Located on the southern coastline of Lantau Island, Cheung Sha Beach consistently ranks among the best beaches in Hong Kong for its pristine and crystal-clear waters. There are two sections of Cheung Sha Beach to choose from — Lower and Upper Cheung Sha Beach — but with three kilometres of golden sand available, you’ll never run out of space. Take a stroll along one of the city’s cleanest beaches or try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking for beginners. Feeling peckish? Satisfy your appetite between dips in the ocean at a variety of beachside restaurants.

Hidden in the serene Shek O Village on the southern part of Hong Kong Island, Shek O Beach is regarded as the backyard of the island. It attracts a large number of people in search of white sand beaches every weekend. The water quality at Shek O Beach has often been rated “good”, making it a popular choice for a splash in summer. Similar to other public beaches in Hong Kong, Shek O beach offers all of the essential amenities — changing rooms, showers, toilets and barbeque pits. Visit the famous Blue Bridge, also known as the ‘Lover’s Bridge’, which is near Shek O Village.

If the name didn’t give it away, this popular beach on the eastern tip of Hong Kong Island is best known for its large waves that roll in from the Tathong Channel. Not to be confused with a Sai Kung beach of the same name, this one is a favourite haunt for local surfers, with swells ideal for both beginners and seasoned pros. Enjoy the ocean views as you lie on a mat in the soft, golden sand, while green hills roll by on one side and blue oceans spread out in the distance. At the end of your day, pop into Shek O village to indulge in fresh seafood dishes for a post-beach meal.

This beach is located on the east shore of Clear Water Bay Peninsula in Sai Kung and has been consistently rated as “good” because of its great water quality. The charming bay is crowded with junk boats in the summer, but swimmers and beachgoers need not worry — there is plenty of room to splash around. Second Beach’s temperate waters have long been praised for being clean and clear, and besides the usual public facilities — showers, kiosks, bathrooms, and changing rooms — you can also rent kayaks or rafts for a leisurely paddle. Take a 15-minute walk through the footpath that connects Second Beach’s smaller counterpart, First Beach, and enjoy the views. You can also pair your beach visit with a hike; Clear Water Bay Country Park is just around the corner.

Situated on the south part of Hong Kong Island, Repulse Bay Beach is just a half-hour drive from the city centre. Its beautiful scenery has made many literary figures swoon over the years. Repulse Bay Beach provides generous space, picture-perfect views, and a wealth of amenities. The beach is surrounded by mountains dotted with high-rise residential buildings. It’s one of Hong Kong’s longest beaches at 292 m, so you won’t have to compete for space with other day-trippers. There is a large shopping centre with diverse restaurants, lifestyle shops, and even a private members’ club for families with little ones. Clean public bathrooms and snack kiosks are a given, and children have plenty of space to romp around and splash in the sea.

Located on the south of Hong Kong Island, Stanley Main Beach is renowned for its captivating seaside views paired with exquisite architecture along the coast. Known for its laid-back community of street markets, seaside restaurants and cafes, outdoor adventures, and hikes through lush wilderness, Stanley is a favourite among visitors and locals. The beach is easily accessible, and you’ll find barbecue pits, showers, and kiosks serving refreshments. Stanley Market and Murray House provide an abundance of dining and leisure options. The beach is also the location of one of Hong Kong’s annual Dragon Boat Championships, where colourful watercrafts are paddled to the beat of a drum by a rowing crew.

This long stretch of sand is frequented by families for good reason. Conveniently located near Gold Coast Hotel in So Kwun Wat, a coastal area in the western New Territories, Golden Beach offers ample space and fun adventures for kids. The lush tropical trees surrounding the shore create an authentic vacation vibe, making it hard to believe that this is the first man-made beach in Hong Kong. Aside from the artificial sand, Golden Beach has a decent array of amenities, including beachfront tuck shops, changing rooms, volleyball courts, and more. Hungry? A full range of restaurants, along with a resort hotel and a shopping mall, are just a stone’s throw away.

Tucked away on the southern side of Sharp Island in the Sai Kung Peninsula, Hap Mun Bay Beach is also known as ‘Half Moon Bay’ for its perfect crescent shape. It’s surrounded by lush green hills and can be reached by boat or kayak. The beach’s alluring beauty, flawless white sand shores and consistently high water quality make it a bucket list destination. Because of the lagoon’s remote location, basic facilities are scarce, so do plan ahead and bring your own supplies.

On Lantau Island’s southern coast lies Pui O Beach, a beautiful hidden gem of Hong Kong. Featuring an exquisite stretch of black and white sand, Pui O Beach offers one of Hong Kong’s most scenic swims. In comparison to Chang Sha Beach, Pui O Beach has smaller and calmer waves perfect for beginner surfers. The serene shoreline is also an ideal place for parents to spend an afternoon with their little ones in nature.

Lido Beach is located on the western side of Ting Kau Bridge. The soft sand and picturesque views, particularly those of the gorgeous sunset, make up for the size of this compact 200-metre beach. A lesser-known stretch in the Ting Kau area boasts two public volleyball courts — perfect for a scrimmage session under the shadow of Tsing Ma Bridge, which looms over the sandy bay in all its architectural glory. Beach bums will find all the amenities that they need, including showers, changing facilities, and even a tuck shop selling all sorts of snacks.