The West Coast is the undisputed summer capital region of Estonia, centered around the resort city of Pärnu. The city's main beach is exceptionally family-friendly; the water remains shallow for a long distance, allowing toddlers to play safely while parents supervise from the white sands. The beach promenade is lined with playgrounds, fountains, and ice cream stands. Just outside the city is Lottemaa (Lotte Village), arguably the best theme park in the Baltics for young children. Based on the beloved Lotte cartoons, it avoids plastic commercialism in favor of wooden houses, theatre performances, and character interactions in a seaside forest setting.
To the north, the town of Haapsalu offers a quieter, nostalgic atmosphere. It is home to Ilon's Wonderland, a center dedicated to Ilon Wikland, the illustrator of Astrid Lindgren's books. Kids can craft, play in a chaotic Bullerby-style kitchen, and explore a gallery of original drawings. Haapsalu Castle completes the experience with a large playground in the moat and a museum that includes a hands-on history centre.
Nature here is characterized by water. Soomaa National Park is famous for its "fifth season," when spring floods make the forest accessible only by canoe. In summer and autumn, however, families can hike the bog trails or take guided beaver-watching trips on the rivers. Matsalu National Park is a birdwatcher's paradise; sturdy observation towers allow families to spot migrating flocks without disturbing the wildlife. The flat landscape of the West Coast makes it excellent for family road trips, hopping between beach towns, manor houses, and nature trails.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to Matsalu National Park, one of Europe's premier birdwatching destinations with unique wetland ecosystems. Peak months offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures, while shoulder months provide world-class migratory spectacles despite cooler, 5-12°C conditions.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Features the romantic, pastel-colored wooden architecture of Haapsalu and Pärnu's Hanseatic heritage. While charming and authentic for sophisticated 'slow travel,' it lacks the depth of global cultural hubs, with accessibility significantly reduced during the cold, dark winter months.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The Pärnu Music Festival attracts international classical talent, and Midsummer (June) offers an authentic cultural experience. Peak summer is the only time these events reach a global standard, with December offering a minor shoulder period for traditional winter festivities.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
A historic mud-spa destination with elegant 19th-century architecture and high-quality modern facilities. Peak summer aligns with warmer air temperatures (17-22°C) suitable for outdoor relaxation; winter months remain functional for indoor treatments but lack the scenic outdoor appeal.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Scenic, quiet coastal roads connecting picturesque fishing villages and historic resorts. Peak summer offers long daylight hours and clear visibility; autumn and winter conditions bring heavy precipitation and ice, making rural exploration less enjoyable.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Excellent coastal cycling paths and shallow, safe bays for sailing and kitesurfing. The region offers high-quality facilities such as the Pärnu Yacht Club, though the active season is strictly limited to the mild summer window (May-Sept).
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Known for white sands and shallow waters that are safe for children, but falls short of international benchmarks due to cool water temperatures (rarely >20°C). While a solid regional choice, sophisticated travelers used to tropical or Mediterranean standards will find the swimming season very brief.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers niche historical education regarding the Estonian-Swedish minority and unique Baltic coastal ecology. While authentic, the depth of interactive educational infrastructure is modest compared to global scientific or archaeological sites.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Lotte Village (Lottemaa) provides a high-quality, non-commercialized experience for young children based on local lore. However, it lacks international recognition and scale, remaining a regional attraction that is only operational during the warmer months.
Attractions (56 total)
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Alpakafarm
Are
The largest alpaca farm in Estonia where families can pet and feed friendly alpacas, llamas, and Valais Blacknose sheep.
Visit website →Ranna Rantšo
Kinksi
A spacious coastal animal park where dozens of different farm animals and birds roam freely in a scenic natural environment.
Visit website →Teispere Farm
Haapsalu
A family-run domestic animal park featuring a variety of rabbits, goats, and ornamental poultry in a beautifully landscaped rural garden.
Visit website →C. R. Jakobson Farm Museum
Kurgja
A living museum showcasing 19th-century Estonian agriculture with active cattle breeding, sheep, and traditional bread-making workshops.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Baltic Coastal Hiking Trail (E9)
Ikla
620km moderate 30-day trek along the Baltic coastline from the Latvian border to Tallinn, with minimal elevation gain. The route follows sandy beaches, coastal meadows, and pine forests. Equipment rental: City Bike (citybike.ee)
Visit website →EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route
Pärnu
981km easy 10-14 day cycling route through coastal towns and nature reserves with minimal elevation gain. Features paved roads and gravel paths with views of the Gulf of Riga. Bike rental: Biking Pärnu (bikingparnu.ee)
Visit website →RMK Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve Hiking Route
Peraküla
812km challenging 35-40 day hike across the breadth of Estonia with approx 1,500m cumulative elevation gain. Starts in the West with coastal dunes and northern forests. Equipment rental: City Bike (citybike.ee)
Visit website →Marimetsa Hiking Trail
Risti
9km moderate 3-hour hike through diverse forest types and extensive bog land with 10m elevation gain. Includes a long boardwalk section and a viewing tower overlooking bog pools.
Visit website →Riisa Nature Trail
Riisa
4.8km easy 1.5-hour loop through the peat bogs of Soomaa National Park on wooden boardwalks with 0m elevation gain. This trail is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Canoe rental: Soomaa.com (soomaa.com)
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Haapsalu Castle
Haapsalu
A well-preserved medieval fortress featuring an interactive museum, high stone walls, and a legendary cathedral haunted by the White Lady.
Visit website →Lihula Manor and Castle Ruins
Lihula
A classicist manor house sitting atop the ruins of an ancient bishop's castle, housing a museum that explores the rich archaeology of Western Estonia.
Visit website →Ungru Castle Ruins
Haapsalu
The atmospheric remains of one of Estonia's most impressive neo-Baroque manor houses, offering a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for photography.
Red Tower
Pärnu
The oldest architectural monument in Pärnu, this medieval defensive tower now hosts a modern panoramic cinema and historical exhibitions.
Visit website →Tallinn Gate
Pärnu
The only surviving 17th-century Hanseatic city gate in the Baltic States, serving as a grand ceremonial entrance to the historic resort town.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Haapsalu Episcopal Castle
Haapsalu
A majestic medieval fortress featuring a museum and a large playground in the moat, perfect for children exploring history.
Visit website →Pärnu Beach Promenade
Pärnu
An iconic modern coastal walkway that winds through parks and dunes, offering fountains and play areas for families.
Visit website →Haapsalu Promenade and Kuursaal
Haapsalu
A historic seaside walkway featuring the ornate 19th-century wooden Kuursaal and the famous Tchaikovsky stone bench.
Visit website →Haapsalu Railway Station
Haapsalu
An architectural marvel featuring Europe's longest covered wooden platform and a museum with vintage steam engines.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Kihnu Island Cultural Space
Kihnu
A UNESCO-listed island community where ancient traditions, local crafts, and folk costumes remain a vital part of daily life.
Visit website →Pärnu Old Town
Pärnu
The historic heart of Estonia's summer capital, filled with 17th-century buildings, pedestrian streets, and the historic Tallinn Gate.
Visit website →Lihula Manor and Castle Hill
Lihula
An archaeological and cultural site featuring the ruins of a 13th-century stronghold and a neoclassical manor housing a regional museum.
Visit website →C.R. Jakobson Farm Museum
Kurgja
A fully functioning 19th-century farm museum showcasing Estonian rural life, traditional cattle breeds, and historic wooden farm buildings.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Lottemaa Theme Park
Pärnu
The largest family theme park in the Baltics, featuring over 100 attractions, themed houses, and live performances based on the popular Lotte animated films.
Visit website →Tervise Paradiis Water Park
Pärnu
Estonia's largest water park featuring multiple slides, a mountain river, and heated outdoor pools overlooking the Pärnu beach area.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Matsalu National Park
Lihula
A world-renowned birdwatching destination featuring expansive coastal wetlands, reed beds, and several observation towers for wildlife spotting.
Visit website →Soomaa National Park
Pärnu
Famous for its massive seasonal floods and accessible boardwalks through ancient peat bogs, offering a unique wilderness experience.
Visit website →Nigula Nature Reserve
Häädemeeste
One of Estonia's oldest bog reserves, featuring a 6.8km boardwalk through pristine wetland ecosystems and cranberry-rich marshes.
Visit website →Silma Nature Reserve
Haapsalu
A serene wetland reserve near Haapsalu known for its diverse bird life and observation platforms overlooking shallow coastal lagoons.
Visit website →Pärnu Coastal Meadow Nature Reserve
Pärnu
An urban nature reserve featuring a 600-meter scenic boardwalk where cattle graze among the tall grasses by the Baltic Sea.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Pärnu Beach
Pärnu
Estonia's premier sandy beach known for its shallow, warm waters and a vibrant seaside promenade perfect for families.
Visit website →Kabli Beach
Kabli
A natural coastal area famous for its bird migration station, shallow swimming areas, and educational nature trails.
Visit website →Paralepa Beach
Haapsalu
A quiet, family-friendly beach known for having some of the warmest sea water in Estonia due to its sheltered bay.
Visit website →Haapsalu Promenade
Haapsalu
A historic seaside walkway featuring ornate wooden architecture and the famous Africa Beach area with shallow swimming waters.
Visit website →Valgerand Beach
Pärnu
A scenic white-sand beach bordered by a lush pine forest, offering an observation tower and adventure park facilities.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Pärnu Beach Park
Pärnu
A historic, beautifully landscaped park featuring formal flower beds and sculptures that lead families directly to the city's famous sandy beach.
Visit website →Pärnu Vallikäär
Pärnu
Restored historic ramparts turned into a scenic formal park featuring a high-jet fountain, illuminated paths, and grassy slopes for children to play.
Visit website →Tamme Farm Herb Garden
Pärnu
A specialized show garden offering a sensory experience for all ages with a vast collection of exotic herbs, edible flowers, and chili peppers.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Pärnu Museum of New Art
Pärnu
A dynamic contemporary art museum hosting rotating international exhibitions and a diverse permanent collection of modern works.
Visit website →Epp Maria Gallery
Haapsalu
A family-run boutique art museum featuring the romantic and ethereal paintings of renowned Estonian artist Epp Maria Kokamägi.
Visit website →Haapsalu City Gallery
Haapsalu
A professional exhibition space in the town center that hosts diverse contemporary art displays from regional and national artists.
Visit website →Pärnu City Gallery
Pärnu
Located in the historic Town Hall, this gallery showcases high-quality professional Estonian and international fine art across multiple halls.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
The Romantic Coastline (Romantiline Rannatee)
Ikla
A 250km network of scenic paved coastal roads (typically 1-3 days) stretching from the Latvian border at Ikla to the Virtsu-Lihula region. Key highlights include the traditional seaside villages of Häädemeeste and Kabli, the Kabli Bird Station, Tõstamaa Manor, and the pristine, secluded sandy beaches of Varbla.
Visit website →Noarootsi and Nõva Coastal Drive
Haapsalu
A 90km-120km scenic route (1 day) on paved roads through the North-Western tip of Estonia. The drive highlights the unique Estonian-Swedish heritage of the Noarootsi Peninsula, featuring coastal villages like Pürksi and Dirhami, the historic Noarootsi wooden church, and the 'singing' sands and dramatic pine dunes of Nõva.
Visit website →Soomaa National Park Scenic Tour
Tori
Approximately 160km loop (1-2 days) on well-maintained paved and gravel roads through Estonia's 'Wild West.' The route starts in Pärnu or Tori, passing the 'Tori Hell' cave and the historic Tori Horse Breeding Farm before entering the vast bog and floodplain landscapes of Soomaa National Park, famous for its 'Fifth Season' flooding.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Valgeranna Adventure Park
Pärnu
Located in a beautiful pine forest by the sea, this park features six high-rope trails with varying difficulty levels and stunning views of Pärnu Bay.
Visit website →Haapsalu Adventure Park
Haapsalu
Situated in the scenic Paralepa forest, this park features five different trails and a dedicated children's area for safe outdoor fun.
Visit website →Roosta Adventure Park
Haapsalu
A well-integrated aerial park in Lääne County that offers three different courses designed to provide excitement for both children and adults.
Visit website →Pärnu Adventure Park
Pärnu
An easily accessible urban adventure center near the main beach area offering several climbing tracks and a thrilling zip-line descent.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Butterfly House (Liblikamaja)
Pärnu
A tropical conservatory where visitors can walk among dozens of species of exotic butterflies flying freely through a lush garden environment.
Visit website →Pärnu MiniZoo
Pärnu
A specialized exotic terrarium in the city center featuring a rare collection of snakes, lizards, and other reptiles from around the world.
Visit website →Alpaca Farm
Are
Estonia's largest alpaca farm allows families to feed friendly alpacas and interact with pygmy goats and llamas in a rural farm setting.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Soomaa National Park Visitor Centre
Tõramaa
An educational discovery center providing insights into the unique 'fifth season' floods and bog ecology of Soomaa through interactive displays and films.
Visit website →Matsalu National Park Visitor Centre
Lihula
Housed in a historic manor, this center contains a comprehensive natural history museum focused on the biodiversity and bird migration of the Matsalu wetlands.
Visit website →Pernova Nature Centre
Pärnu
This modern nature discovery center features a planetarium and interactive exhibits about local ecosystems, perfect for families exploring Estonian wildlife.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Haapsalu Water Centre
Haapsalu
A comprehensive aquatic facility featuring a large swimming pool, several water slides, and a dedicated children's pool with various sauna options.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Tolkuse Nature and Study Trail
Häädemeeste
Located in Luitemaa Nature Reserve, this scenic trail traverses Estonia's highest sand dunes and a beautiful bog landscape.
Visit website →