Omaha Beach & the American Cemetery: What to See

Omaha Beach Pointe du Hoc
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Omaha Beach was one of the five Allied landing zones on D-Day, 06 June 1944, and the most fiercely contested of them all.  Omaha is the most visited, most well-known, and busiest of the landing beaches, so you’ll want an early start to visit here. The beach was assigned to American forces, and the beach saw intense fighting as U.S. troops came under heavy fire from fortified German positions along the bluffs. Despite early chaos and high casualties, the Americans eventually secured the beachhead.  It was a pivotal moment in the success of Operation Overlord. Today, Omaha Beach is one of the most iconic sites of World War II.  Your visit should include walking along the beach where the landings took place, exploring preserved bunkers and German defenses, and paying respects at both the American and German Cemeteries. This is my guide to Omaha Beach, the American Cemetery, and the museums and memorials to visit here related to D Day, Operation Overlord, and World War II.

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Omaha Beach stretches roughly five miles (eight kilometres) along the northern coast of Normandy, between the villages of Vierville-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Mer. It formed the central part of the American landing sector and played a crucial role in the broader Allied push to liberate Nazi-occupied France.  Even today, the area around the beach has incredibly powerful reminders of what began here on 6 June 1944. There are gun batteries, cemeteries, memorials, and what feel like endless museums.  This guide will take you through the wartime history of Omaha Beach, the main points of interest to visit, how to plan your route, annual commemorative events, places to eat nearby, and where to stay. Here’s what to see and how to visit Omaha Beach today.

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A Brief History of Omaha Beach and WWII

Omaha Beach was a critical landing site during the Allied invasion of Normandy on 06 June 1944. The sector, stretching between the fishing port of Port-en-Bessin on the east and the mouth of the Vire River on the west, was assigned to the U.S. 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions. The US Rangers also played a significant role. Unlike the more lightly defended Utah Beach (my guide to Utah is here), Omaha was heavily fortified by three battalions of the veteran German 352nd Infantry Division, which had reinforced concrete bunkers, machine gun nests, artillery, and mined beach obstacles.

Omaha Beach was the largest of the landing areas, some 10 kilometers (6 miles) long, with the entire beach backed by cliffs that were 30 meters (98 feet) high.

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The American assault began at 06:30 under intense enemy fire, with troops facing rough seas, mislandings, and a deadly crossfire from the cliffs. Initial waves of landing forces suffered devastating losses; many drowned, and few landed where they were supposed to.  The beach nearly became a total failure.  At 08:30, all landings stopped on this beach.  However, leadership from officers on the ground, including Brigadier General Norman Cota and countless acts of individual bravery, turned the tide. By midday, scattered units had broken through key defenses and began to advance inland.

Though massively costly (more than 2,400 died in the assault), the victory at Omaha was essential to linking the British and American sectors and establishing a secure foothold in Normandy.  Eventually, 34,000 troops were landed, and the Germans had a casualty rate of 20%, but no reinforcements arrived.

Timeline of Events

  • 06 June 1944, 05:50: Allied naval bombardment begins targeting German fortifications along Omaha Beach.
  • 06 June 1944, 06:30: First wave of the U.S. 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions land under heavy fire.
  • 06 June 1944, 07:30: Additional waves struggle to land due to obstacles and mislandings.
  • 06 June 1944, 08:30: landings stop, those on the beach are on their own
  • 06 June 1944, 09:00: Small units begin scaling the bluffs and knocking out German positions.
  • 06 June 1944, 12:00: American forces secure several exits and begin pushing inland.
  • 07 June 1944: U.S. troops link up with British forces advancing from Gold Beach
  • 09 June 1944: The beachhead at Omaha is firmly secured.
  • 26 June 1944: U.S. troops take Cherbourg, securing a vital deep-water port.

What to See at Omaha Beach

If you only visit one of the D Day landing beaches, then it’s likely to be this one. It’s the most famous of the beaches; it was the largest sector for the invasion, and close by, you’ll find a host of informative museums to visit. 

1.      Omaha Beach

This was the heart of the American D-Day landings, the largest of the sectors, with high cliffs and high casualty rates. The beach today is quiet and open, with monuments, plaques, and sculptures.  There’s very little development here, and the beach is usually delightfully empty.

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2.      The Memorials at Omaha Beach

Scattered along the beach and bluffs, a series of memorials pay tribute to the individuals and units who played a role in the D-Day landings.  Here are the main memorials and where to find them.

Les Braves Memorial
Located on the sand at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, this striking stainless-steel sculpture was created by French artist Anilore Banon in 2004. It honors the courage of the Allied soldiers who landed on Omaha Beach and stands as a symbol of freedom and peace.

Liberation or Signal Monument
Close to Les Braves, this large stone structure resembles a ship’s prow. It references the 29th and the 1st Infantry divisions.           

The Charles Shay Indian Memorial (and the Turtle)
Dedicated to Native American veterans, this memorial honors the American Indians who fought.  Charles Norman Shay was a Penobscot tribal elder and combat medic who landed here on D-Day. He won the Silver Star for his heroism in rescuing wounded troops from the waves. He was one of 175 American Indian troops who landed on Omaha on D-Day.   A bronze turtle, created by Charles Shay’s nephew, Tim, nearby symbolizes longevity and wisdom in Native American culture.

Croix de Guerre 5th Engineer Special Brigade Memorial
This stone monument stands near Dog Green sector and is topped by a French Croix de Guerre medal. It recognizes the vital role of the U.S. 5th Engineer Special Brigade in clearing beach obstacles under heavy fire.

Big Red One Denkmal
Installed by veterans of the U.S. 1st Infantry Division, this German-style “Denkmal” or war memorial marks their landing sector. It commemorates the heavy losses (627 between 6 June and 24 July 1944) and achievements of the division, famously known as the “Big Red One.”

Combat Medics 16th Infantry Memorial
You may not see this memorial.  It’s located on a rock below the high tide line on the beach, and it pays tribute to the medics of the 16th Infantry Regiment who risked their lives to treat wounded soldiers during the assault, often wading into the water to drag them out..

The Ever Forward Monument
Honoring the U.S. 116th Infantry Regiment of the 29th Division, this granite marker sits near their landing area. The regiment’s motto, “Ever Forward,” is inscribed to reflect their persistence and sacrifice on D-Day.

The National Guard Association Monument
This memorial recognizes the service of the U.S. National Guard units that participated in the Normandy landings.

The Royal Air Force Memorial
Set above the beach at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, this monument honors the RAF squadrons that provided essential air support during the invasion. It symbolizes the international effort that made Operation Overlord possible.

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3.      Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach

Inland, just a short walk from the Signal / Les Braves Monuments (we’re talking 5 minutes), although if you’re driving, then there is parking at the museum, is the Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach.  There’s a whole lot of authentic artefacts, weapons, uniforms, and a short film. It’s a great place to start or end your walk along the beach for a deeper historical context.

  • Address of Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach: Avenue de la Libération, 14710 Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, France
  • Cost of the Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach: €7.80 adults,  €4.60 children (from 7 to 15 years old)
  • Opening hours of Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach: February, March, October: 10:00 to 17:30 (last admission 16:30), April, May, September: 09:30 to 18.30 (last admission 17:30), June, July, August: 09:30 to 19:00 (last admission 18:00). Closed: from November 2nd 2025 to mid-February 2026
  • How long to spend at the Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach: 60-90 minutes
  • Website: musee-memorial-omaha.com
  • How to get to the Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach: Located 0.2 miles (300 metres) from the main beach parking in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer.  Free parking onsite.
  • Map location of Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach: https://goo.gl/maps/qY7o4SkLGnDj1jLKA

4.      D-Day Omaha Museum

We stayed just around the corner from this family-run museum in Vierville-sur-Mer, and it’s a delight.  It’s got a huge collection of vehicles, personal items, and original equipment used by Allied and German forces. Its focus on individual stories and preserved artefacts makes it a worthwhile stop if you’re exploring the western end of Omaha Beach.

  • Address of D-Day Omaha Museum: Route de Grandcamp, 14710 Vierville-sur-Mer, France
  • Cost of D-Day Omaha Museum: €7.90 adult, €4.50 4-15 year olds.
  • Opening hours of D-Day Omaha Museum: Daily, 09:30–18:30 (Apr–Sept); limited hours off-season, closed for the winter from early November.
  • How long to spend at D-Day Omaha Museum: 45 minutes to 1 hour
  • Website: dday-omaha.fr
  • How to get to D-Day Omaha Museum: Located 0.2 miles (300 metres) from Vierville-sur-Mer beach exit on the D517; free parking onsite.
  • Map location of D-Day Omaha Museum: https://goo.gl/maps/hSvUwddCHHKSGDpd6

5.      Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

Set on the cliffs overlooking Omaha Beach, the Normandy American Cemetery is the final resting place for 9,387 American servicemen and women, most of whom died during the D-Day landings and subsequent operations. The white marble crosses and Stars of David stretch in perfect rows across immaculately maintained lawns, offering a powerful visual tribute to the cost of liberation.

You’ll start your visit here in the visitor center – DO NOT MISS IT – it features immersive exhibits, personal stories, and a short film that contextualizes the cemetery’s significance.  There are three films you can watch, huge maps that detail the entirety of Operation Overlord, and, of course the cemetery itself.  It is, however, the only war cemetery that I’ve been to where you cannot walk amongst the graves unless you have a personal relation here and make an appointment.

You’ll find the graves of Theodore Roosevelt Jr here, and also brothers Robert and Preston Niland, whose story was behind the movie Saving Private Ryan.

At the memorial, a semi-circular colonnade with detailed maps and inscriptions honors the names of 1,557 missing soldiers. A path behind the cemetery leads to a viewing platform over the beach and to the remains of the German defenses at Widerstandsnest 62. (Read on for more details on German bunkers).

  • Address of Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial: 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer, France
  • Cost of Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial: Free
  • Opening hours of Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial: Daily, 09:00–16:30 (summer hours may be longer)
  • How long to spend at Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial: 1.5–2 hours
  • Website: abmc.gov
    How to get to Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial: Located above Omaha Beach, 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from the beach, with free parking
  • Map location of Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial: https://goo.gl/maps/Cu1LPnMQ6D52

6, Pointe du Hoc

One of the most dramatic sites along the Normandy coastline, Pointe du Hoc was the scene of a daring U.S. Army Ranger assault on D-Day.   You can read about it and imagine, but you have absolutely no understanding of what they achieved until you get here and see the scale of what they did.  These are 100-foot (30-meter) high cliffs. 

The landscape is still scarred by enormous bomb craters, the German bunkers and observation posts might be slowly sinking into the earth, but they’re still here, and on the walk from the parking lot to Pointe du Hoc, you’ll read about how the 2nd Ranger Battalion scaled the cliffs under fire to neutralize a key German gun position.

Don’t miss reading all the information boards on your way to the bunkers and the cliffs. Go inside the bunker.  Stand on the top and look down at the beach, and see the scale of the size of those bomb craters.

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7.      Overlord Museum

This museum, the Overlord Museum, is found in the town of Colleville-sur-Mer, and it contains one of the best private collections of vehicles, uniforms, and battlefield artefacts from both sides.  It takes you from the D Day landings on 6 June 1944 to the liberation of Paris on 19 August 1944.

The museum began as the private collection of a local present here during the war, Michel Leloup. There are tanks, armored vehicles, personal effects, and one of the grappling hooks used to scale the Pointe du Hoc cliffs.

  • Address of Overlord Museum: D514, 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer, France
  • Cost of Overlord Museum: €9.50 for adults, €7.00 for children aged 7-15, 0-7 free
  • Opening hours of Overlord Museum: Daily, 09:30–19:00 (June, July, August);             10:00 – 18:30 (April, May, September), 10:00 – 17:30 (February, March, October, November, December).
  • How long to spend at Overlord Museum: 1–1.5 hours
  • Website: overlordmuseum.com
  • How to get to Overlord Museum: Next to the roundabout by the cemetery entrance; 20 minutes walking from the cemetery, free parking
  • Map location of Overlord Museum: https://goo.gl/maps/WvDcKXSRw9gGpB1dA

8.      La Cambe German War Cemetery

La Cambe is the final resting place of more than 21,000 German soldiers who died during the Battle of Normandy. Unlike the American cemetery, its design is sombre and understated, with dark stone crosses, flat grave markers, and a central tumulus topped by a basalt cross.  The central mound contains the remains of nearly 300 unidentified German soldiers.

The small visitor center at the entrance provides background on the cemetery’s creation and efforts toward postwar reconciliation. Visiting La Cambe offers a powerful contrast and a broader reflection on the cost of war on all sides.

  • Address of La Cambe German War Cemetery: Route Nationale 13, 14230 La Cambe, France
  • Cost of La Cambe German War Cemetery: Free
  • Opening hours of La Cambe German War Cemetery: Open year-round during daylight hours
  • How long to spend at La Cambe German War Cemetery: 30–45 minutes
  • Website: https://www.volksbund.de/en/war-graves/germany/la-cambe
  • How to get to La Cambe German War Cemetery: 9 miles (15 kilometers) west of Omaha Beach via the N13; free parking available
  • Map location of La Cambe German War Cemetery: https://goo.gl/maps/yGoFfVh5aXYekKaB9
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9.      The Normandy Victory Museum

I’ve covered the Normandy Victory Museum in my guide to Utah Beach here, but it sits almost between the two beaches – Utah and Omaha, so I’m including the details again.  Truly, you shouldn’t miss it!

This museum goes well beyond the landings to cover the entire Normandy campaign. There are extensive dioramas, restored vehicles, and personal artefacts that tell the story of life during and after D-Day. It’s one of the most underrated museums in the region.  It’s only been open since 2017 and focuses a lot of attention on what’s generally known as the Battle of the Hedges.

Hedges, hedgerows, or “Bocage” here in Normandy are typical of the Normandy landscape.  Dense networks of hedges, sunken lanes, and small fields with earth-packed stone walls made it particularly difficult for the Allies to move troops and armoured vehicles here.  It is a fascinating explanation of how the Allies dealt with the issue and the way in which they did that. 

There are opportunities here (if you’re visiting during high season) to ride in jeeps, tanks, and also sit inside them within the museum.  There’s also an escape room experience – the Secret of the 3 Bunkers and rides available in vintage Dodge vehicles (depending on the season)

  • Address of the Normandy Victory Museum: Parc d’Activités Airville, 50500 Catz, Normandy, France
  • Cost of the Normandy Victory Museum: €9.90 adults / €6.50 children
  • Opening hours of the Normandy Victory Museum: Depends on the season (and day of the week too, check the website, but expect the museum to be closed midweek in November and December and most of January.
  • How long to spend at the Normandy Victory Museum:   We spent 100 minutes in the Normandy Victory Museum.
  • Website: https://www.normandy-victory-museum.fr
  • How to get to the Normandy Victory Museum: 20-minute drive from Utah Beach via Carentan.  There are lots of free parking spaces on site.
  • Map location of the Normandy Victory Museum:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/m2jRwhaCn7scY8a96

10.  German Bunkers at Omaha Beach

Several of the original German defensive positions, or Widerstandsnester (resistance nests), still survive along the cliffs and beaches of the Omaha sector. These concrete strongpoints offer a glimpse into the Atlantic Wall fortifications and the challenges faced by Allied troops on D-Day.

Widerstandsnest 60 (WN60)
Located on the eastern bluff above Fox Green sector, WN60 had machine gun positions and a 50mm anti-tank gun that inflicted serious casualties. It was one of the first positions captured by U.S. forces on the morning of 6 June.

Widerstandsnest 62 (WN62)
Overlooking the Easy Red sector near Colleville-sur-Mer, WN62 was among the most heavily armed positions along the beach. Its trenches and bunkers remain preserved near the American Cemetery and can be explored on foot.

Widerstandsnest 65 (WN65)
Positioned above the Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer area, WN65 controlled a key beach exit and housed multiple mortars and machine guns. Today, some of its concrete structures remain visible near the Les Braves monument.

If you only have time to visit one German artillery site, head to Maisy Battery.  It’s a much larger complex of trenches, bunkers, and gun emplacements just west of Omaha Beach. It’s the most complete and immersive of the surviving German positions open to the public, and it’s relatively modern in its curation, having only reopened in the early 2000s.

Maisy Battery

Hidden for decades and only reopened to the public in the early 2000s, Maisy Battery is one of the most extensive German artillery sites along the Normandy coast. Unlike other preserved bunkers, this site offers access to long trench systems, underground command posts, and multiple artillery positions — much of it still intact and walkable. It gives a rare, close-up view of how German coastal defenses were organized and operated. The battery was targeted by U.S. Rangers after the Pointe du Hoc assault and is now privately managed as a historical site.

  • Address of Maisy Battery: Les Perruques, 14450 Grandcamp-Maisy, France
  • Cost of Maisy Battery: €8 adult
  • Opening hours of Maisy Battery: Daily, 10:00–18:00 (April–October); closed in winter
  • How long to spend at Maisy Battery: 1–1.5 hours
  • Website: maisybattery.com
  • How to get to Maisy Battery: 10 miles (16 kilometres) west of Omaha Beach; parking available on site
  • Map location of Maisy Battery: https://goo.gl/maps/sPVnRprbGueCRWuw8

Recommended Itinerary and Route for Visiting Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach and its surrounding sites are best explored by car, as the key locations are spread out along a roughly 10-mile (16-kilometre) stretch of coastline and inland bluffs.  You will struggle to find public transport between the sites, so either rent a car or join a guided tour.

If you’re based in Bayeux or Carentan, a day trip to Omaha Beach offers plenty of time to visit the main highlights. Several tour companies also run half-day and full-day trips from Bayeux and Caen, but if you’re driving, you’ll have full flexibility to follow the route at your own pace.

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Start on the western end at Vierville-sur-Mer and work your way east along the coast. This route follows the direction of the American advance and allows for natural stops at the beach, museums, and memorials. There’s free parking at most major sites and easy access to restrooms and cafes in Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer and Colleville-sur-Mer. If you plan to visit Pointe du Hoc or La Cambe, allow extra time and start your day early.

Suggested One-Day Itinerary

09:00 – Arrive at Vierville-sur-Mer
Walk Omaha Beach at Dog Green sector and view the National Guard monument.

09:30 – Visit the D-Day Omaha Museum
Explore vehicles and personal artefacts near the Vierville beach exit.

11:00 – Stop at the Liberation Monument and Les Braves sculpture
Walk the central beach area at Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer and visit the Memorial Museum of Omaha Beach.

12:00 – Drive inland to Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
Spend time in the visitor center, walk through the cemetery and the bluff, and visit WN62.

13:45 – Break for lunch
Grab a bite at a nearby café in Colleville-sur-Mer or pack a picnic.

14:30 – Tour the Overlord Museum
See tanks, weapons, and immersive displays covering the entire Normandy campaign.

16:00 – Continue west to Pointe du Hoc
Walk the cratered battlefield and view the Rangers memorial.

18:00 – Optional stop at La Cambe German War Cemetery
A sobering and lesser-visited contrast to the American cemetery.

Special Events Commemorating Omaha Beach and WWII

Each year in early June, Omaha Beach becomes the focal point for commemorative events marking the anniversary of D-Day. These ceremonies, reenactments, and community gatherings honour the Allied soldiers who landed here and the local population that endured occupation and liberation.

D-Day Anniversary Ceremonies — early June
Held around 6 June each year, official events take place at the Normandy American Cemetery, with military delegations, wreath-laying ceremonies, and flyovers. Smaller services are often held on the beach itself, and local veterans’ groups organize memorial walks and community tributes across Vierville-sur-Mer, Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer, and Colleville-sur-Mer.

Historic Vehicle Convoys and Reenactments — late May to early June
In the days leading up to the anniversary, convoys of vintage military vehicles tour the region, stopping at key D-Day sites. Reenactment camps near Omaha Beach offer living history displays, field kitchens, and WWII-era music and uniforms.

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Where to Eat and Drink near Omaha Beach

After a day exploring the beaches and memorials, there are a few local spots where you can sit down for a proper meal or grab something casual nearby. Some have a wartime connection, while others just serve up good Normandy food close to the key sites.

La Sapinière

Address: Route de Grandcamp, 14710 Vierville-sur-Mer

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/XDjA9dWoQrrWukXK7
Located near the D-Day Omaha Museum, this family-run restaurant is known for its seafood platters and Normandy-style dishes. Great for lunch or dinner after exploring Vierville, with outdoor seating in summer.

Brasserie d’en Face

Address: Place du 6 Juin, 14710 Saint-Laurent-sur-Mer

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/FHtGrZQ56Uyo8sYj9
Right next to Les Braves memorial, this casual brasserie serves burgers, crepes, omelettes, and cold drinks with views of the beach. A convenient, informal option if you’re spending time near the central sector.

L’Hommage

Address: 6 Route du Cimetière Américain, 14710 Colleville-sur-Mer

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/dMfEBxZMY7YVp56e6
Just a short drive from the American Cemetery, this upscale spot offers refined local cuisine in a peaceful countryside setting. Book ahead during the anniversary period if you want a quieter place to reflect over dinner.

Where to Stay to Visit Omaha Beach

Staying near Omaha Beach gives you early access to the sites and a quieter experience, especially outside of the June crowds. These options are chosen for their proximity to WWII landmarks, free parking or good road access, and consistently positive reviews.

  • Hotel du Casino – Saint-Pair-sur-Mer (0.2 miles / 0.3 kilometres from the beach)
    Right on the beachfront in Vierville-sur-Mer, this hotel is simple but reliable, with many rooms offering sea views and a short walk to the D-Day Omaha Museum. A solid mid-range choice with free parking and breakfast available. Free cancellation available.
  • Hôtel Le Duguesclin – Grandcamp-Maisy (5 miles / 8 kilometres west of Omaha Beach)
    A no-frills budget hotel in the port town of Grandcamp-Maisy, perfect for those planning to include Pointe du Hoc and Maisy Battery. Great value and walking distance to restaurants. Free cancellation available.
  • Domaine de L’Hostréière – Colleville-sur-Mer (1 mile / 1.6 kilometres from cemetery)
    A countryside hotel just behind the American Cemetery, with a garden, private parking, and even a small WWII exhibit in the lobby. Comfortable, peaceful, and ideal for quiet evening walks. Free cancellation available.
  • Gîte Le Clos des Pommiers – Colleville-sur-Mer (1.5 miles / 2.4 kilometres)
    A self-catering apartment with a full kitchen, garden space, and parking — great for families or longer stays. Close enough to reach all the Omaha Beach sites in under 10 minutes. Free cancellation available.

Books to Read about Omaha Beach and WWII

If you want to better understand what happened at Omaha Beach before your visit, these books offer powerful insights — from soldier memoirs to detailed accounts of the planning and aftermath of D-Day. Whether you’re looking for a personal story or a wider historical view, these reads help bring the events to life.

D-Day: June 6, 1944 – Stephen E. Ambrose
A classic and highly detailed account of the entire D-Day operation, based on hundreds of interviews with veterans from both sides. It includes firsthand stories from soldiers who landed at Omaha Beach. Available on Amazon

Omaha Beach: D-Day, June 6, 1944 – Joseph Balkoski
Focused specifically on the landings at Omaha Beach, this book is considered one of the most accurate and readable military histories of the assault. It offers a clear breakdown of the units involved and their objectives. Available on Amazon

If You Survive – George Wilson
A gripping personal memoir by a young U.S. infantry officer who landed in Normandy and fought through Europe. Though not only about Omaha Beach, it gives a raw and personal perspective on frontline combat from D-Day onward. Available on Amazon

The Bedford Boys – Alex Kershaw
This emotional narrative follows a group of young men from a single Virginia town who were among the first to land at Omaha — and suffered some of the highest losses. A moving, human-centered look at sacrifice and remembrance. Available on Amazon

Movies and Documentaries about Omaha Beach and WWII

Watching films and documentaries about Omaha Beach can help visualise the scale of the landings and understand the human experience behind the headlines. These titles are ideal for getting a feel for the terrain, tactics, and personal stories before you visit.

Saving Private Ryan – 1998, directed by Steven Spielberg
Famous for its harrowing 20-minute depiction of the Omaha Beach landing, this film captures the chaos, fear, and bravery of D-Day in vivid detail. It’s widely considered the most realistic portrayal of the American assault.  Available on Amazon Prime

D-Day: The Battle for Normandy – 2019, World War Two in HD Colour (Episode)
Part of the acclaimed “WWII in HD Colour” series, this episode covers the lead-up to D-Day and includes real combat footage from Omaha Beach and beyond. A concise, informative watch with historical narration.  Available on Amazon Prime

The Longest Day – 1962, directed by Ken Annakin
An epic war film with a huge ensemble cast, it dramatizes the events of 6 June 1944 from both Allied and German perspectives. Though older, it’s still a solid introduction to the scale of the operation. Available on Amazon Prime

Omaha Beach: Honor and Sacrifice – 2014, documentary
This lesser-known but powerful documentary focuses specifically on personal stories from Omaha Beach, with veteran interviews and battlefield footage. Great for travellers who want a more emotional and first-hand look at the landings. Available on Amazon Prime

WWII Sites around the World

We can’t claim to have visited every single WWII site around the world, but we’ve explored quite a few of them, admittedly we haven’t written about them all, but here are our guides to those that we have documented.

Final Words on Visiting Omaha Beach

Omaha Beach remains one of the most significant World War II sites in Europe — not only because of the scale of the operation, but because of the heavy cost paid to secure a foothold here. From the peaceful shoreline to the stark white markers of the American Cemetery and the black crosses of the German La Cambe, every part of the landscape tells a story of courage, loss, and determination. Whether you spend a few hours or a full day exploring the beach, museums, and memorials, the experience stays with you long after your visit.

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AUTHOR

Sarah Carter
Sarah Carter is an avid reader, writer and traveller. She loves hiking, sailing, skiing and exploring the world through food. She left a successful career in IT security and compliance in both the UK and US to travel the world with husband and partner in adventure, Nigel.

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