The modern commercial town centre looks over the main beach and contains the main shopping and nightlife areas. The town centre has major shopping chains alongside boutique independent shops. The main street has been pedestrianised and has many individual boutiques, specialist shops, inviting eateries and businesses. It is home to the Brunswick Shopping Centre, an all-weather modern shopping centre with a department store and many other retail outlets. The streets leading off the main street have a wide variety of shops and businesses. The town also has an ancient indoor market with a range of local shops and independent traders in its vaults. There are a wide variety of restaurants and cafes throughout the town and of course the town has an abundance of establishments serving the classic Scarborough cuisine of fish and chips.

The North Bay has traditionally been the more peaceful end of the resort and is the home of Peasholm Park. The park still features a mock maritime battle re-enacted on the boating lake with large model boats and fireworks throughout the summer season. The North Bay Railway is a miniature railway which runs from Northstead Manor Gardens to the Sea Life Centre at Scalby Mills. The railway leads past the Open Air Theatre which stages a mixed entertainment programme including music concerts and opera productions.

Scarborough Spa which hosts many events throughout the year including conferences, exhibitions and entertainment. Scarborough Spa consists of The Grand Hall that seats around 2,000 people and hosts live entertainment including the Scarborough Spa Orchestra and an annual Jazz Festival. The Spa Theatre which is a 600 seat Victorian Theatre and is home to Summer Season Shows and Christmas Pantomimes. The Spa Ocean Room is used for dances, conferences and other events. The world-famous Stephen Joseph Theatre is where the majority of Alan Ayckbourn’s hit plays have premiered. The Futurist Theatre hosts live entertainment and the latest of film releases throughout the year.