A notorious hot spot for holiday goers both young and old, Salcombe is blessed with some of the finest beaches in the southwest. It is perhaps the array of sand and shingle strips that the town possesses that lure in the tourists year after year. Sunny Cove is one of the crowd favourites, just off the long, off shore sand bar, it plays host to thousands each year, all huddling under their sun lounges and occasionally daring to dip their toes in the ocean. Other nearby beaches include; Mill Bay and Small Cove, which are only a short walk from the town centre. Also, just up the road is neighbouring Sidmouth, which is famous for its beachside activates and donkey rides.
Always a maritime influenced town, over the past few decades Salcombe has become one of the premier UK venues for both pleasure sailing and Yachting. Rarely a host of any serious competition, it acts as a haven to those seeking an escape on the water or a spot of relaxation. It is not just sailing however that is regularly practiced off the Salcombe shores. Wakeboarding, Waterskiing and Windsurfing have become increasingly popular over the last few years, as a younger population cottons on to the prosperity of the town. For those unfortunate enough to come down to Devon without a vessel, there are plenty of water sports schools equipped to take you out and teach you the basics, whatever you are looking to try your hand at.