Jūrmala: Discover beaches, nature and culture

Jūrmala combines a long beach with dune landscapes, museums and a diverse cultural program. To plan your stay, you can first decide whether beaches, nature or culture should be your main focus.

Beach and water sports

Jūrmala’s beach stretches for 24 kilometers, with 12 official bathing areas along the coast. Facilities and the number of bathing areas may change over time. Before your visit, check the latest information.

Designated areas for kiteboarding and windsurfing are located in Kauguri, Asari, Pumpuri and Lielupe. These zones are subject to municipal regulations and may be adjusted seasonally. If water sports are part of your travel plans, take the relevant areas and applicable regulations into account.

Dunes, forest and trails

Ragakāpa Nature Park is a 150-hectare protected area dedicated to preserving dunes, old-growth pine forest and biodiversity along the seacoast. Its nature trail is about two kilometers long and consists mainly of wooden boardwalks. Information panels, benches and stairs are part of the route; trail infrastructure may change.

Another way to experience the coastal dunes is the approximately two-kilometer “Labsajūtas dabas taka.” It runs between Baznīcas iela and Amatas iela and is suitable for walking, Nordic walking and running. Maintenance work or weather may affect the infrastructure, so it is worth planning your route before visiting.

Nature is also at the heart of Dzintari Forest Park. Its observation tower is 33.5 meters high and has 12 viewing platforms. Check the access conditions on site.

For a day of cycling, there are planned one-day routes with scenic and cultural stops; most are circular routes. Before setting off, check the surface conditions and signage, as both can affect your ride.

Museums and architecture

Jūrmala has 385 architectural monuments of national, regional or local significance. In addition, there are 700 culturally and historically valuable buildings worthy of preservation. These inventories may be revised. At the Jūrmala Museum, permanent exhibitions explore themes such as the city, life by the sea, resort life and the history of bathing. They also cover the history of the Riga Jūrmala and Ķemeri resorts from the 18th to the 21st century. The collection includes old postcards from Jūrmala and Latvia’s largest swimwear collection.

The Jūrmalas Brīvdabas muzejs features a coastal fishing homestead from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with characteristic buildings. Practical activities include a workshop where visitors can make ropes and mend nets. Check in advance whether these activities are available seasonally. During traditional fish-smoking demonstrations, visitors can watch and take part in preparing the fish; afterward, they can sample hot-smoked fish. These activities may be seasonal or take place only on selected dates.

At the nature center in Meža māja, in Ķemeri National Park, an interactive exhibition introduces the park’s natural assets and its main ecosystems. Advance booking may be required for group visits.

Cultural program and other experiences

Dzintaru Concert Hall hosts classical, jazz and popular music concerts, festivals, competitions and other international cultural events. The program changes, so if you’d like to plan your stay around an event, check the specific dates.

Līvu Akvaparks has more than 20 different slides and 10 swimming pools. Since its facilities may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before visiting.

Getting there and finding a hotel

A railway line runs the entire length of Jūrmala, connecting 14 stops from Priedaine to Ķemeri. The city’s tourist information center is in central Majori. From Riga Central Station, Jūrmala takes 20 to 50 minutes to reach, depending on your chosen stop; journey times may vary with train operations. Check the timetable before you travel.

You can then compare hotels in Jūrmala based on the criteria that matter for your trip.

For the wider travel overview: Jūrmala.