing beach cricket. Because it’s on the southeast, Green Island enjoys calmer waters (often lake-like when the wind is low) and it’s generally safe for swimming, though you might have to walk out a bit at low tide to get deep enough. The beach is fairly tucked away and feels local and friendly. Many Jersey families favour Green Island for its sheltered setting and the fun of the tidal explorations. It never gets as busy as the big tourist beaches; there’s a mellow, uncrowded atmosphere even on sunny days. Early mornings here are especially peaceful, with fantastic sunrise views over the sea if you’re up for it.

Green Island has just enough in the way of amenities to keep you comfortable. There’s a small parking area on the coastal road above the beach – it can fill up quickly on hot weekends, so timing is key. A slipway leads you right down to the sand, making it easy to bring beach gear (and for water sports enthusiasts to launch kayaks or SUPs). For food, you’re in for a treat: the Green Island Restaurant sits at the top of the slipway, a well-regarded beachside restaurant offering everything from creamy seafood chowder to locally caught fish and chips. It has a sun-drenched terrace with uninterrupted sea views – perfect for a leisurely lunch or sunset dinner after your beach time​. In summer months they often run a little beach snack kiosk too, for ice creams and cold drinks on the go. While there aren’t public restrooms right on the beach, patrons of the restaurant can use their facilities, and there’s usually a portable toilet unit by the car park in peak season for general use. The character of Green Island is very much “easygoing island life.” It’s the kind of spot where locals greet each other in the water during their daily swim, and where you might chat with someone about the shells you found on the shore. If you feel like exploring, you can stroll eastwards along the coastal shallows at low tide – just keep an eye on the clock and tide so you don’t get cut off. Green Island may be smaller in size, but it’s big on natural charm and fun, offering a memorable beach outing that showcases Jersey’s extreme tides and gentle beauty.

From vibrant bays to secret coves, Jersey’s coastline truly has it all. Each beach on this list has its own personality – and part of the joy of living or holidaying here is getting to know them like old friends. One day you might crave the buzz and amenities of St. Brelade’s or Grève de Lecq; another day you seek the solitude of Beauport or Plémont’s wild touch. Why not try them all and see which becomes your personal favorite? In Jersey, you’re never more than a few minutes from your next beach escape. So pack your beach bag, follow the tide, and enjoy the unique treasures that each Jersey beach has to offer. Happy beach-hopping! 🏖️