7 Relaxing Activities for Your Portobello Beach Day Trip

This post is all about Portobello Beach.

Are we really surprised that I am back with another Scotland blog post? Well, you shouldn’t be! Scotland is one of my favorite countries I have ever visited and will continue to visit. So, here I am again giving you another recommendation on places to visit while you are abroad in this beautiful country! Portobello Beach, everyone.

I know what you’re thinking. A beach in cold and rainy Scotland, Grace? Who wants to see that? Well, my friends, Portobello Beach is one of the perfect little day trips from Edinburgh that will sweep you off your feet. And I am going to explain to you why and how right now!

I am sure this place is stunning in the summer months, but when I visited in September, I simply fell in love. Think off season shore town but everything is still open! It has that magic of feeling closed for the winter except for that one café and one bookshop. But fear not, there is still plenty of things to discover in this adorable little shore town.

Lay out on Portobello Beach

Let’s talk about the view. I mean, it’s a beach. A lovely, sandy beach where you can either bundle up against the chilly weather or take a polar plunge in the icy water! Or both. Both is good too. 

I really enjoyed people watching on the beach! There are some surfers in wetsuits and even the brave souls diving right in wearing only a bikini. It’s also a great place to sit out and read a book of course!

Stroll the Portobello Promenade

Another great activity for a lazy weekend is to take a slow walk along the promenade! The Portobello Promenade is a 2.2-mile strip hugging the beach and countless little shops, restaurants, and stands. You can also bike ride, roller skate, or skateboard!

The Promenade is the main “activity” here for both tourists and locals alike. But worry not! There is still plenty more to do and see along the way.

Visit the Portobello Bookshop

Of course, you have to check out the local bookshop! Are you even on vacation if you haven’t gone to a bookstore? No, just me? Well, this one is worth the stop! Not only do they showcase local authors and artists, but the atmosphere is a cozy little wonderland for book lovers. 

My purchase, The Vegetarian by Han Kang, was one I will remember for a long time. And better yet, I got to support a local business!

Grab some Gelato at Portobello Beach

Again, are we really surprised that I found a gelato place nearby? It truly is never too early for gelato especially when you are at the beach! There are multiple little shops that sell the delicious dessert, so don’t worry about missing out on the best place. There is plenty of good ones to go around!

Have Breakfast at The Beach House

Want some real food? The Beach House is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike! Both a beautiful inside seating area and a beach side outdoor area, you can choose whichever the weather allows. I prefer the outdoor seating for ultimate people watching and a nice ocean breeze!

Breakfast is a great time to enjoy this little gem as their options are mouthwatering! Plenty of coffees, teas, and hot chocolates for the sweater weather. I had the most amazing vegetarian breakfast too! Shakshuka is a beautiful combination of poached eggs, tomato sauce and loads of spices and flavor. Seriously the best hearty breakfast for a chilly by-the-beach day.

Obsess over the Dogs

You heard me! This place is roaming with the most adorable dogs in the entire world. Everyone brings their dogs either to walk the promenade, swim in the ocean, or play fetch on the beach. Most of the restaurants are dog friendly, so you will see many enjoying free treats while their owners dine. If you need a puppy fix, this is the place to be.

Lounge with a Drink

During the warmer months, the promenade is littered with little stalls for drinks and summer food like giant cones of fries! I highly recommend grabbing yourself a summery beer from the local distillery stall and a big cone of fries to share. Then grab a seat in the nearby lounge chairs and catch some of those scarce rays of Scottish sunshine. 

Portobello Beach

And that’s Portobello Beach! Again, it’s a great little getaway from the city center of Edinburgh. Only a forty-minute bus and you could be sitting on a beach or sipping on a coffee in a cute beach town. There’s plenty of things to do, but of course, it’s also a great place to have a slow day and finish up that book you’ve been neglecting during the work week.

Have you ever been? What are your thoughts?

Looking for more things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland? Check out the tons of blog posts I have in order to start planning your next adventure! 

• Things to Do in New Town
• Things to Do in Old Town
• What to Know Before You Go to Edinburgh
• Harry Potter Self-Guided Tour of Edinburgh
• Ranking the UK Christmas Markets

This post is about Portobello Beach.