Saltburn-by-the-Sea is a seaside resort in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland in North Yorkshire, England. The town is situated around 12 miles east of Middlesbrough, 5 miles south of the seaside town of Redcar and 9 miles north of the seaside town of Whitby.

Old Saltburn was made up of a row of houses along the beach towards Hunt Cliff. The village became well known for smugglers with the most famous smuggler being John Andrew , landlord of the village's Ship Inn from 1780. The Government had imposed heavy taxes on imported goods around that time such as gin, tea, brandy and textiles. Smuggling was the way to avoid taxation.

Modern day Saltburn, sitting high above the golden beach, was built from the 1860s as a holiday town envisaged by Henry Pease. The Pease family owned Middlesbrough estate and had control of the railways in the area. The Railway reached Saltburn in 1861 and the Zetland Building was completed in 1863 to serve as a luxurious Railway Hotel. The Zetland would also be the landmark building of the new town. Decline in tourism to the area saw the Zetland Building converted to luxury flats in the 1980s. Regular trains still run from Darlington and Middlesbrough.

The Saltburn Cliff Lift opened on Saturday June 28th 1884 to serve as a fast and eficinet way to travel between the new town and the beach, about 120 feet travel of an extreme climb, price about £1 each way. The 1,500 feet Saltburn Pier opened in May 1869 with a steamer landing stage at the head of the pier and two circular kiosks at the entrance. The first steamers left the pier May 14th 1870, with a service to Middlesbrough.

The promenade has amusements, a fish & chip shop, ice cream shop, cafe and surfing shops. The Saltburn Surf School for lessons is situated a short distance south of the Pier.

The beach to the south of the Pier, heading towards Hunt Cliff, has a popular restaurant Vista Mar with a large terrace. The historic Ship Inn is situated a few hundred yards further south offering drinks and meals. The Spa Hotel is situated next to the road that leads down to the beach with excellent views from its Ridley's Bar and adjoining Conservatory Restaurant. The Marine Hotel with bar and diner is situated about one hundred yards north of the top station of the Cliff Lift. The Rushpool Hall Hotel and holiday lodges are situated in a 90 acre estate just over 1 mile southwest of the town centre.