Jūrmala & Gulf Coast
Endless sandy beaches and pine forest playgrounds 🌊🌲
Jūrmala serves as Latvia’s premier seaside resort, stretching along the Gulf of Riga with a unique combination of wooden art nouveau architecture and pristine nature. For families, the primary draw is the beach itself: the water remains shallow for a long distance from the shore, making it exceptionally safe for children to splash and play. Unlike many rocky northern coasts, the sand here is soft, white quartz, perfect for building castles or burying parents in the sand. Lifeguards patrol the central swimming areas during summer, and the Blue Flag status ensures high water quality.
Beyond the beach, the Dzintari Forest Park is a hub of activity. Nestled among tall pines, this free-access park features roller skating paths, skate parks, and an extensive playground system. A 33-metre observation tower allows energetic kids to climb above the treetops for a view of the gulf. If the weather turns cooler, Līvu Akvaparks offers an exciting indoor alternative with tube slides, wave pools, and a dedicated splash zone for smaller children, operating year-round.
Nature-loving families should venture just west to Ķemeri National Park. The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk is a highlight, offering a sturdy wooden path over the mossy landscape where you can spot carnivorous plants and migratory birds. It is stroller-friendly in parts and provides an educational look at Latvia's swamp ecosystem without getting wet feet. For a different pace, the Sloka Lake walking trail includes a bird-watching tower and chances to see wild horses grazing in the meadows.
Dining in Jūrmala is family-oriented, with the pedestrian Jomas Street lined with restaurants offering child-friendly menus and outdoor seating. Many cafes provide blankets for cooler evenings. Accommodation ranges from spa hotels with kids' clubs to self-catering wooden cottages that offer a sense of living in a fairytale forest. Transportation is effortless; frequent electric trains connect the coast to Riga in under 30 minutes, allowing for easy day trips to the capital while basing your holiday by the sea.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the Ķemeri National Park, which offers world-class bog boardwalks, unique sulfur springs, and exceptional bird-watching opportunities. Peak months provide optimal trail conditions and peak wildlife activity, whereas the off-season involves freezing temperatures and limited accessibility to these delicate ecosystems.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
A historic center of European 'resortology' offering world-class spa facilities that utilize local sulfur mud and mineral waters. Peak summer months provide an ideal climate for outdoor wellness and seaside meditation; shoulder months offer a quiet, authentic retreat focused on high-end indoor thermal treatments.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Features 33km of pristine white quartz sand and shallow waters backed by fragrant pine forests and iconic Art Nouveau villas. Peak summer (Jul-Aug) offers the only viable swimming conditions, while shoulder months are ideal for brisk coastal walks but water temperatures remain below 18°C.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Renowned for its preservation of over 4,000 historic wooden buildings and the internationally acclaimed Dzintari Concert Hall. Summer is the cultural peak with high-profile music festivals and architectural tours; the off-season is notably quiet with many cultural venues and seasonal exhibitions closed.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Hosts the vibrant Latvian Midsummer (Jāņi) celebrations and prestigious classical music festivals that attract international performers. Summer offers a dense calendar of authentic cultural events; the rest of the year lacks significant regional festivals with international appeal.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers excellent coastal cycling routes, beach volleyball, and consistent winds for windsurfing and sailing on the Gulf of Riga. Peak summer provides the most reliable weather for active exploration; winter conditions are too harsh for international standards of outdoor recreation.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Opportunities to study unique Baltic geology and European wooden architecture styles in a concentrated area. Peak summer months allow for guided educational programs and museum access that are often restricted during the cold off-season.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Scenic coastal drives through pine forests and past historic wooden architecture offer a pleasant but brief experience. Summer provides the best visibility and conditions, while the off-season is characterized by icy roads and very limited daylight hours.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Līvu Akvaparks is a major regional attraction, though it lacks the global brand recognition of world-leading theme parks. It serves as a high-quality family contingency, best enjoyed during the main tourism season when all outdoor slides are also operational.
Attractions (47 total)
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Baltic Coastal Hiking Trail (Jūrtaka)
Ragaciems
24km easy one-day hike along the Gulf of Riga shoreline. Typical duration 7-9 hours. Minimal elevation gain (~20m). This section of the E9 European long-distance path leads through the sandy beaches and pine dunes of the Jūrmala resort area.
Visit website →EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route
Jūrmala
30km easy flat cycling route. Typical duration 2-3 hours. Minimal elevation gain. The Jūrmala section follows the coastline and quiet residential streets lined with historic architecture. Bike rental: ABC Grupa (velonoma.lv), Jūrmala Bike (noma.jurmala.lv).
Visit website →Sloka Lake Trail
Jūrmala
3.1km easy walking loop. Typical duration 1 hour. Flat terrain. The path leads through diverse wetland forests and along the shores of Sloka Lake, featuring a floating birdwatching tower and information stands about local biodiversity.
Visit website →Kaņieris Lake Reed Trail
Lapmežciems
1.5km easy boardwalk and pontoon path. Typical duration 45 minutes. No elevation gain. This unique trail consists of a floating wooden pontoon bridge through dense reed beds, starting near the Kaņieris Lake birdwatching tower.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Dzintari Concert Hall
Jūrmala
An iconic historical wooden architectural landmark and Latvia's most prestigious open-air concert venue near the sea.
Visit website →Jūrmala Globe
Jūrmala
Latvia's largest globe monument, a restored copper landmark located at the bustling intersection of Jomas and Turaidas streets.
The Turtle Sculpture
Jūrmala
The most famous photo-stop in Jūrmala, this bronze sea turtle symbolizes longevity and overlooks the sandy Majori beach.
Dzintari Forest Park Watchtower
Jūrmala
A 33.5-meter high open-work steel structure with viewing platforms providing a bird's eye view over the pine forest and the sea.
Ķemeri Water Tower
Jūrmala
A restored 42-meter tall industrial monument offering panoramic views of the historic Kemeri resort and surrounding forests.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Great Kemeri Bog Boardwalk
Ķemeri
A world-class nature trail through untouched moss marshlands and tea-colored lakes, showcasing the unique wetland ecosystem near the coast.
Visit website →Jūrmala Beach (Majori Section)
Jūrmala
A vibrant 33-kilometer stretch of white quartz sand offering shallow waters and Blue Flag amenities for families.
Visit website →Bulduri Beach
Jūrmala
An elegant coastal area known for its historic wooden architecture, blooming flowerbeds, and well-maintained swimming conditions.
Visit website →Dzintari Forest Park
Jūrmala
A versatile recreational space in a pine forest featuring an observation tower and specialized tracks for skating and cycling.
Visit website →Ragakāpa Nature Park
Jūrmala
A peaceful coastal dune reserve at the Lielupe estuary with ecological boardwalks and ancient pine forests.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Jomas Street Historic District
Jūrmala
The lively heart of Jūrmala features a pedestrian-only thoroughfare lined with iconic wooden resort architecture, charming cafes, and family-friendly shops.
Visit website →Ķemeri Historical Park
Jūrmala
A historic health resort area featuring neoclassical architecture, sulfur springs, and a panoramic water tower set within a beautifully restored landscape.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Jūrmala Beach
Jūrmala
A stunning 26-kilometer stretch of white quartz sand bordered by pine forests, perfect for family walks and swimming in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Riga.
Visit website →Lake Kaņieris
Lapmežciems
A shallow, reed-filled coastal lake featuring a bird-watching tower and a unique wooden trail floating over the water, popular for nature enthusiasts.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Jūrmala City Museum
Jūrmala
This modern museum features high-quality art exhibitions alongside interactive historical displays about the resort town's development, making it engaging for both adults and children.
Visit website →Bulduri Exhibition House
Jūrmala
Housed in a beautifully restored historic wooden building, this venue offers diverse temporary art exhibitions and local cultural displays in a tranquil garden setting.
Visit website →Inner Light Art Gallery
Jūrmala
This gallery showcases the 'theatre of paintings' by Vitaliy Ermolaev, featuring unique fluorescent artworks that change appearance under different lighting conditions to create a magical atmosphere.
Visit website →Art Station Dubulti
Jūrmala
Located inside a functioning Brutalist railway station, this unique contemporary art space hosts rotating international exhibitions in a high-ceilinged, light-filled hall.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Kemeri Resort Park
Jūrmala
A beautifully restored 19th-century landscape park featuring romantic stone bridges, sulfur springs, and the iconic 'Islet of Love' pavilion.
Visit website →Bulduri Dendrological Park
Jūrmala
The historic gardens of the Bulduri Horticultural School offer a diverse collection of exotic trees, vibrant seasonal flower beds, and peaceful walking paths.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Livonian Coast Scenic Drive (Jūrmala to Cape Kolka)
Jūrmala
125km paved coastal route (4-6 hours) along the Gulf of Riga shoreline via roads P128 and P131. This journey passes through ancient Livonian fishing villages like Engure and Roja, featuring pine-covered dunes, white sand beaches, and the iconic Cape Kolka.
Visit website →The Great Ķemeri Circle
Ķemeri
120km paved circular route (1-2 days) circling the perimeter of Ķemeri National Park. Highlights include the Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk, the 'White Ship' sanatorium architecture, sulfur springs, birdwatching at Lake Kaņieris, and traditional smoked fish markets in Ragaciems.
Visit website →Jūrmala Historical Resort Drive
Bulduri
15km local paved route (1-2 hours) through Jūrmala's architectural core including Bulduri, Dzintari, and Majori. Showcases over 4,000 historic wooden villas, the Dzintari Concert Hall, and the scenic Lielupe River estuary at Ragakapa Nature Park.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Līvu Akvaparks
Jūrmala
One of Northern Europe's largest water parks, featuring thrilling indoor and outdoor slides, wave pools, and extensive spa facilities for the whole family.
Visit website →Jūrmala Net Park
Jūrmala
A unique recreational area where families can explore and bounce through a series of giant safety nets and tunnels suspended six meters above the forest floor.
Visit website →Jūrmala Tarzan Adventure Park
Jūrmala
An action-packed obstacle park set in a pine forest, offering tree-top trails and zip lines with varying difficulty levels for both children and adults.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Milzkalns
Tukums
Elevation range 60-113m, 11 runs, 2.1km total pistes, Dec-Mar season, features a snowpark, border-cross track, and 8 lifts including T-bars and platter lifts.
Visit website →Dzintari Forest Park Cross-Country Track
Jūrmala
Elevation range 2-12m, 1 main groomed loop, 2.5km total trails, Dec-Mar season, features floodlit evening skiing, professional equipment rental, and pine forest scenery.
Visit website →Jēkaba Grava
Tukums
Elevation range 55-95m, 3 runs, 0.8km total pistes, Dec-Mar season, offering night skiing, equipment rental, and a dedicated children's slope with a handle lift.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Aspazija's House
Jūrmala
A striking blue wooden villa that serves as a museum dedicated to Latvia's most famous poetess, showcasing opulent 19th-century seaside architecture.
Visit website →Dubulti Lutheran Church
Jūrmala
A massive and visually stunning historic church featuring a unique blend of Art Nouveau and National Romantic stone architecture.
Visit website →Jūrmala Open-Air Museum
Jūrmala
A historic site depicting a 19th-century fishing village with authentic wooden houses, net sheds, and old anchors.
Visit website →Kemeri Water Tower
Jūrmala
A beautifully restored 42-meter historic tower offering historical exhibits and a panoramic viewing platform overlooking the national park.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Jūrmala Net Adventure Park
Jūrmala
A unique amusement attraction featuring large interconnected elastic nets suspended six meters above the ground in the forest for safe jumping and climbing.
Visit website →Tarzāns Jūrmala Adventure Park
Jūrmala
An outdoor adventure park set in a coastal pine forest, offering various high-ropes obstacle courses and zip lines designed for children and adults.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Lake Kaņieris Bird Watching Tower and Trail
Lapmežciems
Children will enjoy walking over the water on a wooden path through tall reeds and climbing the tower to spot rare birds in this protected wetland.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Latvian Road Museum
Milzkalne
A technical museum showcasing the history of Latvian infrastructure through vintage road-building machinery, horse-drawn carriages, and interactive engineering displays.
Visit website →Nature Education Centre "Meža māja"
Jūrmala
An interactive nature discovery center located in a historic 1930s building, featuring exhibits on the unique wetland ecosystems and biodiversity of Kemeri National Park.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Mini-zoo Rančo
Slampe
A well-maintained family-run mini-zoo near Ķemeri featuring a variety of friendly animals including llamas, donkeys, and exotic birds.
Visit website →Dunduri Meadows
Slampe
A wildlife observation area in Ķemeri National Park where visitors can view wild Konik horses and Heck cattle from specialized towers.
Visit website →Lake Engure Nature Park Wild Animal Trail
Engure
A coastal wildlife trail on the Gulf of Riga featuring large enclosures where wild Highland cattle and horses graze by the lakeshore.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Mini Zoo Rančo
Klapkalnciems
A family-friendly rural petting zoo featuring a variety of friendly animals including alpacas, llamas, and rabbits in a coastal countryside setting.
Visit website →Engure Lake Nature Park Wild Animals
Engure
A scenic coastal grazing area where visitors can observe wild Highland cattle and Konik horses living in their natural lakeside habitat.
Visit website →