Things to Do in Jurmala, Latvija

Jūrmala, Latvia's premier seaside resort town, stretches along 32 kilometers of pristine Baltic Sea coastline just 25 kilometers west of Riga. Known for its therapeutic mineral springs, stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and expansive white sand beaches, Jūrmala has been a beloved wellness destination since the 19th century. The town's unique charm lies in its collection of wooden villas and dachas that showcase distinctive resort architecture from the Soviet era and earlier periods. Today, Jūrmala seamlessly blends its historical spa town heritage with modern resort amenities, offering visitors everything from luxury wellness treatments and cultural festivals to beach activities and nature walks through protected dune landscapes. The pedestrian-only Jomas Street serves as the town's vibrant heart, lined with cafes, boutiques, and restaurants, while the nearby beaches provide endless opportunities for relaxation and water sports along one of the Baltic's most beautiful coastlines.

Top Things to Do in Jurmala

Beach Activities and Water Sports

Jūrmala's 33-kilometer stretch of fine white sand beaches offers excellent swimming, sunbathing, and water sports opportunities along the Baltic Sea. The beaches are well-maintained with Blue Flag certification, featuring volleyball courts, beach bars, and rental facilities for kayaks, paddleboards, and windsurfing equipment. The shallow waters and gentle waves make it perfect for families, while the consistent winds attract kitesurfers and sailing enthusiasts.

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, but parking costs €2-5 per day in summer. Water sports equipment rental ranges from €15-30 per hour. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, and book equipment rentals in advance during July-August peak season.

Spa and Wellness Treatments

Experience Jūrmala's renowned spa culture at world-class wellness centers that utilize natural mineral waters, therapeutic mud, and amber treatments. The town's spa tradition dates back over 200 years, with modern facilities offering everything from traditional Baltic treatments to cutting-edge wellness therapies. Many spas feature indoor pools, saunas, and specialized treatments using local ingredients like sea buckthorn and pine extracts.

Booking Tip: Spa packages range from €50-200 per person depending on treatments and duration. Book 2-3 days in advance, especially during summer and weekends. Many hotels offer spa packages that include accommodation - compare standalone spa visits vs. package deals for better value.

Art Nouveau Architecture Walking Tour

Discover Jūrmala's unique collection of wooden Art Nouveau villas and traditional resort architecture through guided or self-guided walking tours. These distinctive buildings, many dating from the early 20th century, showcase intricate wooden carvings, decorative elements, and the characteristic 'dacha' style that makes Jūrmala architecturally unique. The tour covers historical districts where wealthy merchants and artists built their summer residences.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free with maps available at tourist information centers. Guided tours cost €10-15 per person and run 2-3 times daily in summer. Best photography light occurs in late afternoon, and tours are available in English, German, and Russian.

Kemeri National Park Nature Exploration

Explore the pristine wilderness of Kemeri National Park, located adjacent to Jūrmala, featuring unique bog landscapes, mineral springs, and diverse wildlife. The park offers well-maintained boardwalk trails through ancient bogs, birdwatching opportunities, and the famous Great Kemeri Bog trail with its distinctive raised bog ecosystem. Visitors can also discover natural sulfur springs and observe rare plant species in this protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Booking Tip: Park entry is free, but guided nature tours cost €20-35 per person. Wear waterproof footwear and bring insect repellent. Best visiting times are early morning for wildlife spotting or late afternoon for photography. Tours available April through October with advance booking recommended.

Cultural Events and Festivals

Attend Jūrmala's vibrant cultural calendar featuring international music festivals, art exhibitions, and traditional Latvian celebrations throughout the year. The New Wave music festival, Jūrmala Festival classical music series, and various summer concerts attract world-class performers to unique venues including beach stages and historic buildings. The town also hosts traditional midsummer celebrations, craft fairs, and contemporary art installations.

Booking Tip: Festival tickets range from €25-150 depending on the event and seating. Book major festivals like New Wave 2-3 months in advance. Many smaller cultural events are free or low-cost (€5-15). Check the official Jūrmala tourism website for current schedules and early bird discounts.

Getting There

Jūrmala is easily accessible from Riga by multiple transportation options. The most convenient method is taking the electric train from Riga Central Station, which runs every 30 minutes and takes 30-45 minutes to reach various Jūrmala stations (€1.15-2.30 depending on zones). Buses also connect Riga to Jūrmala every 15-20 minutes with similar journey times. For those driving, Jūrmala is just 25 kilometers west of Riga via the A10 highway, though note that a resort fee (€2 per day) applies for cars entering the city center during summer months. Riga International Airport is about 45 minutes away by taxi (€35-45) or airport shuttle services.

Getting Around

Jūrmala is best explored on foot or by bicycle, as the main resort area spans only a few kilometers along the coast. The pedestrian-friendly Jomas Street and beachfront promenade connect most attractions, restaurants, and accommodations. Local buses run along Jomas Street and connect different districts within Jūrmala for €1.15 per ride. Bicycle rentals are widely available for €8-15 per day and provide an excellent way to explore the extensive network of cycling paths through the town and into Kemeri National Park. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available for longer distances, while many visitors enjoy the scenic walk between beach areas and the town center.

Where to Stay

Majori District

Bulduri Area

Dzintari Quarter

Dubulti Neighborhood

Lielupe Beachfront

Kemeri Spa District

Food & Dining

Jūrmala's dining scene celebrates both international cuisine and traditional Latvian flavors, with a strong emphasis on fresh Baltic seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Jomas Street offers the highest concentration of restaurants, from casual beach cafes serving fish and chips to upscale establishments featuring modern Baltic cuisine with dishes like smoked lamprey, local pike-perch, and sea buckthorn desserts. Many restaurants offer outdoor terraces perfect for summer dining, while beachfront venues provide stunning sunset views over the Baltic Sea. Don't miss trying traditional Latvian specialties like grey peas with bacon, rye bread varieties, and locally produced craft beers. Prices range from €8-15 for casual meals to €25-40 for fine dining experiences, with most restaurants offering English menus and accommodating international dietary preferences.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Jūrmala is during the summer months from June through August when temperatures reach 20-25°C (68-77°F), perfect for beach activities and outdoor dining. July and August offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, but also bring the largest crowds and highest accommodation prices. For a more peaceful experience with mild weather, consider visiting in late May or early September when temperatures remain pleasant (15-20°C) but tourist numbers are lower. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal for spa treatments, cultural activities, and nature walks, though swimming may be too cold for most visitors. Winter visits offer a unique charm with spa treatments and cozy indoor activities, but many seasonal restaurants and attractions close from November through March.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Jūrmala Guest Card for discounts on spas, restaurants, and attractions - it pays for itself after 2-3 activities and includes free public transport

Visit the fish market near Majori station early in the morning for the freshest Baltic seafood and local delicacies at fraction of restaurant prices

Take the train to the Kemeri station rather than driving to avoid parking fees and enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk through the forest to reach Kemeri National Park's main trails

Things to Do in Jurmala