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Planning a family beach holiday sounds like heaven… until you realise your “family” includes a baby who eats sand, a teenager who refuses sunlight, and a relative who’s just announced they’re “not really a beach person.”
Welcome to Pembrokeshire, where there’s a beach for every personality type.
This spectacular National Park coastline isn’t just idyllic, it’s wonderfully varied and the ultimate natural playground. You’ll find wide dune-lined bays perfect for football and picnics, sheltered coves ideal for safe paddle-boarding, wild surf beaches for older kids with the bonus of rock-pools for toddler treasure hunts. Better still, many of these beaches sit next to stunning coastal walks and charming coastal villages, which make family logistics easier.
So, whether you’re travelling with bucket-and-spade enthusiasts, wave-chasers or paddle boarders, here are ten of Pembrokeshire’s best beaches that never fail to keep everyone happy. If you’re travelling with pets, check out our guide to the best dog friendly beaches in Pembrokeshire, including tips on where to stay.
1. Barafundle Bay
If you can’t please everyone all the time, then please yourself first with a trip to beautiful Barafundle Bay. Nobody is immune to its mesmerizing beauty, perfectly curved shores, soft golden sand, alluring dunes and clear turquoise waters, which are calm and ideal for little paddling legs, whilst the wide sands invite ball games.
There are no facilities here, which is both its biggest drawback and its greatest strength, because the lack of cafés and shops keeps it beautifully unspoiled. So, bring a picnic and plenty snacks because no one will want to leave early.
Pros: Stunning scenery, safe swimming, peaceful atmosphere and dog friendly
Cons: No facilities and access requires a short walk from the car park
Where to stay – Stackpole
Stackpole is a small, tranquil National Trust village surrounded by lakes, woodland and coastline. It is peaceful, scenic and perfectly positioned for exploring multiple beaches. Expect quiet evenings and easy access to some of Pembrokeshire’s most beautiful coastal walks.
2. Broad Haven South
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour (Barafundle), Broad Haven South is equally beautiful and slightly more practical for families, offering a wide sandy beach backed by dunes, with rock pools at low tide that keep kids entertained for hours. There’s a National Trust car park super near with toilets and a seasonal ice-cream van.
Pros: Spacious, great for rock pooling, less crowded
Cons: Limited facilities
Where to stay – Bosherston or Pembroke
Bosherston is a lovely little village known for its lily ponds and serene surroundings. It’s perfect for families wanting a quiet base with easy access to multiple beaches. Alternatively, stay in the fortified town of Pembroke with its huge Norman castle, Tudor architecture, and vibrant social scene.
3. Tenby South Beach
Tenby South Beach is the ultimate “everyone wins” beach. Stretching for miles, it offers plenty of space for football, kite flying and long shoreline walks, so ideal for burning off excess holiday energy. The gentle slope into the sea makes it great for little legs, while the size of the beach means it rarely feels crowded. Facilities are excellent, with cafés, toilets and easy access from Tenby itself.
Pros: Huge beach, great facilities, family-friendly
Cons: Can be breezy due to its size and location
Where to stay – Tenby
Tenby is one of Wales best seaside towns, with pastel-coloured houses, cobbled streets and a lively harbour. It offers everything families need — restaurants, shops, ice cream stops and easy beach access — all wrapped up in a postcard-perfect setting.
4. Saundersfoot Beach
North of Tenby lies Saundersfoot, a delightful family-friendly seaside charm with all the trimmings and a few less tourists than its neigbour. The beach sits right beside the colourful village, making it incredibly convenient for food, toilets and spontaneous ice cream breaks.
The water is usually calm, and the harbour provides shelter, making it ideal for younger children. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
Pros: Easy access, great facilities, safe swimming
Cons: Can get busy in summer
Where to stay – Saundersfoot
A cheerful, family-oriented seaside village with a pretty harbour, plenty of eateries and a relaxed pace. It’s ideal for families who want everything within walking distance.
5. Whitesands Bay
Just outside St Davids, Whitesands Bay is a favourite for families with older kids and teens because it is a brilliant surf beach. That said, the younger crew will also enjoy its soft sand for sandcastles and beach games. Facilities are excellent, including a café, toilets and surf hire. The beach has a lively, energetic feel, especially in summer, but still retains a relaxed vibe.
Pros: Surf-friendly, great facilities, lively vibe
Cons: Can get busy in peak season
Where to stay – St Davids
Britain’s smallest city has a big personality. St Davids combines historic charm with a laid-back coastal feel, offering great places to eat, explore and unwind. It’s a fantastic base for families who want variety — beaches, walks and a touch of culture.
6. Freshwater West
For families with adventurous streaks, Freshwater West delivers plenty of entertainment. This wide, windswept beach is known for its surf, dunes and wild beauty, and yes, it’s also a Harry Potter filming location, which adds a bit of drama and appeal.
It’s less suited to young paddlers due to stronger waves, but older kids will love the space and energy. Facilities are limited but include a café.
Pros: Wild scenery, great for surfing, lots of space
Cons: Strong waves, limited facilities
Where to stay – Freshwater East
Freshwater East is a peaceful coastal village that’s quiet, scenic and ideal for families looking to escape busier resorts while still being close to beaches and coastal walks. It overlooks the bay from the cliff so very picturesque.
7. Freshwater East
Freshwater East beach is in a designated nature reserve. It offers a beautiful, gently sloping sandy beach, backed by dunes and low cliffs, making it more sheltered than nearby Freshwater West. It’s ideal for families and dog owners, being dog-friendly year-round and easy parking close to the shore. The beach is great for swimming and relaxed walks and feels quieter than its sibling. There is a pub/cafe a few minutes form the sand and nature reserve.
Pros: Wild scenery, more protected, yet still great for surfing, lots of space
Cons: Facilities are limited, and at high tide the beach narrows.
Where to stay – Freshwater East or Pembroke
Freshwater East is a quiet little coastal village overlooking the beach so no need for a car ride. As an alternative Pembroke is only 6 miles away and offers impressive heritage and tourist infrastructure.
8. Newgale Beach
Newgale is a vast, open beach with a mix of sand and shingle, stretching for over two miles. It’s fantastic for space and ideal for families who like to spread out.
The waves can be lively, making it better for older children, but facilities including cafés and parking make it easy to manage.
Pros: Huge space, good facilities, great for older kids
Cons: Pebbly sections, strong waves
Where to stay – Solva
Solva is a charming harbour village with colourful cottages, a small quay and a relaxed atmosphere. It offers a quieter alternative to nearby St Davids while still being full of character.
9. Poppit Sands
Located at the mouth of the Teifi Estuary, Poppit Sands is a wide, flat beach perfect for long walks, games and paddling.
It’s particularly good for younger children thanks to its gentle waters, and there are reliable facilities including a café and toilets.
Pros: Safe swimming, great facilities, lots of space
Cons: Can feel exposed on windy days
Where to stay – Cardigan
Cardigan is a lively market town with a growing food scene, independent shops and plenty of family-friendly activities. It offers a great mix of coast and culture.
10. Marloes Sands
Marloes Sands feels like stepping into another world. Surrounded by cliffs and rich in wildlife, it’s one of Pembrokeshire’s most atmospheric beaches.
The walk down adds to the sense of adventure, and once there, kids will love exploring rock pools and spotting seabirds.
Pros: Wildlife, dramatic scenery, great for exploring
Cons: Steep access, no facilities
Where to stay – Marloes
A quiet village with a remote, almost wild feel. Perfect for families looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
Final Thoughts
Pembrokeshire really delivers when it comes to great beaches. Whether your family wants adventure, relaxation, convenience or wild beauty, there’s a beach here that ticks all your boxes. And the real secret? Once you’ve found your favourite, it won’t matter how many personalities you brought with you… because the sea tends to win everyone over. Take a look through all of our Pembrokeshire holiday homes to find the perfect coastal accommodation for your next beach holiday in Wales.