La Mer Beach in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide to the Trendy Seaside Destination
La Mer Beach in Dubai blends seaside leisure with vibrant dining, boutique shopping, and family-friendly attractions, all set against the Arabian Gulf. From water sports and art installations to peaceful sunrise walks, it offers something new with every visit. With free entry and well-kept facilities, it’s a destination that balances relaxation and activity in equal measure.
Walking along La Mer Beach in Dubai quickly shows why many locals guard this spot so closely. This 2.5-kilometer stretch of Arabian Gulf shoreline offers more than sand for your towel, blending free entry, reasonably priced restaurants, and practical parking. For a Jumeirah 1 location, it’s surprisingly accessible even during the busy season.
On the same stretch, families with toddlers relax beside influencers chasing the perfect sunset photo. Nearby, business executives sip morning coffee at beachfront cafés before heading to downtown meetings. This mix of visitors creates an authentic sense of community rarely found at other Dubai beachfront locations.
Timing your visit makes all the difference. Early mornings bring calm waters and empty loungers, while evenings mean competition for tables with Gulf views. Plan well, because in the next section you’ll discover how to make the most of this waterfront destination.
Essential Information and Location
Before heading out to La Mer Beach in Dubai, it’s worth knowing a few practical details that can save you time and frustration. While the beach itself is technically open 24/7, most restaurants and cafés shut around midnight, and shade becomes scarce by early afternoon. Free entry applies only to the sand — attractions like the Laguna Waterpark and rental stations come with their own price tags.
Where La Mer Beach Is Situated
Located in the Jumeirah 1 district, La Mer Beach in Dubai stretches across 2.5 kilometers of warm Arabian Gulf coastline, even pleasant in winter months. Developed by Meraas, it’s split into three main zones that locals and tourists navigate in different ways.
- La Mer North & South – dining, cafés, and boutique shopping
- The Wharf – Laguna Waterpark and entertainment venues
- Beach strips – public access between commercial areas
Notably, its location between Jumeirah Public Beach and Kite Beach offers an easy backup plan if you want variety in one outing. Few visitors know about the connecting pathways that link these coastal spots without needing to return to main roads. From here, you’ll get iconic skyline views without paying Dubai Marina’s premium prices.
💡 Tip: Jumeirah’s numbering system confuses even experienced taxi drivers — therefore, screenshot your exact drop-off point to avoid unnecessary detours.
Getting to La Mer Beach in Dubai
Free parking exists but fills quickly, especially on weekends when spaces disappear before 11 AM. The northern car park usually has more availability than the southern, though patience is required in both. On the other hand, the underground facility offers more than 1,100 spaces, shaded relief from 40°C heat, and up to four hours of free parking for Laguna Waterpark visitors before standard rates of AED 20 per hour apply.
Public transport options include:
- Buses 8, 9, and 88 – stop within a five-minute walk
- Metro + bus combo – adds roughly 30–45 minutes to your trip
- RTA journey planner app – essential for route optimisation
Meanwhile, taxis remain the simplest route from Downtown Dubai, taking 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Always specify the La Mer North Beach entrance or South entrance to avoid extra circling. In addition, some hotels run complimentary shuttle services during winter, though schedules often change weekly.
💡 Insider tip: Ride-hailing services like Careem or Uber spike in price during sunset hours, so consider booking slightly earlier to save money.
Operating Hours and Entry
While La Mer Beach in Dubai never officially closes, only the sand and sea remain accessible at night — the rest operates on fixed schedules. Restaurants and cafés typically run from 10 AM to midnight, shops mirror these hours, and entertainment venues vary. Therefore, arriving at 3 AM means enjoying the view but finding every facility locked.
Key timings to note:
- Beach access – 24/7, free entry
- Restaurants/cafés – 10 AM–12 AM (later on weekends)
- Laguna Waterpark – 10 AM–6 PM, Tuesday to Sunday (tickets from AED 99, closed Mondays)
- Sunbed rentals – sunrise to sunset (AED 60)
- Private cabanas – 9 AM–7 PM (AED 600 for four people)
Importantly, weather often overrides posted water sport schedules — wind stops paddleboarding, rough seas halt kayaking, and summer heat limits activities to dawn. Always confirm availability directly with operators before heading out.
Facilities and Services Overview
Facilities at La Mer Beach in Dubai are well maintained — restrooms remain clean, showers have good pressure, and changing rooms are properly ventilated. Prayer rooms for both men and women sit near the main entrances, complete with ablution areas and mats. In addition, free Wi-Fi covers most areas, though speed drops significantly during peak hours.
Available services include:
- Clean restrooms with baby changing stations
- Hot water showers (rare at public beaches)
- Secure lockers (AED 20 small, AED 40 large)
- Prayer rooms with ventilation
- First-aid stations with trained staff
- ATMs (often empty by Sunday evening)
Furthermore, lifeguards patrol swimming zones during daylight, adjusting boundaries when conditions change. Sunbeds cost AED 60, including umbrella and towel, though larger families may find the price adds up. Private cabanas at AED 600 make sense only for full-day stays with dedicated service.
Families especially appreciate the fenced playground, which keeps toddlers away from volleyball courts and jet ski spray. During peak winter months, demand for facilities increases sharply, so planning ahead is key.
💡 Money-saving tip: Bring your own mat and umbrella — it’s common practice here at La Mer Beach in Dubai and saves significantly on rental fees.
Activities and Attractions
La Mer Beach in Dubai offers far more than just a sunbathing spot, with activities ranging from adrenaline-pumping water sports to cultural and family-friendly attractions. Whether you’re here for jet skiing, art installations, or an afternoon at the waterpark, the variety ensures there’s always something to do. Importantly, the layout makes it easy to combine different experiences in one visit without feeling rushed.
Water Sports and Recreation
The calm yet warm Arabian Gulf waters provide ideal conditions for multiple activities, from paddleboarding at sunrise to high-speed jet skiing in the afternoon. Visitors looking for something unique can try the WaveOz 180 FlowRider, a surf simulator producing consistent waves suitable for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.
Popular choices include kayaking along the Jumeirah coast, wakeboarding for experienced riders, and banana boat rides for groups seeking a bit of fun. Additionally, beach volleyball courts with professional-grade nets are available for casual play or organized tournaments. Train Beach Club, located nearby, rents premium gear and offers packages combining water sports with dining options — a good way to plan a full day at La Mer Beach in Dubai.
Family-Friendly Features
Laguna Waterpark remains the main draw for families, offering a Splash Pad for young children and the AquaPlay Rainfortress for interactive fun. The Hawa Hawa inflatable playground, inspired by Japanese park designs, provides bouncing dunes and climbing challenges for different age groups.
Parents will find shaded seating, stroller-friendly paths, and family restrooms spread across the area, making it easier to manage little ones. Many beach cafés at La Mer Beach in Dubai cater to children, providing high chairs, kid-friendly menus, and even small play areas. For convenience, the wooden boardwalk connects all major attractions so parents can keep children within sight while moving between activities.
Art and Cultural Installations
Art plays a big role in the character of La Mer Beach in Dubai, with rotating exhibits from local Emirati talents and international creators. Murals in vibrant colors line the promenade walls, blending cultural heritage with modern design elements that appeal to diverse audiences.
At night and on weekends, live performances bring the promenade to life — from musicians to cultural dancers — adding a lively yet relaxed energy. Seasonal food festivals combine gastronomy with art, giving visitors a reason to explore the venue even if they’ve been before. For those who enjoy photography, every installation includes a plaque with background details on the artist and theme.
Relaxation and Wellness
While activity seekers will find no shortage of options, La Mer Beach in Dubai also caters to those wanting peace and quiet. Private cabanas with shaded seating and dedicated service allow small groups to enjoy the oceanfront without interruptions. Beach loungers with umbrellas are available for sunbathing, and early mornings often offer the most serene setting.
Some beach clubs extend their offerings to wellness treatments, including massage therapy and spa services in open-air pavilions. For a more personal moment, visitors often head to quieter stretches of sand for reading, sunset viewing, or simply listening to the waves. The long beachfront promenade doubles as a peaceful walking path, especially enjoyable just after sunrise or in the cooler evening hours.
💡 Tip: Combine active pursuits like paddleboarding with a late-afternoon relaxation session to experience both sides of this Dubai beachfront in one visit.
Dining and Shopping Experiences
Dining at La Mer Beach in Dubai combines seaside scenery with an impressive variety of cuisines. Visitors can choose from over 50 venues, ranging from fine dining to quick casual bites between beach activities. Shopping is concentrated in La Mer South, where boutique stores, lifestyle shops, and a few essentials complete the experience.
Beachfront Restaurants
Several La Mer Beach restaurants offer direct beach access with outdoor seating overlooking the Arabian Gulf, combining great food with stunning views. Highlights include:
- Falla – La Mer – family-friendly, halal dishes, specialty coffee, and extended weekend hours until midnight.
- Bu Tafish – fresh grilled seafood, served with complimentary bread and vegetables.
- Stars N Bars – California-style terrace with some of Dubai’s most picturesque sunset views.
Operating hours are generally 10 AM–10 PM weekdays, extending to midnight on weekends. Many offer takeaway and delivery, making them convenient for both beachgoers and nearby residents.
Cafés and Casual Eats
For lighter fare or refreshments, La Mer Beach in Dubai has plenty of casual options:
- Selfie Time Coffee & Juice – iced drinks perfect for cooling off.
- Keventers – La Mer – milkshakes and juices for all ages.
- The Daily La Mer – flexible menu served all day.
- Sugar Factory – colorful desserts and milkshakes.
- Pizza Giuma – authentic Italian-style pizza in a relaxed setting.
Most operate from morning until late evening, with plenty of outdoor seating to maintain the relaxed beachfront vibe.
International Cuisine Highlights
The dining scene reflects Dubai’s diversity. Notable choices include:
- ZouZou Turkish & Lebanese – grilled meats, fresh salads, Arabic breakfasts.
- Kavo Restaurant – Masgouf grilled fish, shisha service, and live music.
- Kai Enzo & Eunoia Dubai – distinctive global flavors in a waterfront setting.
This variety ensures every visitor finds a match, whether they prefer Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or Asian-inspired menus.
Boutique Shopping at La Mer South
La Mer South is the heart of shopping within the development, with:
- Independent fashion and accessory boutiques
- Lifestyle and home décor shops
- Spinneys grocery store for essentials and beach picnic supplies
The retail zone connects directly to the promenade, allowing easy transitions between browsing and dining. Extended hours, 11 AM–1 AM, make it ideal for evening visits.
Focused on niche and independent brands, the shopping here reflects the relaxed yet stylish atmosphere of La Mer Beach in Dubai.
💡 Tip: If you plan both shopping and dining, start with shopping first — evenings are busier in restaurants, but stores are usually emptier just before sunset.
Sustainability and Visitor Tips
La Mer Beach in Dubai aligns with Dubai’s wider push toward sustainable tourism, with Meraas developments often integrating environmentally conscious elements into their design. While not every feature is officially detailed for this beach alone, visitors can expect eco-friendly landscaping, modern energy-efficient lighting, and waste-reduction practices in line with Dubai’s citywide green initiatives.
General sustainability measures in similar projects include native plant landscaping to reduce water use, energy-saving systems in public spaces, and ongoing plastic reduction campaigns in dining outlets. Community clean-up programs occasionally take place along Dubai’s coastline, and visitors are encouraged to use the recycling stations available on-site.
Observed eco-friendly features at La Mer and similar Meraas developments:
- Water-conserving landscaping with drought-resistant plants
- Energy-efficient LED lighting across public areas
- Plastic reduction policies in many cafés and restaurants
Convenient recycling bins along the promenade
Best Time to Visit La Mer Beach in Dubai
For comfortable weather, the prime visiting window runs from October to April, with daily highs between 24–30°C and pleasant evenings. These months are popular for beach activities, so weekends see heavier foot traffic compared to weekdays.
Monthly overview:
- Oct–Dec: Mild temperatures, great for water sports and sightseeing
- Jan–Mar: Peak season, cooler mornings, ideal for families
- Apr–May: Warming trend, still manageable for most activities
- Jun–Sep: Over 40°C with high humidity — early mornings or evenings recommended
Weekday visits offer more open space on the sand and quicker seating in restaurants, especially during cooler months.
Travel and Safety Tips
Access to La Mer Beach in Dubai is straightforward, with RTA bus routes 8, 88, and X28 stopping nearby. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available, and parking includes free outdoor spaces plus an underground facility with over 1,100 spots.
Lifeguards patrol swimming areas during daylight, and UV protection is strongly advised due to high sun intensity. In warmer months, jellyfish can appear along parts of the Arabian Gulf, so basic caution is recommended. First-aid points are located close to main beach entrances.
For overnight stays, Dubai offers a wide range of hotels within a short drive of La Mer. One convenient choice is The H Dubai Hotel, which combines spacious rooms, varied dining, and quick access both to the beach and to major city attractions. This balance allows guests to enjoy seaside relaxation without being far from Dubai’s cultural and business hubs.
Safety reminders:
- Check water conditions before swimming or doing water sports
- Supervise children in designated play and shallow areas
- Bring and reapply sunscreen (SPF 30+) regularly
- Use shaded zones during midday hours to avoid heat exhaustion
💡 Tip: Plan water activities early in the day for calmer winds and lower temperatures, then enjoy dining and shopping in the cooler evening hours.
These traditions offer newcomers perfect opportunities to connect with local culture while longtime residents deepen their community bonds. These celebrations continue to evolve while maintaining their essential role in bringing people together.
Final Thoughts on Experiencing La Mer Beach in Dubai
From its free sandy stretches and lively waterfront promenade to water sports, boutique shopping, and diverse dining, this destination offers a balance of relaxation and entertainment that’s hard to match. Careful planning — from picking the right time of day to knowing where to park or which transport to take — can turn a good visit into a great one.
Morning calm is perfect for paddleboarding or grabbing coffee by the shore, while evenings invite slow strolls past art installations and restaurant terraces with Gulf views. Families benefit from safe swimming zones, shaded play areas, and the convenience of nearby amenities.
With its combination of accessibility, variety, and well-maintained facilities, La Mer Beach in Dubai stands out as more than just another stop along the coast. It’s a place you can return to for different experiences each time, whether you’re seeking activity, atmosphere, or a peaceful break by the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for La Mer Beach in Dubai?
La Mer Beach is open 24/7 with free access to the sand and sea. Restaurants and shops generally operate from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM, with extended weekend hours. Attractions like Laguna Waterpark operate Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM, and are closed Mondays.
Is there an entrance fee to access La Mer Beach in Dubai, and if so, how much is it?
Access to the beach, walkways, and public facilities is free. Sunbed rentals are AED 60 per day, while private cabanas cost about AED 600 for up to four people. Water sports, Laguna Waterpark entry, and dining have separate charges.
Are there any beach clubs at La Mer Beach in Dubai, and what amenities do they offer?
Instead of traditional beach clubs, La Mer offers premium sunbeds and private cabanas with shade, comfortable seating, and refreshments. Facilities include showers, changing rooms, prayer areas, and free Wi-Fi throughout the area.
What dining options are available for visitors at La Mer Beach in Dubai?
The variety of La Mer Beach restaurants ranges from casual cafés serving quick snacks to upscale venues with Arabian Gulf views. Visitors can enjoy everything from fresh seafood and Middle Eastern cuisine to Italian pizzas and gourmet desserts, making it easy to find something for every taste and budget.
Can you provide information on the accessibility and location of La Mer Beach in Dubai?
Located in Jumeirah 1, La Mer spans 2.5 kilometers along Dubai’s coastline. Visitors can arrive by car with free parking, use bus routes 8, 9, and 88, or take taxis and ride-hailing services. Some hotels also provide complimentary shuttles.
Is La Mer Beach in Dubai currently open to the public, and what are the guidelines for visitors?
La Mer Beach in Dubai is open to the public with lifeguards on duty during daylight hours. Outside food, barbecuing, camping, and pets are not allowed, and visitors should follow local customs and dress codes.
Which entrance should I use when visiting La Mer Beach in Dubai?
If you want the smoothest start to your visit, head for the La Mer North Beach entrance. This side usually offers more parking spaces, faster access to popular cafés, and a shorter walk to key facilities. It’s also easier for taxi and rideshare drivers to find, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary circling before you can enjoy your day by the sea.
Is La Mer Beach public?
Yes, La Mer Beach in Dubai is a public beach with free entry, offering visitors access to its sandy shoreline and facilities year-round.
