Sandwich Bay is a long sweeping inlet of the sea between Ramsgate and Deal. The coastal area consists of sand flats with their associated salt marshes and coastal sand dunes. The Sandwich flats stretch for about five miles (8 km) along the coast.

The sand dunes at the top of the beach give way to the private road leading through Sandwich Bay estate. There is a toll on this road for non-resident motorists, usually charging approximately £5 per car. There is a charge for motorbikes and other vehicles but cyclists and pedestrians pass for free, and charges only apply during the day, with the tolls closing around 6 pm.

The road itself runs along on the top of a concealed sea wall, separating the beach from the golf courses which back onto it. Via the toll road the beach is only 3–5 minutes from the historic Cinque port town of Sandwich. There are also scenic footpaths leading from the Quay in Sandwich, along the river and over the golf course on the dunes to the bay, which can take anything from 30 minutes to 1 hour to walk. Cycling over this route is not advisable due to the length of the path situated upon the dunes and golf course, but the road route takes only 10 minutes by bicycle.

The beach at Sandwich Bay is largely shingle, and relatively steep in profile at points along its width, but the receding tide reveals some areas of sand.

Towards the northern end of the beach, Sandwich Bay is separated from the Isle of Thanet by the river Stour estuary, where the Pegwell Bay nature reserve and salt marsh can be found.

Please note that the only facilities on the beach are a small toilet block and areas at the edges of the dunes for parking. The northern-most end of the beach is frequently used as an unofficial naturist beach.