White Rock

White Rock is just off of Highway 99, about 45 minutes south of downtown Vancouver by car. If you're in Surrey, take 152 St south.
White Rock is part of the Translink regional transit system. A couple of buses provide links to other municipalities in the region and the Skytrain.

• Bus #321 provides service from the Surrey Central Expo Line Skytrain station in Surrey.
• Bus #351 provides express service from the Bridgeport Canada Line station in Richmond.

Standard adult transit fares (effective ) to White Rock from Vancouver are on weekdays and on weekends and evenings after 6:30PM. Fares from elsewhere in the Vancouver region will vary between -.

White Rock town centre (Marine Drive along the beach) is at sea level, while the rest of the town is perched on a bench several hundred feet above. The town center is walkable but it is steep if you want to see other parts of the city.
The broader area — usually referred to as South Surrey but often referred to as White Rock — is quite large and will require a car to get to some areas. Translink operates bus service for all of Greater Vancouver. In White Rock and South Surrey most local buses are community shuttles. Most tourist areas of South Surrey are accessible by Translink.

Parking

Most of White Rock is pay parking. The cost fluctuates but it is most expensive off Marine Drive by the beach ($3 per hour in high season). The new pay-by-space system makes buying or adding time simple. Just enter your space number on any nearby dispenser, pay, take your receipt and walk away. There's no need to return to your vehicle or place your ticket on your vehicle's dash. If you want to add time later, just enter your stall number (printed on your receipt) at any one of 36 dispensers along the beach and choose your payment method. You can even pay by cell phone. (Requires registration with Verrus Mobile Technologies Inc. You'll need to use a credit card the first time you call. Nominal user fees apply.) Details at the City's Parking page .

• The White Rock

  address: White Rock Promenade
  The town's namesake is located on the beach near the White Rock Pier. The rock was named for the large quantity of bird guano that covered it, but today is kept white by regular coats of white paint.

• White Rock Museum and Archives

  phone: +1 604 541-2222
  address: 14970 Marine Dr
  A small museum in the old train station. It has displays on the city's history and a re-creation of the station's office. (Note: administrative offices are elsewhere, at 15322 Buena Vista).

The Beach

• White Rock Beach and Promenade

  address: Parallel to Marine Drive between Bay Street and Finlay Street

• White Rock Promenade, south-east (Finlay Street) end

  address: Marine Drive and Finlay Street

White Rock has the largest and one of the most popular beaches in the Lower Mainland, located on the southern edge of the city alongside Marine Drive. The long sandy beach is perfect for everything from picnics to a game of frisbee. When the tide goes out there are many tidal pools that are left exposed and is a great place to see marine life up close. British Columbia's south coast is sheltered by Vancouver Island, because of this the water temperatures are relatively warm. If you don't want to walk in the sand, the White Rock Promenade stretches for 2.2 km (1.4 miles) next to Marine Drive.
The White Rock Promenade can be a pleasant dinnertime walk, especially at sunset, ideally with a low tide. Find a parking spot to the west part of Marine Drive, say near Bay St or Oxford Street. Walk eastwards down the beach. When you reach the pier, walk to end of it and back. Continue eastwards until the beachfront strip ends, at Finlay Street where Semiahmoo Park begins. There, you've done the nature/ocean thing. Now, cross Marine Drive. Walk back along the long line of restaurants, and get an idea from the vibe and the menus out front if you like them. Pick one for dinner, or make a reservation for later.

The Pier

• White Rock Pier

  address: 15044 Marine Dr

White Rock is famous for its large White Rock, and its pier that juts out nearly 500 meters from the shore. It is a popular place for a walk. During the summer some locals jump off the end of the pier, although this practice is discouraged and diving can be dangerous.

Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach, White Rock's "alternate beach" area, runs from White Rock north-west, around the Ocean Park neighborhood of Surrey, and is capped off by Blackie Spit. The neighbourhood where the beach meets Black Spit is much cozier and quieter, with a handful of nearby establishments specializing in organic, ice cream, fish and chips, coffee houses, and of course fabulous sit down dining experiences. Crescent Beach radiates a small-town, seaside feeling. In the winter, Crescent Beach is a bird watching paradise, and known for Bald Eagle nesting and hunting grounds. Paddling and windsurfing activities are common in the summer. To get here, follow Crescent Road off the King George Highway. Alternatively, if starting from White Rock, head east on North Bluff Road/16 Ave, right to the end.

• Blackie Spit

  phone: +1-604-501-5050
  address: 3136 McBride Avenue
  This Surrey city park sits on a peninsula at the mouth of the Nicomekl River, where it empties into Mud Bay. A self-guided 5km nature trail provides water views and bird-watching. There is also a sailing club, swim club, and off-leash dog park.

Restaurants in White Rock are split between those on the beach, usually offering patios and ocean views, typically on Marine Drive; and restaurants in the main commercial area away from the water. Restaurants in the Crescent Beach area (formally part of Surrey, but commonly grouped with White Rock) are mostly clustered on Bleecher Street near Blackie Spit, with a few near 128 St and 16th Ave.

On the beach

Marine Drive is packed with restaurants, from standards like fish and chips to ethnic restaurants to pubs.

• Deluxe Restaurant

  phone: +1 604 542-5042
  address: 15475 Marine Dr
  Menu includes interesting spins on classic dishes, e.g. yam gnocchi. A strong strain of seafood throughout, but also vegetarian options.

• Dolce Gelato

  phone: +1-604 535-1070
  address: 15045 Marine Dr.
  Highly regarded for delicious and authentic gelato in a wide range of flavours. Cash only.

• Kahunas Fish & Chips

  phone: +1-604 542-9403
  address: 15519 Marine Drive
  The colourful, Hawai'ian vibe frames fish and chips, seafood and beer featuring local ingredients.

• Little India

  address: 15081 Marine Dr
  Highly praised for the friendly host Peter, and the delicious flavours. Try the garlic naan.

• Uli's Restaurant

  phone: +1 604 538-9373
  address: 15021 Marine Dr
  On the beach for over 30 years, the euro-inspired cuisine features local ingredients and creative wine and beer pairings. Minimal vegetarian and gluten free options.

• Washington Avenue Grill

  phone: +1 604-541-4244
  address: #5 - 15782 Marine Dr
  The upstairs dining room overlooks the bay. The seafood and gastropub fare is skillfully done and well served. Plentiful vegetarian options. Live music, W-Sa, is invigorating or a din, depending on your taste.

Off the beach

The "five corners" intersection in the main commercial district, just up the bluff from the beach, anchors the restaurant area. Many more restaurants are along or near Johnston Street as it heads north.

• Dining Wok Shanghai Restaurant

  phone: +1 604 531-6671
  address: 15246 Russell Ave
  Sichuan, Shanghai, and Peking cuisine. Group menu available.

• Leela Thai

  phone: +1 604 541-9631
  address: 1310 Johnston Rd
  A variety of chicken, pork, seafood and vegetarian Thai dishes.

• Penang Restaurant

  phone: +1-604-538-1700
  address: 15228 Russell Avenue
  Szechuan, Malaysian, and Indonesian cuisine. Takeout available.

• Shin Ji Ru

  phone: +1 604 531-9657
  address: 15171 Russell Ave
  Japanese restaurant with the usual sushi, sashimi, tempura, udon, etc. dishes. Reviewers indicate the meals are good value.

• Taka's Take-out Sushi

  phone: +1-604-538-8587
  address: 15214 Pacific
  An unassuming but highly-regarded sushi restaurant. In addition to the usual sashimi, nigiri, maki, and appetisers, they offer "aburi" (flame-seared) sushi and "wagyu" (Japanese beef).

Crescent Beach area

Although Crescent Beach itself runs along the west side of the peninsula northwest of White Rock, most of the restaurants thought of as "Crescent Beach" are clustered on Bleecher Street near Blackie Spit. A few are at the south part of the peninsula, near 128 St and 16th Ave.

• The Cabin at Crescent Beach

  phone: +1-604-541-8432
  address: 12302 Beecher Street
  Seafood, steaks, pasta, beer, and wine with "upscale casual" vibe.

• Hooked Fish Bar

  phone: +1-604-542-4665
  address: 12157 Beecher Street
  The wrap-around deck makes the most of the beachfront location. In the spring you can watch migrating birds play as you dine. If you prefer, order to take out, and eat while strolling the beach. Much of the menu is ocean-inspired: fish and chips, chowder.

• Delrios Restaurant

  phone: +1 604 536-2544
  address: 1669 128 St
  Pasta, burgers, steak. Highly rated.

Due to White Rock's location just minutes from the Canada/USA border, it is a common place for Americans (especially those under 21) to drink.

• Ocean Beach Club and Grill , 14995 Marine Drive.

Budget

• Ocean Beach Hotel

  address: 14995 Marine Dr
  There is a night club and restaurant below.

Mid-range

• Pacfic Inn

  phone: +1 604 535-1432
  address: 1160 King George Highway
  The largest hotel in White Rock with a mix of standard guestrooms and suites. The hotel has a tropical theme and includes a health club, indoor pool and whirlpool spa.

Richmond, with its historic fishing village and Buddhist temple, is 20-30 minutes north on Highway 99. Going south on Hwy 99 will bring you to the U.S. border, with Seattle being a couple of hours south.
The Fraser Valley, with gardens, outdoor recreation and wineries is to the east.