Best Things to Do at La Mer, Dubai
One of Dubai´s newest and most popular hotspots opened in October 2017 – and has become a popular place for people of all ages since then. If you come to see it, you will find out very quickly why La Mer is a great place to visit. On my recent trips, I could not help but visit La Mer several times. After all, it has a lot of different things to offer and quickly became one of my favorite spots – and I am not even a beach person!
Find out why you should add it to your Dubai itinerary and what to do at La Mer. It is perfect if you want to escape the craziness of Dubai Downtown (while still having a cool view of Burj Khalifa and the Dubai skyline).
You can enjoy some beach time and water sports, go shopping, have a nice lunch/dinner, and see some really cool street art. Even though the private beaches in Dubai are sometimes quieter and nicer, this is more fun and one of Dubai’s best beaches.
LA MER TRAVEL TIPS
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How to Get to La Mer
I suggest getting there by car or cab. There is are (underground parking available), but there are more options to get to La Mer.
- La Mer is located in the Jumeirah area. It takes about a 20-minute drive from attractions like Burj Khalifa (without the traffic) or 30 minutes from Burj al-Arab.
- City Sightseeing buses stop at Jumeirah Mosque (blue line), which is just around the corner. From there, you can start your journey at La Mer – North Beach.
- Buses also get here: RTA Buses 9 and 88
- There is a complimentary shuttle bus from a few hotels in Dubai (though I could not figure out if they also offer the return transfer) that anybody can use.
Where to Stay at La Mer
- There are several excellent hotels and also more budget-friendly places, close to Jumeirah.
- While the area, in general, is a more expensive one, there are some 3 and 4-star hotels quite close to La Mer, and for more budget-friendly places, you check out our rates in Dubai Deira and Dubai Creek.
- Check out my Dubai accommodation guide
Extras/Services at La Mer
- Free Wifi
- Information Hub
- Mobile charging boxes (though none of those worked when I was there and the staff could not figure out what the problem was)
- Free parking
- Valet service
- Complimentary shuttle buses to only a few hotels in Dubai
- Prayer room
- Free showers and toilets
- Baby changing facilities
- Wheelchair accessible (many areas)
More Info – La Mer
La Mer is free – there is no entrance fee for visiting the beach and the waterfront area.
You can also use the showers and toilets for free. Sunbeds or luxury day rooms are also for rent. These sunbeds cost money as well as if you rent towels, waterport equipment, etc.
Also, the playgrounds for the kids are free to use. If you want to visit certain places, like Bounce Dubai, you have to pay.
THINGS TO DO AT LA MER
You can also start your journey at La Mer – South Beach or North Beach.
Chill at the Beach at La Mer
Before you see the beachfront, you´ll get to see some restaurants, beautiful new walking paths, and a tiny artificial pond. But you do not have to walk for long to discover the coolest section of the beach in all of Dubai.
Dubai´s beaches are not bad, but with all the city life, I feel that a day at the beach is underrated. However, not so at La Mer. This area has the coolest outdoor toilets and showers ever, as well as other fun details.
You can rent sun lounges and umbrellas or even your own cabana, but you can also budget and bring your own towels and umbrellas and chill under the sun. While the showers and toilets are free, you can also get the paid version (but even the free toilets are quite clean and good to use).
RENT SUNBEDS OR DAY ROOMS:
If you visit Sea Breeze, you can rent sunbeds or day rooms at La Mer South. The day rooms have AC and allow you to spend a luxurious day at La Mer.
- The price for 1 sunbed is AED 100 and includes 1 sunbed, 1 umbrella, 1 towel & 1 shower token.
- Day Rooms are available at AED 600 for 4 people. Each extra person costs an additional AED 100.
- There are more conditions (like deposits), and there are also special offers (like Ladies´ Day).
Watersports
You can do all kinds of watersports. Depending, on if you have to rent equipment, those activities are not free. However, it is probably worth it if you are into water activities. You can rent inflatable pool floats. You can go stand-up paddling, flyboarding, boat cruising, and more.
WATERSPORTS AT LA MER:
- SUP
- Pedalo
- Kajak
- Water Step Bike
- Inflatables
- Boat Cruises
- Jet Ski & Jet Ski Tours
- Wakeboard
- Fly Board
- Towable and more
Playgrounds
Most kids love the beach, but there are more things for children (and adults) to do at La Mer. There are several playgrounds free to use and for kids of different ages.
Hawa Hawa
Kids will love to trampoline at Hawa Hawa. This is a kid’s heaven!
Two inflatable dunes and seven peaks allow families and friends to do some trampoline jumping for people of all ages. Did I say just kids will love it?
- Price:
20 minutes – AED 30
40 minutes – AED 45
Laguna Waterpark
Laguna Waterpark opened at La Mer.
Four distinctive zones – Surf, Relax, Slide, and Splash – seem like heaven for those enjoying being in the water (without the fish). Plus, there are also a few rides, including a children’s zone.
There are also a few waterslides that are unique in the United Arab Emirates. Also, tickets for this water park are much cheaper than tickets for the other two main waterparks.Click here to buy tickets for your day at Laguna Waterpark.
Dining at La Mer Dubai
While many restaurants and cafes are open already, there are still many that are not. However, you will definitely find something that satisfies your cravings.
There are healthy eating options, hearty ones, and a lot of choices for dessert. I just loved the food/cuisine choices and the pretty interiors that made me want to stay in the restaurants forever. From Greek to Arabic, from Italian to Turkish food. You will have a hard time deciding on the perfect restaurant because of its numerous choices.
Train Beach Club
Shopping at La Mer
While I like (or better used to like) shopping in Germany, I do not shop in Dubai. It is more expensive, and I would probably prefer a mall to the beachfront for shopping.
However, shopping addicts will find retail stores here to their heart´s content like Sephora. On a winter day (so probably from November to March), it is probably more fun to shop here than in a mall.
From skin care products to eyewear, from souvenirs to chocolates and candies – the shops are not as numerous as in the malls, but shopping addicts will surely appreciate it anyhow.
- Retail Opening Hours:
Saturday to Wednesday 10 am to 10 pm
Thursday to Friday 10 am to 11 pm
Check out Street Art / Architecture at La Mer
In a city that is, normally, all about glitter and gold, skyscrapers, and modernity, La Mer is refreshingly different.
I am not sure how to label this kind of style – but this retro, New Yorkian, fun style is so pretty and beautiful that it creates a perfect contrast to Dubai’s skyline, which you can see in the background.
The street art is awesome; not only the “Habibi” graffiti, but each of the images is fun, friendly, and interesting.
The buildings and different elements are so pretty, and this whole retro style has been implemented perfectly. While I do love modernity, I am head over heels for this area and style. It shows a different side of Dubai and, okay, it might seem out of place to some, but I found it refreshing and interesting.
Sunset
La Mer is a good spot to watch the sunset. If you just sit at the beach, or at any of the restaurants you can see a beautiful sunset. After that, La Mer gets even busier so do not leave after sunset but stay and enjoy the evening there.
If you visit Dubai anytime soon and skip La Mer, you will have definitely missed out.
- Wondering where to stay in Dubai? Find out about the best hotels for all budgets and areas.
- Here are more ideas for things to do in Dubai.