Jumeirah Public Beach

Within walking distance of the Burj Al Arab is arguably Dubai’s best strip of public sand. Sun-seekers come to this lively shoreline to revel in Dubai’s bright rays, while water sports enthusiasts take advantage of the calm, turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. Jumeirah Public Beach is also equipped with a children’s playground and plenty of barbecue and picnic areas. Just make sure you come early as the area grows steadily more crowded throughout the day.

Although recent travelers said that Jumeirah Public Beach is neat and clean, defined by white sands, the water itself feels like bathwater and doesn’t feel very refreshing on a hot day. The cafes that back the beach offer better spots to cool down.

Jumeirah Public Beach can be reached from Jumeirah Road and is open from 7 a.m. to 11 or 11:30 p.m., depending on the day. Access to the beach is free, but you’ll have to fork over a few dirhams to access the park. Before you hit the sand, make sure you’re armed with bottled water and sunscreen. The rays are at their strongest during the middle of the day, so you’ll want to seek shade to avoid dehydration or sun stroke.