The warm sandy shorelines satisfy sun seekers and the city dwellers enjoy the cool restaurants and shops. You don't have to decide between coast and city because both are close by.

You can go for a walk on the beach and then dine in the city. You can see all of the attractions in one day.

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It is possible to enjoy the sun with your canine friends at the best beaches in the city. You can sunbathe in your swimsuit or go nude at one of the best beaches in the city.

People enjoy a beach on a sunny day with mountains in the background.
Kitsilano Beach has something for everyone © Irra / Shutterstock

1. Kitsilano (Kits) Beach

The beach is the best all around.

Do you want to chill on the sand or play basketball? The beach will be suitable for everyone. Basketball pick-up games on the beach are a great way to meet people. An annual summer sports festival that lets you participate in everything from touch football to sunset yoga on the beach is taking place in August.

The Kits Pool is one of the longest saltwater pools in the world and is a great place for swimmers to take a dip. The beach has mats that allow for easy access to the sand for people with mobility challenges and free-floating water wheelchairs.

The playground has been updated and is a great place for the kids to play. The beach is a great place for people-watching, and if you're feeling snacky, waterfront restaurants, cafes and snack shacks will keep you fueled as you enjoy a full day on the beach.

You can take a 15-minute stroll up the street to West 4th Ave, which is one of the best neighborhoods in the city.

Panoramic view at English Bay with beach and people in West End, near Morton and Stanley Park
English Bay Beach beckons both city dwellers and sun seekers © Michael Wels / Getty Images

2. English Bay Beach

The city's best beach.

The bustling beach is located between the busy West End neighborhood and Stanley Park, which is the best park in the city. The city's proximity to downtown makes the beach a popular choice for a car-free cavort, with a pedestrian, bike and roller-skating seawall boardwalk separated from the sand by a row of beachfront restaurants.

The scenery is one of the biggest draws, with up- close skyline views, small packs of palm trees, and notable public-art displays, like the Inukshuk piece, a striking rock structure that represents Inuit culture, and the larger-than-life "A-maze-

One of the city's busiest beaches doesn't have a lot of parking. If you want to get a good spot to sit on the sand, you should visit English Bay by foot, bike or bus.

3. Second Beach

For families, it's the best.

This family-friendly beach is located on the western side of Stanley Park and has a playground and concession stand.

There is a heated outdoor pool with a sloping entrance that is suitable for little swimmers. The Stanley Park Pitch & Putt course is nearby and there are free outdoor movie screenings during the summer.

You can rent a bike and cycle to the beach. Along the way, there are a few spacious parks, small sandy beaches, and scenic spots to stop and take pictures. There is a statue of a girl in a Wetsuit that can be seen along the way.

 A summer day on Jericho Beach in Kitsilano. People are spread out on the beach with the city of Vancouver in the background
Jericho Beach is the ideal spot to take in a sunset © Christa Boaz / Getty Images

4. Jericho Beach

It's the best for city views.

It is possible to take in a sunset at the beach. The setting sun illuminates the sky with shades of pink and purple against the city skyline and distant North Shore mountains.

If you want to get out on the water, you can rent a sailboard, stand up paddle board, or kayak at the Jericho Sailing Centre. The perfect setting for a picnic is a long seawall walk. The Folk Music Festival takes place at the beach in July.

This beach has a stretch of soft sand that is perfect for building sandcastles, so be sure to bring sand toys with you. There is a park with a small pond that makes for a nice shaded stroll.

5. Spanish Banks Beach

It's the best for a party.

This beach is a great place to gather your friends, pack a picnic, perch on a log and have a good time. There are large grassy areas and picnic tables that can be used for BBQ. One of the largest off-leash dog parks in the city is located at Spanish Banks and it has water access to keep your puppies cool.

Located in a residential area, this beach tends to be a bit quieter than its sister spots, but it still offers up the same stunning city views and is home to eight beach-volleyball courts for those who want to enjoy some fun in the sand

Aim to visit during low tide when the sand stretches for miles. If there is a breeze, be sure to bring a kite since the Pacific Ocean can be quite cold.

A man surfing on an overcast day
Wreck Beach has an eclectic mix of people, making it a great spot for people-watching © mabus13 / Getty Images

6. Wreck Beach

Nudists are the best.

Wreck Beach is North America's largest naturist beach and you can walk through the forest to reach it.

There is a sea of independent vendors, a crew of counterculture locals and clusters of newcomers all in the nude at this beach. The VanTan Nudist Club is a great place to meet other naturists during your stay.

This beach is a great place for people-watching because of the mix of people. Photographers are not allowed to take pictures at home. Lookie-loos are frowned upon so be prepared to remove your clothes. The beach is more difficult to access due to a 490 step stairway.

The first article was published in June of 2020.