The nearest market town is Kingsbridge - a 10 minute drive from Salcombe. This is at the head of the estuary and is a pretty small town with an impressive range of shops.
The nearest surfing beach is at Bantham - about 15 minutes drive. Other beautiful beaches are at Hope Cove and Thurlestone - also about 15 minutes drive away.
Golf courses can be found at Thurlestone and Bigbury.
Within 30-45 minutes drive are Totnes, Dartmouth and Dartmoor.