Jūrmala is not just a beach town. It is the seasonal-sport capital of Latvia — a place where, within 30 minutes' drive from central Riga, you can do a morning SUP session on the Lielupe river, eat lunch at a beach café, play disc golf in a pine forest, and end the evening in a thermal spa. This guide collects seven specific activities with real prices and contact details, a calendar of seasonal events, and the practical information about the city's entry fee — everything you need so that a day or weekend in Jūrmala doesn't stay just an idea.
What to know when planning a trip to Jūrmala
Before heading to Jūrmala, three practical points are worth knowing — they will save you both time and money.
Entry fee. Entry to the central zone of Jūrmala costs €2 per day for a passenger car. The pass can be bought online, through the Mobilly app, or at the barrier on arrival. Sports event participants and local residents have discounts — check the event regulations. If you take the train or bus, the fee does not apply.
Season planning. Most outdoor activities run April through October. The train from Riga Central Station to Majori takes 28 minutes and runs every half hour. It is far more pleasant than sitting in traffic on the Tukums highway on a weekend.
Avoiding the crowds. Summer weekends in Jūrmala — especially Jomas Street and the central beach — are genuinely packed. Wednesday and Thursday are far calmer: lower accommodation prices, no queues at rental shops, and walk-in availability at restaurants. The early morning (before 10:00) is ideal for SUP, cycling, or dune walks.
For broader inspiration on adventure activities in Latvia, see our pillar page — Jūrmala is just one of several high-adrenaline destinations within 90 minutes of Riga.
7 best things to do in Jūrmala
From classic beachside cycling to the largest indoor water park in the Baltics, here are seven activities covering different budgets, seasons, and fitness levels.
1. Cycling along Jūrmala's beach and pine forests
Cycling is the best way to see the breadth of Jūrmala in a single day. Rental shops are located near Majori train station, in Dzintari, and in Bulduri. The Majori–Ķemeri route takes 2–3 hours with stops, and the lane often diverts inland through pine forest, giving variety from the coastal stretches.
In summer almost every rental will have kids' bikes, child seats, and trailers — if you are travelling with a child under 8, it is simpler than transporting your own bike from Riga. Prices: adult bike €5/h or €15/24h; electric €10/h or €30/24h.
2. SUP rental on the Lielupe river and coast
SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) is one of the fastest-growing watersports in Latvia, and the Lielupe is its hub. The river is wide with mild current, and the pine forests along the banks create an absolutely mirror-smooth surface in the evenings. Several operators offer hourly rentals, half-day routes, and SUP yoga classes.
For beginners, a 1.5-hour intro session that covers basic stance, paddling, and falling technique is recommended — afterwards, most people move with confidence. SUP is almost universally accessible: you can do it at 60, you can do it with a child sitting on the board, you can do it as a couple paddling in parallel.
3. Disc golf in Dzintari and Lielupe parks
The Jūrmala region has several disc golf courses, and it is one of the very few activities you can try at zero cost. The game needs only a single disc (or three — driver, midrange, putter), which can be borrowed from friends, bought at a sports shop, or sometimes rented on-site. Rules are simple: throw the disc from a tee toward a metal basket with chains that catch it.
The Dzintari Pine Park course (9 holes) is beginner-friendly — wide, with few trees, and visible baskets. The Lielupe Pine Forest course (18 holes) is harder — technical, with tight gaps between trees. Both are free and open year-round, though winter snow often closes them.
4. Līvu Aquapark
Līvu Aquapark is a saviour in winter and on bad-weather days — inside it is +30 °C with warm water while it can be snowing outside. The park is divided into four zones: active entertainment (water slides and a wave pool), family recreation (gentler pools), a spa complex (saunas and thermal baths), and an outdoor summer beach (open June–August).
The most popular slides are Kamikaze (complete darkness), Anaconda (three-seater), and Wild River. The adult-only (16+) spa section is a separate zone with a steam room, salt chamber, Turkish bath, and a mineral-water jacuzzi. The park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays from September to May. Tickets are best bought online — weekend ticket queues can run 20–30 minutes.
5. Spa centres and thermal rituals
Jūrmala has historically been the spa capital of Latvia — thanks to its sulphur springs and a resort tradition reaching back to the 19th century. Today the largest complexes are hotel spa centres that are open to non-guests as well. Inside you find several types of saunas (Finnish, Turkish, steam), thermal pools, salt chambers, and massage studios.
Baltic Beach SPA is in the top price tier with private-spa packages from €250 per couple — but for that you get a full evening with a private sauna, pool, and massage. Hotel Jūrmala sits in the mid-range with a generous thermal zone. Lielupe Hotel is the most compact option with the best price/quality ratio. All three offer gift cards and couple rituals — a popular present for birthdays and anniversaries.
6. Beach sports: volleyball and beach tennis
Beach volleyball in Jūrmala is a long-standing tradition — the central beach has several free courts with permanent nets. Bring your own ball and a few friends. On summer evenings around 18:00, pickup games regularly start, and it is easy to join in.
Beach tennis is a newer but fast-growing sport. Unlike conventional tennis, the ball cannot bounce on the ground — it must be hit out of the air. The gear is lighter, the physical demand lower, and it is playable by children or older players too. The Jūrmala Beach Tennis Club (LNSC Lielupe) runs daily summer training sessions.
7. Hiking in Ķemeri National Park
Ķemeri National Park is one of the most surprising places in Latvia — and most Riga residents have never been there, even though the trip is under an hour. The Great Ķemeri Bog Boardwalk runs over a peat bog on raised wooden walkways, and the view from the observation tower (climb eight storeys) is otherworldly: an endless mosaic of pine islands and small blue ponds.
The trail is family- and stroller-friendly — the boardwalk is wide and stable. In summer the bog blooms with cotton grass and sundew; in autumn everything turns red and gold. Optimal months are September (fewer mosquitoes, vivid colours) or early spring–late autumn for cooler weather and no insects. Bring water, insect repellent, and snacks.
Seasonal sports events and festivals in Jūrmala
Jūrmala is the epicentre of active sports events in the Baltics. Participating in a running or cycling marathon turns a weekend trip into a personal-challenge event among experienced competitors. These are the main annual events.
| Event | Timing | Distances | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jūrmala Cycling Marathon | May–June | 22 km, 47 km, 100 km | baltijasmaratoni.lv |
| Jūrmala Running Festival | August–September | 5 km, 10 km, 21.1 km | baltijasmaratoni.lv |
| Beach Volleyball Tournaments (CEV Beach Pro Tour) | July–August | — | — |
| Beach Tennis Tournaments (LNSC Lielupe) | June–September | — | lnsc.lv |
| Jūrmala SUP Cup | August | 2 km, 5 km, 10 km | Online |
How to register:
- Find the event in Jūrmala's official calendar or the organiser's website
- Register online 2–4 weeks ahead — popular marathons fill up fast
- Check whether a medical certificate is required (usually only for longer distances)
- Plan hydration, footwear, and overnight accommodation in Jūrmala or Riga
- Event participants frequently get a discount on the city entry fee — check the regulations
When Jūrmala's adrenaline isn't enough
SUP on the Lielupe, cycling along the beach, disc golf in pine forest — all great activities, but all close to the ground and at a moderate pace. Sometimes the urge appears to try something that actually accelerates your heart rate and leaves a permanent "before" and "after" in memory. That is why many of our customers come to us after a weekend in Jūrmala — they want something with more horsepower.
We are Skydive Latvia, based at Limbažu airfield, about an hour's drive from Jūrmala. We are the only USPA/FAI-certified skydiving centre in the Baltics. Our season is April–October — the same as Jūrmala's outdoor sports. The vast majority of people who jump with us have never jumped before. You don't need experience.
Tandem jump from 4,000 metres — €249. A jump with an experienced instructor. ~60 seconds of free fall at around 200 km/h, then a ~7-minute canopy ride over Latvia. No prior experience required, minimum age 16 with parental consent, weight limit 105 kg.
Oxygen Jump from 5,500 metres — €490. The highest civilian tandem skydive in Eastern Europe. ~90 seconds of free fall at around 220 km/h, with supplemental oxygen at altitude. We fly with a Pilatus Porter PC-6 — the same aircraft used by professional skydive teams. If Jūrmala has inspired you to try something more powerful, this is that level.
To see what it actually looks like in practice — here is a short compilation from real jumps with our instructors:
Comparison: Skydive Latvia experiences
| Service | Price | Altitude | Free fall | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tandem jump | €249 | 4,000 m | ~60 sec | Anyone aged 16+ |
| Oxygen Jump | €490 | 5,500 m | ~90 sec | Adventure seekers |
| Photo/video | +€89 | — | — | Add-on to any package |
| AFF course (start) | from €840 | — | — | Those wanting to jump solo |
| Gift card | from €30 | — | — | No expiration date |
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee for Jūrmala?
Yes, in summer the central zone requires €2 per day for a passenger car on weekdays. The pass can be bought online, in the Mobilly app, or at the barrier. If you arrive by train or bus, the fee does not apply. Sports event participants often have discounts available.
What's the best month to visit Jūrmala?
June and September are optimal: the water is warm (at least 18 °C) but the beach is not packed. July and August are the hottest but also the most crowded — Jomas Street and the central beach can feel genuinely full. May and October are excellent for cycling and hiking, although the water is still/already cold.
Where can I rent a bike in Jūrmala?
Rental shops are located near Majori train station, along the Dzintari promenade, and in Bulduri. Prices: adult bike €5/h or €15/day, electric €10/h or €30/day. Most rentals accept online reservations; we strongly recommend booking ahead on summer weekends.
Can I play sport for free on Jūrmala's beach?
Yes. The beach volleyball courts (Majori, Bulduri, Dzintari) are free — just bring your own ball. Disc golf in Dzintari Pine Park is completely free. Beach tennis requires gear and usually a court reservation — that can be done at the LNSC Lielupe centre.
What is Līvu Aquapark's price in 2026?
Adults pay from €17 for a 2-hour visit; children under 6 pay €8. A full-day adult ticket is about €28. Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) start from €50. The 16+ spa complex is included in the price. Check current prices at akvaparks.lv.
How do I get to Ķemeri National Park from Riga?
Train from Riga Central Station to Ķemeri station (about 50 min). From the station to the Great Bog Boardwalk it is about 5 km — by bus, by bicycle (the park has rentals), or on foot. By car: about 50 km from Riga via the Tukums highway; parking at the trailhead is free.
Where can I play disc golf in Jūrmala?
Dzintari Pine Park has a 9-hole beginner course (free, open year-round) and the Lielupe Pine Forest has an 18-hole technical course. Discs are sold at sports shops from €12 each or rented for about €5/day. Jūrmala is one of the few places where you can play disc golf with the sea breeze at your back.
How much does a spa visit in Jūrmala cost?
Prices start from €35 for a 2-hour visit at mid-range centres (Lielupe Hotel SPA, Daugava). Premium centres (Baltic Beach, Hotel Jūrmala) cost €45–60. Couple rituals with massage start from €120 per couple. A private-spa package costs from €200 per couple for 2 hours. Most centres require advance booking, especially at weekends.
Are Jūrmala activities suitable for children?
Yes, most of them: cycling with kids' bikes and trailers, disc golf at Dzintari Park, beach sports, Līvu Aquapark (with a dedicated kids' zone), the Ķemeri boardwalks (stroller-friendly). SUP — from age 8–10 or with a child sitting on a parent's board. Spa centres generally admit children from age 14–16.
