Omaha Beach

The basics

Guided tours of the five D-Day beaches—Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach—run from Bayeux, Caen, Le Havre, Carentan, and Paris. Often, they include visits to other Normandy battlefields such as Pointe du Hoc, Arromanches, and Pegasus Bridge. For a more personalized experience, opt for a private or small-group tour and choose to focus on the American, Canadian, or British sites and memorials.

Things to know before you go

• Most Omaha Beach tours visit WWII cemeteries and memorials, so it’s important to dress and act respectfully.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the battle ruins and beaches.

• Some tours are wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check in advance with your tour operator.

• You don’t need Omaha Beach tickets as the beach is public; however, tickets are required to visit the museum.

• If time is of the essence, prioritize the beach and cemetery before visiting the museum.

How to get there

Omaha Beach is located along the coast of Normandy in northern France, 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of Bayeux. Although buses run to the beach from Bayeux, the easiest way to visit is by private transportation or as part of a guided tour. The American Cemetery, where the remains of more than 9,300 U.S. soldiers are buried, lies in the commune of nearby Colleville-sur-Mer. The cemetery is just above the beach, and a long walkway leads from the cemetery down to the beach itself.

When to get there

Tours run to Omaha Beach year-round, but it can get busy during the peak summer season. If you’re visiting in July and August, try to arrive early morning or early evening to avoid the large groups of day-trippers. The most moving time to visit is during the annual D-Day Festival held on June 6. It commemorates the anniversary of the Allied Landings with a program of memorials, parades, and beachside picnics.

Keep in mind that some local restaurants and shops close in January and February. Temperatures are pleasant during the fall and spring months; however, it won’t be warm enough to swim at Omaha Beach until the summer months.

The D-Day landings

Omaha Beach was the location of one of the most significant battles of World War II. On June 6, 1944, American infantry in the 1st Division and 29th Division were given the task of securing Omaha Beach as part of a strategy to land Allied troops along five points on the coast of Normandy. The operation was code-named D-Day, and it was part of a larger operation, code-named Operation Overlord.

In addition to the unforeseen tidal forces, the Americans encountered German defenses—including fortified gun emplacements—that were much stronger than expected. As a result, the American soldiers suffered massive losses—2,400 casualties in a day of bloody fighting. However, the landing was eventually successful when approximately 34,000 troops secured the area for the Allies. This signaled the beginning of the end of the war.