• Tides change the look (and size) of the beaches so check an online tide chart before you go.
• Pack layers. Even on sunny days, the wind off the sea can get cold fast, especially if the sun disappears behind some clouds.
• Paid parking. Many car parks are pay-and-display and a few don’t take credit cards.
• Start early in peak season to avoid fighting for parking at the smaller bays.

It is usually the easiest option to rent a car in Cardiff before heading up to the coast. You will probably fly into London and it's easier to take the train to Cardiff and pick up a vehicle rather than navigate your way out of the city. You can compare all the major rental companies here and see if you can find some discounts:

Tenby is a postcard-perfect harbor town with candy-colored buildings, medieval walls, and all the seaside charm you’d expect.

There are plenty of fun ways to spend your morning in Tenby.

• Grab a coffee or an ice cream from The Stowaway and take a slow stroll along the beach.
• Wander around and pop into local boutiques, bakeries, and galleries.
• Climb up to the Five Arches Gate for a sense of Tenby’s medieval past.
• Check out Tenby Castle Hill where you’ll get sweeping views over the harbor.
• Visit the Tenby Museum & Art Gallery. Small but packed with local history.
• At low tide, you can walk across the sand to St. Catherine’s Island and check out its 19th-century fort. 
• Stretch out on Tenby North Beach: one of the best beaches in Wales.
• In the summer, boat trips run to Caldey Island, a tranquil spot with walking paths, wildlife, and monks who still live in the abbey.

For lunch, you can’t go wrong with The Plantagenet. A family run restaurant inside Tenby’s oldest building. Another option: grab fresh fish and chips down by the harbor.

After lunch, take a walk along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path just outside town. The section toward Saundersfoot gives you gorgeous cliffside views without needing to commit to a huge hike.

If you have an extra day, or you just want a bit more adrenaline than you can also book onto a coasteering tour where you will explore the cliffs and cavesjust outside of town.

As the day winds down, head back into town for a sunset pint overlooking the water. The pastel houses glow in the golden light.

A short cliff walk from the car park at Stackpole Quay takes you across grassy headland and down to one of the most photographed beaches in the UK. Golden sand, turquoise water, and no buildings in sight. It feels wild and remote, but is easy to reach. Tucked between limestone cliffs, Barafundle has an almost Mediterranean vibe on a sunny day but still has that stern and weathered look of the Welsh coast.

It’s a Blue Flag beach with no facilities. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and anything you’ll need for the day. And pack out everything you bring in. The lack of shops or cafés means you’ll get pure peace and quiet, with only seabirds and the crash of waves for company. It’s great for picnics, swimming, or lying back in the sand with a book.

Since Barafundle has no facilities, a little preparation makes the visit much more enjoyable. Here is a packing list we suggest:

• Water & Snacks. There are no cafés or shops nearby, so bring enough for the whole day.
• Picnic Blanket or Beach Towel. For lounging on the sand or setting up a seaside picnic.
• Sun Protection. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses; the cliffs don’t provide much shade mid-day.
• Swimwear & Quick-Dry Towel. The water is chilly but beautiful and clean for a dip.
• Layers. Coastal winds can pick up quickly, even in summer. The walk back after sunset can get chilly on the cliffs as well.
• Sturdy Shoes. For the cliff-top walk in and exploring rock pools at low tide.
• Reusable Bag. Carry out all your rubbish to keep the beach pristine.
• Camera or Phone. This is one of the most photogenic beaches in Wales.
• Camp Chairs (optional). The sand is warm and soft and perfect for laying your towel down. But the camp chairs help limit how much of the sand you're bringing back into the car for the rest of the trip.
• Optional: A good book, frisbee, or sketchpad. It is a huge stretch of pristine white sand; perfect for every iconic beach game/activity.

The tide makes a big difference here. At low tide, the beach stretches out wide, perfect for a long walk or exploring the rock pools at either end. At high tide, the sandy space shrinks dramatically, so it can feel busier even with just a handful of people around. Either way, it’s worth staying as long as the light allows. Sunset can be beautiful, but choose your spot carefully. The surrounding cliffs cast long shadows early in the evening. If you’re after golden-hour photos, move toward the center or eastern edge of the beach for the best light. Or head back up to the cliffs during golden hour and get pics with the wildflowers.

If you're up for something more adventurous you can also book onto a coasteering experience at the nearby Stackpole Quay.

The Blue Lagoon is one of Pembrokeshire’s most unique spots: a former slate quarry that’s been swallowed by the sea and transformed into a deep, turquoise pool right on the edge of the coast. The cliffs that surround it are dramatic and raw. The dark slate contrasts with the almost tropical-looking water below. On a sunny day, the color of the lagoon feels otherworldly, and even if you’re not swimming, just standing at the edge and taking it in is worth the trip.

The site is famous for adventure sports, especially coasteering and cliff jumping. Brave souls launch themselves from the slate ledges into the chilly depths below, while coasteering groups scramble along the rocky edges. The water here is always cold, so if you’re planning to swim, a wetsuit goes a long way. If you’re not experienced with cold water, be careful! Jumping into the blue lagoon can lead to cold water shock which is dangerous and this remote spot is not where you want to be dealing with that.

Beyond the lagoon itself, the coastal paths that snake around the cliffs are awesome. They offer sweeping views of the rugged shoreline with an easy walk along a mostly flat path. Bring snacks, water, decent shoes, and set aside some time to wander and lay out. You can easily make a half-day adventure out of it.

There are no facilities on site, so come prepared and leave no trace. A picnic here with the backdrop of slate cliffs and sea spray feels like something truly special. It’s wild, dramatic, and totally different from Pembrokeshire’s sandy beaches

The Blue Lagoon is wild and exposed, so having the right gear makes a big difference:

• Water & Snacks. There are no shops right at the lagoon; bring what you need if you’re staying a while.
• Sturdy Shoes. Essential for the rocky coastal paths and uneven slate. Can be slippery if wet from rain or the sea mist.
• Layers & Windbreaker. The cliffs can be windy, even on warm days.
• Swimwear & Towel. If you’re brave enough for a dip or cliff jump. The water is cold year-round.
• Wetsuit (Optional). Highly recommended if you’re planning on coasteering.
• Dry Bag. Keep valuables safe if you’re near the water.
• Camera or Phone. The contrast of turquoise water against dark cliffs is stunning.
• Reusable Bag. Carry out any trash. This spot is fragile and beloved.
• Picnic Blanket. Nice for relaxing if you want to hang out and watch the light shift over the cliffs.

St Davids holds the title of the UK’s smallest city (according to locals). This tiny place is packed with history, charm, and some of the best access points to the Pembrokeshire Coast Trail. The heart of town is its 12th-century cathedral, a striking structure surrounded by peaceful grounds dotted with ruins.

From the edge of town, you can easily connect with the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Short cliffside walks give you sweeping views over jagged headlands and turquoise waters below. St. Non’s Chapel and Well is a popular nearby stop, combining coastal views with some pilgrimage history. The walking here is gentle compared to other stretches of the path, so it’s great for a slower day when you want scenery without too much effort.

Back in town, the streets are quiet and filled with small shops, galleries, and cafés. Don’t miss MamGu’s Kitchen. Their Welsh cakes are legendary. Grab a few to eat fresh, then stock up on a pack to fuel the next few days of hiking and beach hopping.

St Davids has a nice mix of culture, history, and coastline. Spend a half-day or full day here, and you’ll understand why this “city” feels more like a village at the edge of the world.

Broad Haven has a bit of everything: stretches of wide golden sand, gentle waves for swimming, and calm enough conditions for paddleboarding or kayaking on the right day. At low tide the beach opens up into a huge stretch of sand, perfect for a game of frisbee, a long barefoot walk, or just laying out in the sun.

The village that backs the beach has a friendly, low-key vibe with cafés, an ice cream shop, and a couple of pubs. An ideal spot for grabbing lunch or a pint between swims. It’s not as busy as Tenby or Saundersfoot. Families love it here, but it’s also great if you just want to slow down and soak up the sea air.

If you’ve got extra energy, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path heading north toward Druidston Haven is a great walk with stunning coastal views. The walk takes you along dramatic cliffs with sweeping views of the coastline and plenty of quiet spots to stop and take it in. It’s a perfect half-day pairing with a swim and lunch in Broad Haven.

Marloes Sands is one of Pembrokeshire’s most dramatic and unspoiled beaches: a sweeping stretch of golden sand framed by rugged cliffs and scattered with fascinating rock formations. Getting here takes a little effort: it’s about a 15 to 20 minute walk from the National Trust car park down to the shore. But that walk keeps the crowds away, so you’ll often find the beach much quieter than others nearby.

At low tide, the beach feels enormous, with long stretches of sand perfect for walking or running. Rock pools appear along the shoreline, teeming with crabs, little fish, and the occasional anemone. It's a paradise for curious kids and nature lovers. The cliffs and stacks also make this a photographer’s dream, with ever-changing light and plenty of dramatic angles.

Because it’s more remote, there are no facilities right on the beach. Pack in everything you’ll need for the day, and be ready for a bit of a hike back out. The payoff is worth it: Marloes Sands is wild, beautiful, and feels a little like your own private slice of the Welsh coast.

• Sturdy Walking Shoes. The path down to the beach is uneven and can be slippery.
• Backpack with Water + Snacks. No facilities, so come prepared.
• Swimwear + Towel. Great for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
• Camera. Cliffs, rock formations, and tide pools make this super photogenic.
• Tide Chart. Check ahead so you don’t miss the pools at low tide.
• Layered Clothing. The wind can shift quickly along the coast.
• Binoculars. This stretch of coast is known for seabirds and sometimes even seals.

You can hit the highlights in a day or two, but it’s better with at least three or four so you have time for hikes, swims, and taking your time wandering around the towns.

Late spring to early autumn is best for weather, but summer brings more crowds. May or September is the sweet spot when it's warm enough for the beach, quieter on the roads.

Tenby makes a good base if you want restaurants and nightlife. St Davids is quieter and closer to the northern stops. For something more remote, try a coastal cottage or campsite near Barafundle or Marloes. It's also a great area to explore by campervan. There are loads of campsites and parkups along the coast.

You can browse all the top hotels and most unique stays here:

You’ll want a car. Public transport exists but it’s slow and infrequent. Most of the best beaches and coves are a short walk from small car parks. Most of the parking has a small fee so keep some cash on hand.

You can compare all the major rental companies in one place here:

There are a lot of narrow and winding roads all along the coast. Driving here is quite a bit different here. If you’re not used to single-track roads here are a few driving etiquette tips.

1. Don't drive recklessly on single track roads. There are lots of blind corners and hills so don’t be flying around blind bends without being ready to stop quickly.
2. Let others by. Also don’t drive too slow. If you’re nervous and need to take your time or if you’re in a big slow vehicle that’s fine. But once you notice people lined up on your bumper, pull into the next passing place and let them through. Frustrated drivers cause accidents, and if you get too big of a trail forming it can cause a messy traffic jam.
3. Big Car Privilege. This is a loose rule, but whoever can maneuver more easily should do the hard work in a stand off. There are places in the road where you might come head to head with another car and one of you will need to reverse back to where there is enough space to share the road. So if you see a massive truck or an old campervan it's going to be a lot easier to get out of their way rather than make them.
4. Passing Places. These are designated areas (sometimes paved sometimes not) where vehicles can pull to the side and get past each other. Only use passing places that are on your side of the road. Pulling to the right of the road is like swerving into the oncoming traffic lane. The only time you would move into a passing place on the right side of the road is if there was an abnormally large vehicle you needed to let pass that wouldn't fit in there themselves. Do NOT park here. They do sort of look like layby parking, but you will cause everyone a big headache if you leave your vehicle taking one up.

The Pembrokeshire Coast has been shaped by thousands of years of coastal storms and human activity. You’ll find Iron Age forts like Garn Fawr tucked into cliff edges, medieval castles like Pembroke Castle guarding harbour towns, and old stone churches like St Davids Cathedral that have been places of pilgrimage for over 800 years.

Fishing and farming have been part of life here for centuries, and you can still see small boats bringing in their daily catch at places like Tenby Harbour and Solva. Welsh is spoken alongside English, and many place names keep their original Welsh roots. If you’ve got time, visit the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Visitor Centre in St Davids or chat with a local shop owner. The mix of ancient history, coastal traditions, and present living culture is what makes Pembrokeshire more than just a pretty stretch of coastline.