North Bay Beach is a tranquil stretch of golden sand with restaurants, beach cabins and family activities. It is the quieter and wilder of Scarborough’s two main beaches, a little farther out from the town centre. Trek with your family past the picturesque outcrops and rock pools to the main sandy area and headland.

Lifeguards patrol the beach in summer, making it a safe swimming zone for kids. Go for a refreshing dip with your family to cool down after sunbathing on a warm day. Find an open space on the beach and set up a picnic. Go beachcombing for sea treasures with the kids and explore the rock pools that appear at times of low tide.

Watch surfers and Jet Skiers riding the choppy waves. The wild setting of this beach provides ideal photo opportunities, with the rugged coastline as a scenic backdrop. Concrete walls cover the back of the beach to protect the city from flooding during storms.

Dine at one of the restaurants with a view of the water. Rent a beach hut to have privacy for your family on the beach.

Bring the kids to the Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary at the northern point of the bay. It has fun play areas and tanks full of fascinating marine life. Stroll alongside Humboldt penguins in the Penguin Island exhibit. Play a few rounds of Pirate Adventure Mini-Golf.

Visit North Bay Railway to ride the train around Peasholm Park. Enjoy the views of the sea from the miniature railway, which dates back almost a century. Embark across a rope bridge and beam system on the Sky Trail.

North Bay Beach is in the northeastern section of Scarborough. Drive north for 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) from the town centre to reach the bay within 10 minutes. Visit nearby attractions, such as North Cliff Golf Club and Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Find parking spaces on the streets around the headland at the southern end of the beach or use parking lots within a 0.3-mile (0.5-kilometre) walk.