Visiting the D-Day Beaches in Normandy
On 6 June 1944, Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history along the coast of Normandy. The landings, known as D-Day, marked the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation. Today, the five beaches, Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword remain deeply moving places to visit, where visitors can walk the same sands that changed the course of history.
Whether you are tracing a family connection, interested in the military history, or planning a trip to explore these historic sites, each of the D-Day beaches offers its own story, atmosphere and collection of museums and memorials.
Utah Beach: The Westernmost Landing
At the western edge of the invasion area, Utah Beach was the first of the American landing zones. Despite strong currents that carried the assault slightly off course, the troops of the US 4th Infantry Division quickly secured the area and linked up with airborne forces dropped inland the night before.
Today, Utah Beach is known for its quiet, windswept setting and excellent museum built directly beside the dunes. The Utah Beach Museum tells the story of the landings through personal accounts and large artefacts, including a restored B-26 bomber. The surrounding area features several memorials and preserved bunkers.
Tip: Utah Beach pairs naturally with nearby Sainte-Mère-Église, the first town liberated on D-Day and home to the Airborne Museum.
Omaha Beach: The Costliest of the Landings
Just east of Utah lies Omaha Beach, where the US 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions faced some of the heaviest resistance on D-Day. Strong German defences and rough seas caused heavy casualties in the opening hours, but by the end of the day, the beach was secured at great cost.
Today, Omaha remains one of the most poignant places in Normandy. The Normandy American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer overlooks the beach with perfectly aligned white crosses marking the resting places of over 9,000 soldiers. Nearby, the Overlord Museum and Les Braves memorial provide further context and commemoration.
Tip: Plan a few hours here to visit both the cemetery and the beach itself. Early morning or late afternoon offer quieter, reflective moments.
Gold Beach: British Success and the Mulberry Harbour
Gold Beach, in the centre of the landing area, was assigned to the British 50th (Northumbrian) Division. Despite heavy fire around the village of La Rivière, British forces pushed inland and captured Arromanches-les-Bains, where they later constructed one of the two artificial Mulberry Harbours used to unload supplies.
Visitors to Gold Beach can still see the remains of the harbour visible offshore at low tide. The D-Day Museum in Arromanches provides an excellent overview of the engineering achievements that made it possible. A short drive away stands the British Normandy Memorial, dedicated to the more than 22,000 servicemen under British command who lost their lives during the Battle of Normandy.
Tip: Arromanches makes a great base for exploring. There are cafés, accommodation options and good parking close to the seafront.
Juno Beach: The Canadian Assault
To the east of Gold lies Juno Beach, where the Canadian 3rd Infantry Division came ashore between Courseulles-sur-Mer and Bernières-sur-Mer. Despite mines and heavy obstacles, the Canadians succeeded in advancing further inland than any other force on D-Day.
The Juno Beach Centre, built on the site of the landings, is both museum and memorial, exploring Canada’s role in the war through interactive exhibits and personal stories. Guided tours take visitors onto the beach to view preserved German defences. Just inland, the Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-sur-Mer offers a peaceful place of reflection.
Tip: Combine a visit to the Juno Beach Centre with a walk along Bernières-sur-Mer promenade, where original bunkers and houses from 1944 still stand.
Sword Beach: The Eastern Flank
Sword Beach was the easternmost landing zone, where the British 3rd Infantry Division came ashore near Ouistreham. Their objective was to advance towards Caen and link up with paratroopers who had captured key bridges over the Orne River and Caen Canal, including the now-famous Pegasus Bridge.
Visitors to Sword Beach can explore The Atlantic Wall Museum, also known as Le Grand Bunker in Ouistreham, set inside a large German command bunker with panoramic views from its rooftop. The Pegasus Bridge Museum at Bénouville tells the story of the airborne assault that secured the eastern flank.
Tip: If arriving in Normandy via ferry at Ouistreham, Pegasus Bridge and the Musée Mémorial Pegasus make an excellent starting point for a D-Day itinerary.
Planning Your Visit
The D-Day beaches are spread along roughly 80 kilometres of coastline, connected by scenic coastal roads and small towns.
Getting there:
- From the UK: Ferries arrive at Caen (Ouistreham),Cherbourg, and Le Havre.
- From Paris: Around three hours’ drive via the A13 motorway.
Getting around:
A car offers the most flexibility, but several guided tours operate from Bayeux and Caen. Public transport links are limited, especially between smaller coastal villages.
When to visit:
June brings commemorations and events around the anniversary of D-Day. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while winter visits provide quieter reflection.
How long to stay:
Allow at least two full days to explore several beaches and major museums. Four to five days is ideal for an in-depth visit.
Further Reading and Resources
Phil – founder of Normandy War Guide
I started the site more than a decade ago after my first trip to Normandy and have
been hooked ever since. I visit a few times each year to explore new sites and
update the guide. Over the years I’ve also transcribed thousands of WWII war
diaries and scanned original maps to keep this history accessible for everyone.