2 Best Sights in Brighton, The Southeast

Brighton's most iconic landmark is its famous beach, which sweeps smoothly from one end of town to the other. In summer, sunbathers, swimmers, and ice cream–sellers pack the shore; in winter, people stroll at the water's stormy edge, walking their dogs and searching for seashells. The water is bracingly cold, and the beach is covered in a thick blanket of large, smooth pebbles (615 billion of them, according to the tourism office). Bring a pair of rubber swimming shoes if you're taking a dip—the stones are hard on bare feet. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming.

This maze of tiny alleys and passageways was once the home of fishermen and their families. Bordered by (clockwise) North, Market, Prince Albert, and Ship Streets, the area is closed to vehicular traffic, with its narrow cobbled streets filled with interesting restaurants, boutiques, and antiques shops. Fish and seafood restaurants line the heart of the Lanes, at Market Street and Market Square.