Best Beaches Near Oban
Whether you’re seeking tranquillity or adventure, there is no more perfect setting than Oban beaches in Scotland. From popular Ganavan Sands Oban, to other hidden gems, we have rounded up some of the best beaches near Oban for you to experience with a loved one, your four-legged-friend or the whole family.
Source: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5406170
1. Ganavan Sands
This impressive beach boasts beautiful soft white sand, an easily accessible car park and stunning panoramic views overlooking the surrounding islands including Mull, Lismore and Morven. With only 2 miles between Oban and Ganavan Sands, it is the closest of our beaches near Oban, and the most popular amongst Oban’s locals. There is a picturesque walk along the Ganavan Bay Oban, which takes you past smaller, more intimate beaches.
Town: Oban
Postcode: PA34 5TB
Drive from Oban town centre: 8mins
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gellscom/25611238310
2. Loch Linnhe Beach
In the picturesque town of Fort William, situated on the banks of Loch Linnhe and the foot of Scotland’s largest munro, Ben Nevis, lies a small shingle beach. With astonishing views looking upon the loch and surrounding hills and mountains, this is a popular spot for locals to enjoy some wild water swimming, fishing, diving, snorkelling, and rock pooling.
Town: Linnhe Road, Fort William, The Highlands
Postcode: PH33 6DT
Drive from Oban centre: 1hr 13mins
Source: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5386375
3. Caol Beach
This picturesque beach in Fort William is the perfect destination to take your four-legged-friend. Walk along the Caol Beach, onto the Caledonian Canal embankment to find stunning views of Fort William and Ben Nevis.
Town: Caol, Fort William
Postcode: PH33 7AT
Drive from Oban centre: 1hr 14mins
Source: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/206628
4. Kilmory Beach
This Oban beach Scotland is the perfect setting if you’re seeking peace, quiet and solidarity. It is a wild and remote spot, boasting a coast line of beautiful white sand and gorgeous views overlooking the Paps and Jura. Easily accessible from the Kilmory Knap Chapel which has options for roadside parking.
Town: B8025, Lochgilphead
Postcode: PA31 8PB
Drive from Oban centre: 1hr 26mins
Source: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/luss-beach-p2569911
5. Luss Pier
People from all over Scotland travel to Luss during the Summer and Spring months, because of its stunning panoramic views, impressive beaches and peaceful way of living. It is one of the most popular towns amongst the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park villages, and is the ideal destination for a family day trip to beaches around Oban. With lots of independent shops, cafes and a children’s play park, there will be something for the entire family.
Town: Luss, Alexandria
Postcode: G83 8NZ
Drive from Oban town centre: 1hr 35mins
Source: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/523652
6. The White Beach
This stony beach near Oban is a popular spot for individuals from all over Scotland to set up a tent, explore the wilderness, gather some logs and toast marshmallows by a bonfire, whilst taking in the gorgeous views.
Town: Culag, Alexandria
Postcode: G83
Drive from Oban town centre: 1hr 35mins
Source: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2635134
7. Loch Lomond Shores
Home to unique independent shops, restaurants, a sea life aquarium and stunning nature walks, Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch is a spectacular tourist destination, with something for the full family. Options to hire bikes, pedal boats, Segway’s and canoes are available on the beach, and a large car park nearby making it easily accessible.
Town: Ben Lomond Way, Balloch
Postcode: G83 8QL
Drive from Oban town centre: 1hr 45mins
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lochbuie,_Mull
8. Lochbuie Beach
Lochbuie is known for its gorgeous coast line, shimmering beaches and spectacular wildlife. With a large car park, lots of stunning walks, dog friendly restaurants nearby and an area for camping on the beach, it would be worth the trip from Oban with a four-legged friend.
Town: Isle of Mull
Postcode: PA62 6AA
Drive from Oban centre: 1hr 48mins
Source: https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-scotland/strathclyde/helensburgh.htm
9. Helensburgh Beach
Overlooking the Upper Firth of the Clyde, this beautiful beach is the perfect spot to sit back, relax and admire the views across the bay to the Rosneath peninsula. It is a popular sport amongst locals to take part in windsurfing and various boat trips.
Town: Helensburgh
Postcode: G84 8AW
Drive from Oban centre: 1hr 49mins
10. Be-Ach
If you’re looking for hidden white beaches near Oban, then this is your spot. Experience tranquillity in its ultimate form with this rural beach near Oban. From Oban, take the Corran to Ardgour ferry and follow the A861 and A884 until you’ve reached this gorgeous destination.
Postcode: PA80 5XD
Drive from Oban centre: 1hr 55mins
Source: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4710887
11. Morar Beach
From the village of Portnaluchaig in the South to Morar in the North, there are a string of small, sandy beaches located on the rugged coastline. Each beach boasts stunning views overlooking the isle of Rum, Eigg, Much and Canna, crystal clear turquoise waters, and stunning silver grains of sands. This is the perfect setting for beach-combing and rockpooling.
Town: Mallaig
Postcode: PH40, UK
Drive from Oban centre: 1hr 59mins
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Camusdarach_Beach,_near_Morar_-_geograph.org.uk_-_58018.jpg
12. Camusdarach Beach
With stunning views overlooking Cuillin on the Isle of Skye, Rum and Eigg, Camusdarach Beach brags gorgeous white, shimmering sand and clear bright blue water. This offers the perfect day for a day trip from Oban, filled with swimming, rock pooling, and walking. The beach has even been featured in the film Local Hero, because of it’s breath-taking beauty.
Town: Camusdarach, Arisaig
Postcode: PH39 4NT
Drive from Oban centre: 2hr 3mins
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Calgary_Bay,_Isle_of_Mull_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1309754.jpg
13. Calgary Bay
Calgary Bay, situated on the Isle of Mull has been labelled an absolute must-see beach, with it being the largest and the most accessible beach in the north of Mull. The beach is surrounded by calcium rich sandy soils and beautiful island views. Check out our Shops in Mull & a Day Trip to Mull pages, to make your day trip to the beach extra special.
Town: Isle of Mull
Postcode: PA75 6QQ
Drive from Oban centre: 2hr 3mins
Source: https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1663845
14. Smirisary Beach
Along with the other white beaches near Oban, Smirisary Beach is the perfect setting to go for a swim in its beautiful turquoise waters, sit back and get comfy whilst you try and spot spectacular local wildlife like seals, otters and raptors, and enjoy a picnic on its rocky surroundings.
Town: Glenuig, Lochailort
Postcode: PH38 4NG
Drive from Oban town centre: 2hr 4mins
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/neil_roger/4674464786/
15. Arisaig Beach
This beach is a stunning and popular location to camp, watch the sunset and enjoy a picnic, whilst gaping at the beautiful views of Rum, Eigg and Skye. A must visit beach, whilst staying in Oban.
Town: Arisaig
Postcode: 4NT, B8008
Drive from Oban town centre: 2hr 5mins
Source: https://www.isle-of-mull.net/things-to-do/beaches/langamull-beach/
16. Langamull Beach
With an impressive coastline of glistening white shell sands, hidden coves and stunning views of surrounding isles, this hidden gem on Mull is a beautiful beach to visit whilst staying in Oban. Especially spectacular on a clear day. Options to park in the Forestry Enterprise car-park between Dervaig and Calgary Bay.
Town: Isle of Mull
Postcode: PA75 6QY
Drive from Oban centre: 2hr 5mins
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Iona_to_Fionnphort_Ferry_-_geograph.org.uk_-_134179.jpg
17. Fionnphort
Fionnphort Pier is the departure point for boat trips to the Treshnish Isles and Staff, where fishermen from all over the country go to catch crabs and lobsters. Its white sands and stunning setting makes it also popular amongst tourists. With its buzzing atmosphere, it is the perfect setting for a kayak adventure, some leisurely swimming or sandcastle building with the children.
Town: Isle of Mull
Postcode: PA66 6BH
Drive from Oban centre: 2hr 13mins
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sunbathers_at_Lunderston_Bay_(geograph_3659917).jpg
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18. Lunderston Bay
With a mix of sand, pebbles and rocks, this scenic beach is popular amongst families, dog walkers and picnic enthusiasts. To the left of the beach, there is a free car park and large grass area with picnic tables, making it the perfect accessible spot for visitors. It gets particularly busy during the Summer months.
Town: Gourock, Inverclyde
Postcode: PA19 1BB
Drive from Oban centre: 2hr 26mins
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shipwreck,_Ettrick_Bay_-_geograph.org.uk_-_294261.jpg
19. Ettrick Bay Beach
With free parking, public toilets, picnic areas and a little beach cafe, this bay boasts great views over the Kyles and Bute, soft golden sand and beautiful clear waters, regularly populated with paddleboarding locals.
Town: Rothesay, Isle of Bute
Postcode: PA20 0QX
Drive from Oban centre: 2hr 29mins
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wemyss_Bay,_with_Kelly_House_location.jpg
20. Wemyss Bay Beach
This rock and shingle beach has more tumbling, wild waves than most. There is something so special about unwinding, and taking in the views of the countryside and surrounding area, whilst your ears drums are filled with dramatic waves crashing nearby.
Town: Wemyss Bay
Postcode: PA18 6AD
Drive from Oban centre: 2hr 30mins
Whether you’re planning a beach camping trip, a family day out or simply want to explore everything that Scotland has to offer, the vibrant town of Oban is the perfect base for your adventure. Commonly known as the gateway to the isles, there are plenty of opportunities to visit the best beaches near Oban, all within a day trip’s distance away from our town. Our boutique shorefront hotel, with gorgeous rooms and luxurious amenities, would be the ideal retreat for you to rejuvenate yourself after an adventure fuelled day. Book here.
After you’ve watched the sun set over the glistening waters of Scotland’s most picturesque beaches, spend the rest of your days in Oban exploring the best waterfalls, castles, munros and shops nearby.