West Bay features in the Good Beach Guide as achieving the highest award for sea water quality. The Environment Agency sample water purity on West Beach only, as prevailing sea currents would drive any impurities in that direction. Therefore, although East Beach is not listed for water quality, it should achieve as good, or better results to that of West Beach. Although both beaches are cleaned regularly by West Dorset District Council, please dispose of your litter sociably.

There are ample long stay car parks all to the east of the harbour, consisting of the West Bay Road Car Park, Station Yard Car Park and East Beach Car Park. Short stay parking to the east of the harbour are the Bridport Arms Car Park, the Quayside Car Park by Harbour Cafe and outside The George. To the west are The Esplanade Car Park and The Mound Car Park. Motorhome vehicles are only permitted to use the West Bay Road Car Park with allocated bays on the right after entering. There are also some disabled parking spaces at the West Bay Road, Quayside and Esplanade car parks.

There are four charging points for electric cars located in the West Bay Road Car Park to the extreme right. Note that parking charges apply.

Public toilets are available behind the shingle ridge of east beach, at the main car park to the left of the mini roundabout when entering the town and also at the south-western corner of the inner harbour, behind the Harbour Master's office on the Mound. Baby changing facilities are provided. There are also disabled toilets, accessed by a radar key. If you don’t have a key, registered disabled can apply for their own key through their local health authority.

Dogs are not permitted on East Beach and West Beach during the summer months between 1st May and 30th September. They are permitted during the winter months between 1st October and 30th April. Dogs are permitted on the East Cliff Beach area and West Cliff Beach at all times, whereby access is by the path alongside East Cliff or down steps from the Promenade to West Cliff Beach. On the permitted beaches, dogs can be off the lead but must be kept under reasonable control and not become a nuisance to other beach users. The whole of West Bay also operates a clean zone regularly patrolled by wardens, whereby dogs must be kept on a lead not exceeding 2 metres (6ft 6ins). Dog owners who do not clean up their dog's faeces, including the beaches, will incur an on the spot fine of £100 and can face further fines of up to £1,000. Bins are provided. Not having suitable equipment to clear up faeces will not be accepted as an excuse.

Guide and assistance dogs are exempt from the above restriction, i.e. they are permitted on all West Bay and West Dorset Beaches. However, these dogs must carry appropriately marked harnesses / coats to identify them as such.

It is an offence to feed seagulls in a public place at West Bay. Seagulls have recently become more aggressive due to humans deliberately offering or leaving food (mainly chips) for them. The snatching of food, ice cream, etc. is often reported, especially being taken from unsuspecting children.

It is permissible to launch small non-motorised craft from the beaches. These include kayaks, canoes, rowing and sailing dinghies that can be easily manhandled across the beach without a trailer. All motorised craft, including jet skis, should not be launched from the beaches.

An RNLI Lifeguard Beach Patrol Service operates during the school summer holiday season at West Bay. An HM Coastguard Auxiliary Rescue Service also operates from West Bay. In an emergency situation, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We want you to enjoy the sea at West Bay, but please observe safety procedures. Take note of all safety signs on the beaches. Do not enter the sea during adverse weather conditions and never when the sea looks rough, even during the summer! Keep away from cliff edges and their bases in all weathers, as dramatic erosion collapses can occur at any time!