Here’s a concise guide to beachfront accommodations in Sri Lanka — where to go, what types of places you’ll find, best seasons by coast, safety notes, and quick booking tips.

Top coastal areas (what they’re best for)

• South coast (Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Galle area): best for sunsets, whale‑watching, beginner–intermediate surf, lots of guesthouses to luxury resorts, lively restaurants and easy access from Colombo. (ceylonlanka.info)
• West coast (Bentota, Kalutara, Negombo): good for families, water sports, resort-style hotels and easy airport access (Negombo). (ceylonlanka.info)
• East coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Pasikudah/Kalkudah): world‑class surfing (Arugam Bay) and very calm, shallow lagoons for swimming (Pasikudah) — best in opposite season to the south coast. (ceylonlanka.info)
• Tangalle / Hambantota (quiet, more remote beaches): softer, less crowded stretches and boutique villas. (ceylonlanka.info)

Beach-season summary (dual monsoon pattern)

• South & west coast: best November–April (good for Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Weligama). (hidmc.com)
• East coast: best May–October (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Pasikudah). (hidmc.com)

Types of beachfront accommodation you’ll find

• Luxury resorts: full‑service beachfront resorts and villas (private pools, on‑site restaurants, spa).
• Mid‑range hotels & boutique guesthouses: many family-run beachfront properties with sea views and breakfast.
• Budget hostels & surf camps: basic beachfront dorms or private rooms, plentiful in surf towns (Weligama, Arugam Bay).
• Private villas: rental villas for groups or families, often with direct beach access.

Where to stay depending on your priorities

• Surf/beginner lessons + many budget options: Weligama / Hiriketiya. (topologica.co)
• Whale watching + relaxed beach bars: Mirissa. (islaguru.com)
• Culture + beach (close to a UNESCO site): Unawatuna / Galle Fort area. (ceylonlanka.info)
• Big surf scene (seasonal, April–Sept): Arugam Bay (east coast). (hidmc.com)
• Calm shallow swimming and families: Pasikudah / Nilaveli (east) or Bentota (west). (ceylonlanka.info)

Safety & travel‑note (important)

• Sri Lanka is a popular destination but local security situations can change; there were heightened security measures and travel advisories affecting some coastal areas in recent periods. Check your government travel advisory and local news close to travel dates. (apnews.com)

Quick booking & planning tips

• Choose coast by date (use the season guidance above) so you get sun and calm seas. (hidmc.com)
• For the broadest choice: search Booking.com, Agoda or local villa platforms; for surf camps search dedicated surf‑camp aggregators.
• If you want quiet/less touristy beaches, look at Tangalle / Goyambokka / southern Hambantota coast. (ceylonlanka.info)
• Transport: Colombo is the main international gateway. South coast is ~2–3 hr drive from Colombo (traffic varies); east coast is longer. Factor transfers into your schedule.
• Ask about “direct beach access” and whether the property has lifeguards or rangers if swimming with kids.

Examples of what you’ll find (by budget — illustrative)

• Budget: beachfront surf hostels and family guesthouses in Weligama, Mirissa, Arugam Bay. (topologica.co)
• Mid-range: boutique beachfront hotels in Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Bentota. (ceylonlanka.info)
• Luxury: full-service beachfront resorts and private villas along the south and west coasts (examples widely listed on major booking sites). (ceylonlanka.info)

If you’d like, I can now:

• pick specific hotels or villas in a particular beach town (luxury vs budget), or
• search availability/prices for a set date range and budget (I’ll need your travel dates and budget to be precise).

(If you want me to search availability or list specific properties, tell me your travel dates, preferred coast/ beach town, number of guests and budget and I’ll pull options and links.)