Sandbanks is half a mile of sand with the sea on one side and one of the world's largest natural harbours on the other. A day is enough to do it properly.
Morning: the beach, early
Arrive before mid-morning. The car parks fill fast on any day with sun forecast, and the bus from town is often quicker. The bay-side sand is the swimming beach, with lifeguards in season: read beach safety and swim between the flags.
Late morning: get on the water
The harbour side is flat, shallow and sheltered, which makes it one of the best places in Britain to try paddleboarding or windsurfing. See watersports.
Lunch
Eat on the peninsula or head to Canford Cliffs village, which is a short way back and easier to park at.
Afternoon: cross the water
Walk or drive onto the chain ferry. Four minutes later you are in Studland: dunes, heath and the coast path to Old Harry Rocks.
Evening
Back across, and dinner with the harbour mouth in front of you. See restaurants.
Staying over? See accommodation.