On the tourist scene the 20th century began with the opening of a new promenade which replaced the original gravel track. Development continued on the ‘seafront’ with the building of concrete bathing chalets in the 1930s.

After 1950 and the opening of large caravan sites there was a move from the terraced houses to the static caravan. As the century proceeded many of the boarding houses, no longer in favour with visitors, were converted into self catering holiday flats, the Grand hotel included. By the 1990s little accommodation for visitors was available in the traditional lodgings. Visitor numbers fell drastically here from the 1960s when the new trend of cheap overseas holidays began. Penmaenmawr despite its fine beach and beautiful scenery was not sunny and hot enough for the modern tourist. However, a new promenade was built in the 1990s to replace the one lost when the present A55 was diverted along the shore line.

There is an optimistic feeling amongst many that visitors especially those not in search of sun and san could be attracted here once again with the development of new attractions.