Hong Kong isn’t just skyscrapers and dim sum – it’s also home to dozens of beaches that cater to all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re a family looking for calm waters, an adventurer chasing secluded shores, or a surfer seeking the next wave, Hong Kong has a beach for you. Locals often rave about how easy it is to escape the city for some sand and sea, and below we’ll dive into the top beach picks and what makes each unique.
Most Popular Beaches
Among all the beaches in Hong Kong, Repulse Bay Beach stands out as the most famous. Its golden sands, picturesque views, and convenient location make it a favorite among both locals and tourists. The beach is known for its luxury surroundings, including high-end residential buildings and a shopping complex with restaurants overlooking the shore. Another iconic beach is Shek O Beach, which is beloved for its laid-back charm, traditional fishing village atmosphere, and vibrant beach culture. Big Wave Bay Beach is also extremely popular, particularly among surfers, thanks to its consistent waves and scenic hiking trails leading to the shore. For those seeking a lively yet accessible beach, these three are the top choices in Hong Kong.
Family-Friendly Fun: Repulse Bay & Stanley
Repulse Bay is Hong Kong’s iconic family beach, famous for its easy access and plentiful amenities. The beach is wide and welcoming, with gentle waves and lifeguards on duty – perfect for kids to splash around. Visitors love that Repulse Bay has restaurants and even a 7-Eleven right by the sand for those emergency snack runs. The vibe is lively on weekends but still relaxing, and there’s a picturesque temple with statues at one end that adds a touch of culture.
Stanley Main Beach, just around the corner on the south side of Hong Kong Island, offers a slightly quieter alternative for families. It’s a short walk from Stanley’s famous market and waterfront promenade, so you can easily pair beach time with shopping or a seaside lunch. Regulars note that Stanley is usually pretty calm on weekdays, making it a nice spot to unwind. It’s also known for hosting annual dragon boat races, transforming the tranquil bay into a thrilling spectacle of paddling teams each June. Stanley also boasts barbecue pits, making it a great choice for a full-day outing.
Another popular family beach is Golden Beach, located near the Gold Coast Hotel in the western New Territories. As Hong Kong’s first man-made beach, it offers calm waters, a spacious shoreline, and plenty of beachfront restaurants, making it a hit among families with young children.
Adventurous Escapes: Sai Kung’s Remote Beaches
If you’re up for an adventure, head to the Sai Kung East Country Park to discover Hong Kong’s most pristine beaches. The crown jewel here is Tai Long Wan (Big Wave Bay in Sai Kung, not to be confused with the one on Hong Kong Island) – a stunning bay with multiple powdery beaches like Sai Wan, Ham Tin, and Tung Wan tucked between green peaks. Reaching them requires a hike or boat ride, but the payoff is clear: sparkling turquoise water, soft sand, and zero skyscrapers in sight. Locals gush about how secluded and beautiful this area is, though they warn it’s not very convenient, with minimal shops or toilets around. In other words, come prepared with water and snacks, and enjoy a true back-to-nature day.
One hidden gem in Sai Kung is Hap Mun Bay Beach, also known as Half Moon Bay, a perfectly curved bay with some of the clearest water in Hong Kong. Accessible only by boat from Sai Kung Pier, it’s a favorite among those looking for a secluded, clean beach experience.
Surf and Sunshine: Big Wave Bay & Shek O
For those craving a bit of action with their sun, Big Wave Bay on Hong Kong Island is the go-to surf beach. Tucked at the end of the famous Dragon’s Back hiking trail, this small bay often has decent waves and a chilled-out surfer vibe. You can rent a board or just watch locals carve up the surf. Despite its popularity among wave riders, Big Wave Bay retains a laid-back atmosphere with a simple beachside café and a quirky surf shack selling drinks and snacks. Some locals actually prefer it to the nearby tourist-favorite Shek O Beach, citing its wonderfully soft sand and fewer crowds. While Shek O (just over the hill) is larger and loved for its quaint village and BBQ spots, it does get packed on sunny weekends – as one beachgoer quipped, Shek O is “always popular” (read: crowded).
Big Wave Bay, by contrast, feels like a hidden nook where you can spread out your towel without bumping into others. Don’t miss the short trail at the bay’s edge that leads to ancient rock carvings – a little bit of history by the sea. And if you’re an early riser, catching a sunrise here with waves lapping the shore is pure magic. After some surf and sun, you can even grab Thai food or a cold beer back over in Shek O village, a five-minute minibus ride away, to cap off your beach day.
Laid-Back Retreats: Lantau Island Beaches
To really get away from it all, hop a ferry or bus to Lantau Island, home to some of Hong Kong’s longest and quietest beaches. The star here is Cheung Sha Beach, a beautiful stretch of golden sand so long it’s divided into Upper and Lower Cheung Sha. Even on a weekend, it never feels too crowded – you’ll see people enjoying volleyball, paddling in the gentle water, or sipping drinks at a couple of seaside cafés without ever feeling packed in. This beach is about as chill as it gets in Hong Kong, and the views of lush Lantau hills meeting the South China Sea are worth savoring. In the evenings, Cheung Sha treats you to fantastic sunsets over the water.
If you’re looking for an even more secluded spot on Lantau, head a bit further west to Tong Fuk Beach. It’s smaller than Cheung Sha but often nearly empty, with equally soft sand and clear water. One local noted that Tong Fuk is less busy and even has nicer sand, plus “the sunsets are prettier” on this side of Lantau.
Another excellent choice on Lantau Island is Pui O Beach, which features unique black and white sand. It’s a great option for those looking for a peaceful escape and is known for its occasional water buffalo sightings.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
While many of Hong Kong’s gazetted beaches prohibit dogs, there are several non-gazetted beaches where your furry friends are welcome. Shek O Back Beach (Rocky Bay), located behind the main Shek O Beach, is a relaxed and pet-friendly spot, though it lacks facilities. Stanley 'Hair Pin' Beach is another option, offering a pebbled area where dogs can roam, though swimming conditions aren’t ideal. Over on Lantau Island, Silvermine Bay Beach near Mui Wo has a designated area for dogs, and nearby pet-friendly cafés make it a great day-out destination. Power Station Beach on Lamma Island is another popular choice, offering a quiet retreat just a short walk from Yung Shue Wan village.
Easiest Beaches to Reach from Tsim Sha Tsui and Central
For those looking for a quick and easy beach escape from Hong Kong’s busiest districts, Repulse Bay Beach is the most convenient option. From Central, simply hop on bus 6, 6X, or 260, and you’ll arrive in about 25 minutes. From Tsim Sha Tsui, a combination of the MTR to Admiralty and a direct bus makes the journey just as smooth. With its golden sands, calm waters, and plenty of dining options, Repulse Bay is the go-to for a hassle-free beach day. Another accessible choice is Shek O Beach, which requires a scenic bus ride from Shau Kei Wan but offers a charming village atmosphere and stunning coastline.
Best Time to Visit & Water Temperature
Hong Kong’s beaches can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time for swimming and sunbathing is from April to October when temperatures range from 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F). The sea temperature is warmest between June and October, making it ideal for swimming. November to March tends to be cooler, with air temperatures dropping to 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), and the sea becoming noticeably chillier, though some still enjoy beach walks and picnics. The hottest months—July and August—can be humid, but they’re also the best for enjoying water sports. Be mindful of typhoon season (June to September), which can bring occasional storms and rougher waters.
Other Notable Beaches
- Silvermine Bay Beach (Mui Wo, Lantau Island) – A quiet beach near the ferry pier with a laid-back atmosphere, beachside cafés, and a nearby waterfall.
- Clear Water Bay Second Beach (New Territories) – Crystal-clear waters and silky sand make this beach a standout in Sai Kung. It’s a great spot for swimming, with clean water consistently rated as “good.”
- Hung Shing Yeh Beach (Lamma Island) – A golden sandy beach near Yung Shue Wan village, perfect for combining a hike with a relaxing swim.
- Lo So Shing Beach (Lamma Island) – A peaceful, less-crowded alternative to Hung Shing Yeh with soft sand and clear water.
- Turtle Cove Beach (Hong Kong Island) – A small, tranquil beach ideal for those looking for a quiet, unspoiled retreat.
- Lido Beach (New Territories) – A compact beach with excellent sunset views under the Ting Kau Bridge, featuring volleyball courts and snack kiosks.
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong truly spoils beach lovers with its variety. From the convenience of Repulse Bay to the wild beauty of Tai Long Wan, there’s a beach experience for everyone. The city’s mix of urban and natural landscapes means you can trek a mountain in the morning and be swimming in the sea by afternoon – something many locals absolutely love about Hong Kong. So next time you find yourself in Hong Kong, pack your sunscreen and sense of adventure. Whether you’re building sandcastles with the kids, catching waves, or hiking to a hidden cove, Hong Kong’s best beaches are ready to welcome you with a side of sun and a whole lot of local charm.
