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The Best Underrated Beach from Riga: Why I Love Vecāķi

ByRiikka Posted on

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You’re in Riga, and you’re wondering how to get to the sea. Maybe the city buzz has you craving some coastline, or perhaps, like me, you just need to feel that Baltic breeze. Good news! Getting to a beautiful beach from Riga is surprisingly easy, even without a car.

As someone who’s lived in Riga and made these seaside escapes in different seasons, I’ve got the local scoop on how to reach the coast effortlessly. Whether you’re a tourist exploring the city, a student new to town, or a traveler without wheels, this post is for you.

My top recommendation for a daytrip from Riga to the sea is the quieter, more natural beach of Vecāķi. However, the popular resort town of Jūrmala is also an excellent option. Both are easily accessible by train, offering perfect escapes for a few hours or a whole day.

Yes, this summer in Latvia might not always be classic sunbathing weather, but for me at least, seeing the sea is enough. I’m here to tell you exactly where to go, how to get there, and what kind of beach vibes to expect.

A crow steps along the wet sand near the edge of the water on a quiet beach, with distant waves and seagulls in the background.
Beauty of the natural beaches.

Vecāķi: The Best Underrated Beach from Riga

Even though most visitors never look past Jūrmala, my top recommendation for a quick, soul-soothing daytrip from Riga to the sea is a place called Vecaki. Why? Because this spot delivers a stunning beach, without the crowds.

I have to say, anywhere along the northern coast is probably fine, but Vecāķi is the closest so that’s where we visited. And that’s exactly how I discovered it as well; a friend had been looking at the train map. He saw that Vecāķi was literally the first stop by the sea on the line heading north, and conveniently still in Zone A for tickets. A quick check, and boom: only €1.50 each way! It takes less than half an hour and trains run roughly every half an hour all day, every day.

How to Get to Vecāķi by Train

Getting there is super straightforward. You’ll want to catch a train heading towards Skulte, Carnikava or Saulkrasti (the final stop) from Riga Central Station. Vecāķi is one of those lovely coastal stops along the way. For train timetables online, check out 1188.lv. 

Historic Vecāki train station building with cream-colored walls and a gray metal canopy, under a clear blue sky. The name "Vecāki" is displayed on the facade.
The cute little train station at Vecaki!

What to Expect at Vecāķi Beach

And what to expect once you’re there? Well, imagine this: the sand stretches out, seemingly forever, and there’s a real palpable sense of calm. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear the waves, not just the chatter of hundreds of people. The air smells fresh, salty, and on a slightly grey day, it just feels wonderfully wild.

It’s still good for swimming too, with a sandy floor that isn’t too steep, so it’s probably okay for kids as well.

A large cruise ship sails on the horizon beneath a dramatic sky, while people walk along the wide, flat beach in the foreground.
Crazy how the optic illusion makes it look like it’s so close and far away at the same time!

One of the absolute highlights for me was watching those massive cruise ships glide out of the Daugava River meeting the sea. It looked so cool, just slowly making its way out to the open Baltic, looking way too big for how far away it was. 

Now, a word to the wise: don’t expect five-star beach clubs here. This isn’t Jūrmala! You won’t find endless cafes or rows of souvenir shops. Vecāķi is much more about the natural beauty. So, pack a little something to eat and drink if you plan to stay a while, and embrace the simpler side of life.

Exploring More Beaches Along the Saulkrasti Line

If you’re looking to explore beyond Vecāķi, the entire Saulkrasti train line offers numerous options. You can pick any stop further up the coast to find another “pludmale” – that’s “beach” in Latvian, by the way. 

A Dream Hike I Haven’t Done (Yet)

I wanted to take the train all the way to Saulkrasti (the end of the line) and then walk the entire beach back towards Vecāķi. It sounds like a fantastic challenge. However, a word of caution: this would be about 30 kilometers and you’d have to cross the Gauja River, which is quite substantial. It’s not a hike to do on a whim, so never quite got around to it.

A More Realistic Coastal Walk: Carnikava to Vecāķi

A more realistic option for a coastal stroll is the stretch between Carnikava and Vecāķi. I’ve checked apps like Footpath, and there are indeed trails on the beach between these two stops. This is a much more manageable distance for a rewarding walk, and something I’ll do next time I’m spending time in Riga! 

Keep in mind that facilities along this northern coast will vary significantly compared to Jūrmala. Be prepared for less infrastructure, as it’s more about the natural beauty here.

Two translucent jellyfish floating in the shallow, sandy water near the shore, surrounded by scattered pebbles and debris.
Rare sight for this Finn! My usual northern Baltic spots (Kalajoki, I’m talking to you!) hardly ever have jellyfish. Latvia’s coast? Full of them!

Jūrmala: The Popular Beach Daytrip from Riga

Alright, let’s talk about Jūrmala! It’s the one everyone knows, and for good reason. It’s like the grand dame of Latvian beach resorts, and honestly, it’s a classic. Think long, sandy beaches stretching out, perfect for a proper stroll.

A sunny beach scene with scattered clouds overhead, beachgoers relaxing and playing in the sand, and grassy dunes lining the shore.
The beach is the same, but facilities better!

How to Get to Jūrmala

The main draw is how incredibly accessible it is. It’s about 30 minutes on the train from Riga, making it a truly effortless daytrip from Riga. 

Now, a little heads-up: “Jūrmala” isn’t just one train stop. It’s actually a town with many different stations along the coast. You can’t just ask for a ticket to Jūrmala. Don’t worry though, getting off at any of them is absolutely fine as you’ll be just a short walk away from the sand. 

Popular stops include Majori (which is essentially the town center with its charming Jomas Street and wooden architecture) or Dzintari (great for the forest park if you fancy a walk among the pines).
A ticket to Jūrmala will cost you around €2, as it falls within Zone B from Riga.

Jūrmala: The Upsides & Downsides

If you’re craving a bit more buzz, Jūrmala is your spot. You’ll find more amenities here (think cafes, restaurants, and shops) and generally a livelier atmosphere than the quieter northern beaches. It’s a great place if you want a mix of beach time and a resort town experience. The trains also run more frequently than along the northern coast.

The flip side? It can definitely get crowded, especially on sunny weekends. So, if you’re picturing complete solitude, you might be a bit disappointed. But if you don’t mind sharing the beautiful vast beach with a few more people, it’s still a fantastic option for a beach near Riga.

Practical Tips for Your Riga Beach Adventure

Getting There: Train is Your Best Friend

Your starting point for all these beach adventures will be Riga Central Station (Rīgas Centrālā dzelzceļa stacija).
Now, a little heads-up: Riga Central Station can be a bit confusing. The platforms aren’t exactly in logical order (why, indeed!), so definitely give yourself ample time to find your correct track.

You can find at the station, or you can online on the official Vivi website, or at 1188.lv.

PS. If you haven’t visited it yet, the Riga Central Market is close to the train station too! Great for some local snacks for the trip. Although the train station is hosted inside a shopping centre, so you have great options there too.

How to Buy Your Ticket

Regarding tickets: you can usually buy them at the station counters, but there aren’t any machines. You might hear about apps for tickets, and yes, they do exist. My friend managed to create an account with a foreign number, but for some reason, I couldn’t. So, while it’s worth a try, don’t solely rely on it. My personal advice? Just grab your ticket at the station or you can also often buy tickets on the train itself from the conductor.

Remember, you’ll need to know which line you’re taking: the Tukums line for Jūrmala stops, and the Skulte/Saulkrasti line for Vecāķi and beyond.

Respecting the Local Environment

This should be common sense, but please, for goodness’ sake, leave the beach as you found it. Latvia’s coastline is beautiful; let’s keep it that way. Always take all your rubbish with you. Don’t be that person.

Embrace the Baltic Beach Experience

So, whether you’re craving the vibrant buzz of Jūrmala or the serene escape of Vecāķi, the Baltic Sea is just a short, easy train ride away from Riga. Don’t let a little grey sky stop you either. Sometimes, just seeing that vast expanse of water is enough to reset your soul.

If you have time for a longer trip (at least 2 or 3 days) along the coast, I highly recommend checking out Liepaja for a different vibe!

Baltic Sea is my favourite in many ways anyway, and here are some of my posts from different parts around the sea!

Want to do more research for your trip to Riga? Check out these posts:

Hei! I'm Riikka, a Finnish slow traveller with a passion for immersing myself in local cultures: I've lived extended periods in Scotland, Sweden, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Latvia and my latest stop: Italy (I've surprised even myself with this one!).

At 40, I've figured out that my favourite type of travel isn't about racing through a list of must-sees, but about really getting to know a place – its history, its people, and why they do the things they do.