Day Trip

Jūrmala — Latvia's Baltic Beach

30 kilometres of white sand, pine forests, wooden Art Nouveau villas, and spa hotels — just 25 minutes by train from Riga. The perfect day trip or overnight escape.

30 km of White Sand Beach

One of the longest sandy beaches in Northern Europe. The sand is fine and white, the water is shallow and safe for families. Peak season is June-August when water reaches 18-22°C.

Pine Forest & Kemeri Bog

Jūrmala is surrounded by ancient pine forests. The Kemeri Great Bog boardwalk (free) is one of Latvia's most spectacular nature walks — a 3.4 km loop over a misty, otherworldly landscape.

Wooden Art Nouveau Villas

Jūrmala has hundreds of ornate wooden villas from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many are now boutique hotels and guesthouses. The Dzintari Concert Hall is a masterpiece of wooden architecture.

25 Minutes from Riga

Trains run every 30 minutes from Riga Central Station. The journey costs €1.80 and takes 25 minutes. Get off at Majori (main town) or Dzintari (quieter, near the concert hall).

Best Beaches in Jūrmala

Majori Beach

The main beach, closest to shops, restaurants, and the pedestrian street Jomas iela. Lifeguards in summer. Can get busy on weekends.

Best for: Families, first-time visitors

Dzintari Beach

Slightly quieter than Majori, next to the Dzintari Concert Hall and forest park. Good facilities, beach volleyball courts.

Best for: Couples, active visitors

Bulduri Beach

Quieter and more local. Less infrastructure but more space. A short walk from Bulduri station.

Best for: Peace and quiet

Vaivari Beach

The most remote and least crowded. Wild, natural, backed by dunes and pine forest. No facilities.

Best for: Nature lovers, solitude

Practical Information

How to get there: Trains run every 30 minutes from Riga Central Station (platform 3-4). Buy tickets at the station or on the train. Get off at Majori for the main beach area.

When to go: Beach season is June-August. Kemeri Bog is stunning year-round but especially in autumn mist. The town is quiet in winter but spa hotels operate all year.

Entry fee: Jūrmala charges a €2 city entry fee for cars (Apr-Sep). Arriving by train is free.

Where to eat: Jomas iela (the pedestrian street in Majori) has dozens of restaurants and cafés. For fresh fish, try the small restaurants near the beach.

Stay in Jūrmala

Spa hotels, beachfront guesthouses, and wooden villa apartments — from €50/night.