Best Beaches in Gold Coast (2026)
Planning your next outing? These are 26 of the best beaches in Gold Coast right now, whether you're after a lazy weekend, a day with the kids or somewhere new to explore. We rank each one by our Spot Score and keep the list fresh, so you're always seeing what's actually worth your time.
26 spots
The Surfers Paradise Beach Gold Coast
Beaches in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast.
Main Beach
Popular urban beach featuring surfing, swimming, sunbathing & picnicking, plus bars & eateries.
Wave Break Island
Artificial island popular for kayaking, snorkeling & fishing, plus swimming at its sandy beaches.
Mermaid Beach
Easygoing sandy beach popular with swimming & surfing enthusiasts for its serene feel.
Coolangatta Beachfront
Beaches in Coolangatta, Gold Coast.
Pelican Beach
Beaches in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast.
Beaches guides for Gold Coast
roundupGold Coast Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
The Gold Coast's nightlife stretches well beyond the neon of Surfers Paradise. From late-night bars and nightclubs in the heart of the strip to suburban pubs, breweries and live-mu
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Gold Coast
You don't need to spend a cent to get a real feel for the Gold Coast. Beyond the theme parks and high-rises, the region is stacked with national parks, headland walks, beachside pa
Read guide →roundupGold Coast With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
The Gold Coast is built for families, and beyond the high-rises of Surfers Paradise you'll find a surprising spread of green space, coastal walks and hands-on activities that suit
Read guide →Beaches in Gold Coast — FAQs
What are the best beaches in Gold Coast?+
Our top-rated beaches in Gold Coast are ranked by our Spot Score, which combines Google ratings, review volume, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear at the top of this page.
How is the Gold Coast beaches ranking decided?+
We blend independent signals — Google star ratings and review counts, popularity, the quality of available information and freshness — into a single Spot Score out of 100. It's an editorial score, not a paid placement.
Can I filter beaches by suburb or price?+
Yes. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, minimum rating, price level, whether a place is open now, and features like dog-friendly or outdoor seating.
How many beaches are listed in Gold Coast?+
We currently feature 26 beaches across Gold Coast and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.