Main Beach, which runs immediately in front of town, is terrific for swimming and people-watching. At the western edge of town, Belongil Beach is clothing-optional. Clarkes Beach, at the eastern end of Main Beach is good for surfing but the best surf beaches are further along: the Pass, Watego's and Little Watego's.

Tallow Beach is an amazing stretch of beach that extends 7km(4.3mi) south of Cape Byron to a rockier stretch around Broken Head. Here a succession of small beaches dot the coast before opening onto Seven Mile Beach which goes all the way to Lennox Head.