Beaches near Taipei for when sweltering summer becomes too much
Easy escapes for swimming, surfing, and seaside views near the city.
In the summer, Taipei is hot. Often overwhelmingly so. But despite not being a beach city, there are still a few nearby beaches where you can get sand between your toes and cool off.
The beaches near the city are a mixed bag. Some are good for surfing, some are better for cycling or catching the sunset, and some involve paying to access a stretch of sand while quietly wondering what, exactly, you just paid for.
Still, they all have their uses. Wai’ao is the best choice for surf, black sand, and a proper Pacific-facing coastline. Fulong is the classic day trip, with sand sculpture exhibits, bike paths, and a slightly confusing paid beach setup. Shalun is not really a beach-day beach, but it works well as a sunset stop if you are already in Tamsui District.
Here’s where to go, what to expect, and which beaches are actually worth the effort.
#1: Fulong Beach
An easy beach day with optional cycling and a rotation of sand sculptures
Fulong Beach is a broad, golden-sand beach that stretches for about three kilometers. It's easily accessible from Taipei and a popular choice for a day trip.
You have to pay to access the main beach area (NT$220 as of July 2026), which is reached by walking across a large bridge. There are other sections of sand nearby where you could probably sit without paying, but this does not seem to be the usual thing to do. When This Is Taipei visited in July 2026, we did see one person wade across the water to get in for free, which was bold.
The sand sculptures are one of Fulong’s main attractions. They are slightly random but fun, and often themed around popular characters. In July 2026, there were several Shrek sculptures, which was unexpected if nothing else.
There are some umbrellas and tables on the beach, but not many, so it is not entirely clear what the entrance fee actually gets you. Swimming is also often restricted to a specific area. If swimming is prohibited, staff will usually tell you in Chinese when you buy your ticket. When we visited in July 2026, we were allowed to go in the water.
Take the warnings seriously. The current at Fulong can be strong, and people have reportedly died there.
It is worth picking up snacks and drinks before heading onto the beach, as there aren't any cafes or bars by the sand, though sometimes people will be there selling stuff. There is a Starbucks near the hotel on the other side of the bridge, and restaurants near the station, but many were already closed by around 7 PM when we were searching for food.
You can also rent bikes nearby, and the area has good cycle paths.
The beach is around a 10-minute walk from Fulong TRA Station, and the journey from Taipei takes about 90 minutes. You can use an EasyCard on the train.
#2: Wai'ao Beach
Ideal for surfing and a proper beach day
Wai’ao is one of the best beaches near Taipei if you want surfing, sea views, black sand, and a proper Pacific-facing coastline.
The flat beach stretches for a couple of kilometers and looks out toward Guishan Island, also known as Turtle Island. It feels much more like a beach town — there are surf shops, board rentals, lessons, cafes, showers, and a handful of places to eat and drink.
It is known especially for surfing. The rules around whether swimming is allowed can be vague, and access may be restricted when the waves or currents are considered unsafe. Be sure to keep an eye out for any nearby surfers and remember that the current can be strong. Definitely pay attention if someone starts blowing a whistle at you.
Drifters is a great pub nearby, and there is usually a small beach hut selling drinks in summer. Cafe No. 9 serves basic meals, while Surfer Nation is a good shout for bagels. Still, it is worth bringing snacks if you plan to spend the whole day there.
One thing to know: many of the beach tables belong to surf shops, so even if you are not surfing, you may need to pay to use one. The upside is that this usually gives you access to showers and changing facilities.
Wai’ao takes longer to reach than some other beaches near Taipei, but it is worth the extra effort. The train from Taipei Main Station takes around 90 minutes if you choose well, so it is worth checking the schedule rather than just showing up, as journey times vary. If the connection between Toucheng and Wai’ao is annoying, a taxi for that final stretch should cost around NT$200.
If you want to stay more than one day, there is an expensive hotel that towers over one side of the beach, plus a range of hostel options.
#3: Shalun Beach
A quiet edge-of-city beach for sunset
Shalun Beach is not the place to go for a relaxing beach day, but it is a good sunset beach stop if you are already in New Taipei City's Tamsui District.
The beach is near the mouth of the Tamsui River, with open views out toward the water and Bali District on the opposite side. It is best treated as somewhere to wander, sit for a while, and watch the sky change, rather than somewhere to spend the whole afternoon swimming or sunbathing.
It also works well as the end point for a bike ride from Taipei. The ride from central Taipei is around 30 kilometers, mostly along riverside paths, making it a long but fairly straightforward route if you are comfortable cycling.
It doesn't really have the surf shops, cafes, or day-trip energy of places like Wai’ao or Fulong. But it is worth adding to the end of your itinerary, especially around sunset.
