Jūrmala’s 24-kilometre beach, with 12 official swimming areas, is a clear highlight. A protected dune area, museums and a varied cultural programme also invite you to shape your stay in different ways. To plan your trip, you can first consider whether you want to focus on the beach, nature trails or culture.
Beach and Water Sports
Municipal beach information is maintained online; facilities and the number of swimming areas may change over time. There are designated areas for kiteboarding and windsurfing on Jūrmala’s beach in Kauguri, Asari, Pumpuri and Lielupe. These municipal regulations may be adjusted seasonally. If water sports are part of your plans, check the current signage for these areas.
Dunes, Forest and Trails
Ragakāpa Nature Park is a 150-hectare protected area. It helps preserve dunes with old-growth pine forest and the biodiversity of the coastal environment. A nature trail of about two kilometres runs mostly along wooden boardwalks; information panels, benches and stairs are part of the route.
Another trail option is the approximately two-kilometre Labsajūtas dabas taka. It runs between Baznīcas iela and Amatas iela through coastal dunes and is suitable for walking, Nordic walking and running. Both trails are of a similar approximate length, but differ in their described routes and character: the trail in Ragakāpa Nature Park is mostly built with wooden boardwalks, while the Labsajūtas dabas taka runs through dunes between the two streets.
Dzintari Forest Park has an observation tower standing 33.5 metres tall, with 12 viewing platforms. Check access conditions on site. At the Ķemeri National Park Nature Centre in Meža māja, an interactive exhibition presents the park’s natural features and main ecosystems. Advance booking may be required for group visits.
Museums, Architectural History and Events
Jūrmalas Brīvdabas muzejs features a coastal fishing homestead from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with characteristic buildings. Its visitor programme includes demonstrations of traditional fish smoking. Visitors can help prepare the fish and then taste hot-smoked fish. The programme may take place seasonally or on selected dates. Guests can also make ropes and mend nets in a workshop; check seasonal opening arrangements before your visit.
The permanent exhibitions at Jūrmala Museum cover the city, life by the sea, resort life and the history of bathing. They also trace the history of the Riga Jūrmala and Ķemeri resorts from the 18th to the 21st century. The collection includes old postcards of Jūrmala and Latvia’s largest swimwear collection. Those interested in the city’s architecture will find 385 architectural monuments of national, regional or local importance, as well as 700 buildings of cultural and historical value considered worthy of preservation. The relevant inventories may be revised.
Dzintaru Concert Hall hosts classical, jazz and popular music concerts, festivals, competitions and other international cultural events. The programme for individual dates changes; if you are interested, check the latest event listings. Another leisure option is Līvu Akvaparks, with more than 20 different slides and 10 swimming pools. As facilities may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.
Plan Your Trip by Train and Bicycle
A railway line runs the entire length of Jūrmala and connects 14 stops from Priedaine to Ķemeri. Jūrmala’s tourist information centre is in the centre of Majori. Depending on the stop you choose, Jūrmala can be reached from Riga Central Station in 20 to 50 minutes; journey times may change with railway operations. Check the timetable before travelling and choose a stop that suits your destination.
Cycling routes also offer a way to include scenic and cultural stops in your plans. Jūrmala has planned one-day routes; most are circular. Check the surface conditions and signage before setting off. This can help you decide whether you want your stay to focus on the beach and water sports, nature trails, museums or cultural events before you look for hotels in Jūrmala.
For the main travel overview: Jūrmala.
