There are few things as relaxing as driving by the beach while clouds roll overhead and a lazy sun sinks into the sea. You may choose to drive in the comfort of your car with your air conditioning turned up, but we would recommend rolling down the windows and enjoying some of that fresh air loaded with subtle hints of the salty sea. Bonus points if you have a convertible! And if you don’t, we can always help you with that (the 2016 Porsche Boxster 718 is especially popular).

Here are the top spots to cruise and hang out:

JBR Beach

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) has grown to become one of the most popular spots in the city over the years and is especially loved by tourists. You can enjoy a great view, lots of tasty snacks and swing by Jumeirah Beach Resort around the corner with plenty of fun activities for the entire family.
jbr

Burj / Sunset Beach
Around the corner is the Sunset Beach where you can also catch the world famous 7 star hotel Burj Al Arab on the horizon to satisfy your architectural thirst. This is the perfect spot for that poser Instagram click holding up the iconic hotel. You will also get to watch the radiant sunset and capture wild shades of colours. This is a free beach and you may find many others there doing just what you are!

sunset bech

Kite Beach

This one is for the adventurous kind! Kites, kites and more kites you may assume, but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. You will find enthusiastic beach goers enjoying paddle-boarding, surfing and kayaking among other things. For those who don’t want to indulge in the sea, there are several activities on stable ground. Beach volleyball is a favorite among residents along with a Skate Park for those who love their wheels. You can also find outdoor trampolines and a park ideal for the little ones. There are plenty of low cost snacks available from the food carts in case you need to grab a bite.

kite beach

Al Mamzar Beach Park

This is one of the larger hybrid beach parks you will find in Dubai. It consists of five beautiful coves surrounding the park and is a staple visit for all who have lived in the city. It is extremely family friendly and has several great sheltered areas for picnics and barbeques as well as showers and changing rooms. You have the great open sea to swim in, but also the option of two large swimming pools. It costs 40 Dirhams if you drive in with your car fully loaded with supplies and sports gear to have a blast at the beach and park. We highly recommend a 4×4 for a family outing (especially the 2016 Nissan Patrol with plenty of space).

mamzar beach

Ghantoot Beach

If you wish to enjoy a drive away from the city and more privacy, you can check out Ghantoot Beach, managed by the Golden Tulip Hotel. It’s a little pricey at 100 Dirhams but it allows you access to the hotel facilities like the swimming pool, bars, cafes and other attractions. For watersport enthusiasts, this is a dream come true with waterskiing, banana boating, wake boarding and more.

Ghantoot beach