The Welsh name of this village means 'Little Marsh', but the English name of Black Rock Sands is more appropriate for the long sandy beach which it faces. There are caves among the rocks on the headland at the western end, and it is possible to dive from the rocks in good weather when the tide is high.

In the right conditions the bay provides good surfing waves, and there is ample parking on the beach, with a slipway for launching boats. Swimming is safe, except for strong currents at the south-east end of the beach, on the edge of the Glaslyn estuary.