I visit Porthcawl often as it's just down the road from my home. It has something to suit everyone.Coney beach is the commercial part with the fairground,candy floss, amusement arcades, donkey rides on the beach,etc. Neaby is the popular caravan park Trecco Bay
Along the promenade away from Coney beach, it becomes quieter with a small harbour, and fishing off Porthcawl pier is very popular, but can be dangerous in strong wind (see Porthcawl Pier video below)
Continuing along the promenade which has been improved considerably recently, you can take a rest for ice cream, or a cappucino from the one of the kiosks overlooking the sea. Porthcawl is also becoming well known for the annual Elvis Presley Festival, the largest event of its kind in Europe.
About a mile in a Westerly direction (by car) turn left on to locks common and drive to , or park the car near the large white building in the middle of the photo below left, and walk across the headland.
It is a large quiet beach popular with surfers (not the internet type) There is a dog ban on the beach April~Sept. There is a huge car park, (£2:50 per day)with a shop and toilets about 100yds from the beach.