Best Beaches near Inverness

Discover these beautiful Inverness beaches

You don’t have to travel far this summer to experience sunny sandy beaches. Located at the tip of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness presents plentiful local beaches of varying sizes and textures. From sand to shingle, there’s a gorgeous little beach just waiting for you! We’ve collated our favourite beaches near Inverness for you to explore.

Fortrose Beach

Located a mere 6 miles from the town centre of Inverness, Fortrose Beach is a small, predominantly sandy beach. The gorgeous little beach overlooks the waters of the Moray Firth. Making it the ideal place to settle down for an afternoon of picnicking and snoozing in the sun. The beach is perfect for those not looking to venture too far from Inverness city centre.

Rosemarkie Beach

Rosemarkie Beach is a sandy beach located on the Black Isle peninsula, about 15 miles from Inverness, stretching into the mouth of the Moray Firth. It’s also a great spot for rock pooling at low tide. There is a lovely cafe, Rosemarkie Beach Cafe, with outdoor seating which overlooks the beach.

Nairn Beach

Perhaps one of the best-known beaches of the Highlands, Nairn Beach is located just 13 miles out from Inverness town centre. Renowned for its golden sands and dolphin sightings, the beach itself is wide, clean and surrounded by sandy dunes. With sights belonging on a postcard, the beach is the ideal place for a family day out. At high tide, the dunes are still accessible; meaning a full day at the beach is very much on the cards.

Dornoch Beach

The scenic Dornoch Beach is located 27 miles out from Inverness. A perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of town life, this is a stretch of unspoilt beauty. The beach is composed of expanses of golden sand, rock pools and sandy dunes. Keep an eye out on the sandbars as you might be lucky enough to spot some seals too! Though don’t approach too close – they can give quite the nasty nip!

The ‘Secret Beach’

A secret so good you have to share! The idyllic Secret Beach can be found just before you reach the town of Nairn. And offers the perfect balance of golden sand, tranquillity and sensational views of the Moray Firth. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the famous bottlenose dolphins that occupy the waters – a truly memorable experience. 

Widely adored by the locals, the beaches near Inverness are exceptionally well maintained, clean and safe. It really is the perfect getaway to destress! And if you’re looking for Inverness accommodation this summer, our luxury hotel is on hand. Take a look at our latest special offers and please do get in touch if you need any advice at all.