Though the province has endless coastlines, Newfoundland is not particularly known for its sandy beaches. However, it’s not finding a beach that is difficult, it’s guessing whether it will be warm enough to head to one! Just in case it is, we’ve compiled a list of sandy beaches in the province to sink your toes into this summer.
Marine Park
Drive time from St. John’s: about thirty minutes.
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The sandy beach on Herring Cove Pond within Marine Park is the closest one to St. John’s. It has a unique layout, with the sand preceded by a grassy area that is also suitable for laying out on. It has a Snack Shack right at the beach so you don’t need to go far to eat and drink, and you can grab your supplies at Levi John’s Country Convenience on the way in. The maximum you’ll pay to enter with a carload of people is $20.
Salmon Cove Sands
Drive time from St. John’s: about an hour and a half
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Salmon Cove Sands is on the northeast Avalon peninsula and only costs a few dollars per person to enter. There’s a small canteen for snacks and ice cream, and you can buy more supplies in nearby Carbonear.
Northern Bay Sands
Drive time from St. John’s: about an hour and forty-five minutes.
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Northern Bay Sands is the name of both the sandy beach and the campground that contains it. This may be as far as you want to go for a day trip from St. John’s, and you’ll be able to enjoy swimming in the ocean or the freshwater pond that runs into it. Hogan’s Take-Out and Liquor Express is in walking distance.
Eastport Beach
Drive time from St. John’s: about three hours
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Eastport Beach has plenty of restaurants, shops, and accommodations around it. Freshmart is just one kilometre away and two more beautiful, sandy beaches are very close as well: drive about five minutes to Eastport Beach North or about ten minutes to Sandy Cove Beach.
Golden Sands Resort
Drive time from St. John’s: about three hours and fifteen minutes
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Calling it a “resort” might be a stretch, but Golden Sands is an awesome place to go in the summer. This is another sandy beach that actually has fresh water, as it is situated on a large pond. Golden Sands has a canteen (yes, with ice cream) and a take-out restaurant. There is little reason to leave, but if you do, the relatively large municipality of Marystown is about twenty minutes of driving away.
Lumsden Beach
Drive time from St. John’s: about four hours and fifteen minutes.
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Quite far off the beaten path is Lumsden Beach, sometimes thought to be the best beach in Newfoundland. Robbin’s Clover Farm Supermarket and Rich’s Convenience Plus and Liquor Express are less than ten minutes away by car, but a bit far for walking.
Musgrave Harbour Beach
Drive time from St. John’s: about four and a half hours
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Not too far from Lumsden Beach is Musgrave Harbour Beach. The best parts of the beach are in Banting Memorial Municipal Park, which you can access for the day for just $6 and also has a fresh water area for swimming. From the park, you can get to Elaine’s Red & White Food Store or D & M Services and Liquor Express by car in under ten minutes.
Deer Lake Beach
Drive time from St. John’s: about six and a half hours
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The beach with the most urban surroundings, Deer Lake Beach is perfect if you’re looking for a sandy beach in the western half of the province. It might be a good place to spend your final day in Newfoundland, too, with Deer Lake Airport a few minutes away. Moo Lu Choo’s is a take-out restaurant right on the beach, and many other places to eat are close.
Bottle Cove Beach
Drive time from St. John’s: about eight hours
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Bottle Cove Beach is very far from St. John’s, and about an hour away from Corner Brook on the west coast. You’ll see Sheppard’s Clover Farm Supermarket a few minutes before hitting the beach so you can get some supplies there. If you need a bigger meal, Captain Cook’s Galley is a short drive or ten-minute walk away.
