The Best Dubai Hidden Beaches: Family-Friendly Shores and Lesser-Known Spots

Dubai hidden beach

Finding family-friendly spots away from Dubai’s bustling crowds is always a top priority for our weekends. Over the years, we’ve discovered some amazing, lesser-known beaches around Dubai that give us all room to breathe, relax, and make memories. If you’re searching for Dubai’s best-kept beach secrets, here’s a roundup of family favorites that my kids, Mia and Leo, have absolutely loved!

Why Hidden Beaches Are Perfect for Families

While Dubai’s popular beaches like JBR and Kite Beach have their charm, they can be pretty packed, especially on weekends. These hidden beaches provide a calmer, more relaxed vibe where kids can roam freely, and parents can kick back without worrying about the usual beach chaos. Mia, who’s 8, loves collecting shells in peace, while Leo, who’s 6, can dig to his heart’s content without anyone stepping into his sandcastle zone.

  1. Al Sufouh Beach (Secret Beach)

This spot is affectionately called “Secret Beach” because it’s tucked away between Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. To get there, you’ll need to follow a sandy path off the main road. Al Sufouh is a wide-open, undeveloped beach with soft sand and clear waters—ideal for families wanting a quiet day out.

  • Why Families Love It: The kids have space to explore without the crowds. There aren’t any restaurants or facilities, so we always bring a picnic, lots of water, and maybe even an umbrella for some shade. Mia loves splashing near the shore here because it’s so calm, and Leo usually ends up trying to make sand “mountains” for his toy cars.
  • Pro Tip: Bring along some beach toys, and if it’s windy, a kite—it’s the perfect beach for an afternoon kite-flying adventure!

https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-sufouh-beach

Al sufouh beach

  1. Ghantoot Beach – A Short Day Trip from the City

Just a 20-minute drive from Dubai, Ghantoot Beach is a more secluded option. It’s managed by the Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel & Resort, which allows day visitors for a small fee. It’s a great mix of quiet and scenic with basic amenities nearby, so you don’t have to pack as much gear.

  • Why Families Love It: The relaxed atmosphere and basic facilities mean you can enjoy a comfortable beach day with little ones. We spent a whole afternoon here last month—Mia and Leo loved having a big stretch of sand to run along.
  • Pro Tip: If you’re up for some adventure, they offer kayak rentals. The kids loved sitting on the front of the kayak with my husband while I paddled behind!

https://www.holidify.com/places/abu-dhabi/ghantoot-beach-abu-dhabi-sightseeing-1255708.html

  1. Black Palace Beach (Al Sufouh 2)

A bit tricky to find, Black Palace Beach is set between Dubai’s royal palaces and has a fantastic view of the Burj Al Arab. There’s no signage or designated parking, which keeps this gem relatively quiet. The clear water and peaceful surroundings make it a true hidden gem.

  • Why Families Love It: Mia loves this beach because the water is calm and shallow near the shore, so it feels safer for her to splash around. Leo brings his little shovel and goes all out with sand tunnels. It’s a beautiful setting for a beach picnic, with iconic views for family photos.
  • Pro Tip: Since there are no facilities, pack snacks, drinks, and anything else you might need for the day. The beach feels untouched, which adds to the charm!
  1. La Mer (Find the Quieter Corners)

While La Mer is known for its bustling vibe, exploring its quieter corners reveals family-friendly spaces where we can relax. This vibrant beachfront also has playgrounds, murals, and great sandy stretches, so it’s easy to enjoy a mix of quiet time and activities.

  • Why Families Love It: The amenities are fantastic for families, including showers, restrooms, and dining options. Mia’s favorite part? The play areas scattered around, and Leo’s obsessed with the little splash pad.
  • Pro Tip: Walk towards the far ends of La Mer to find spots that are less crowded. We usually set up there for a couple of hours before exploring the nearby food trucks.
  1. Jebel Ali Beach – A Quiet and Spacious Getaway

For an off-the-beaten-path beach, Jebel Ali is a great choice. A bit of a drive from central Dubai, this beach is usually quiet and expansive, with open sea views and plenty of sand for beach games. It’s pet-friendly, so we sometimes bring our dog, Max, and let him play with the kids.

  • Why Families Love It: The beach is vast, which means Leo and Mia have endless space to run around and play beach games. It’s also a great spot for pet owners, so the kids love playing with Max here, especially since it’s one of the few dog-friendly beaches.
  • Pro Tip: There are no facilities, so be prepared. We usually pack up with plenty of food, drinks, and a shade tent, as there’s little natural shade.

https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/218708796/jebel-ali-beach-dubai/?hl=fr

  1. Al Mamzar Beach Park – A Hidden Gem During the Week

Located a bit outside central Dubai, Al Mamzar Beach Park combines the best of both worlds—a beach and a park. There are multiple beaches, playgrounds, BBQ areas, and even a pool area. Although it’s more popular on weekends, weekdays are quieter and give you a peaceful spot for a family outing.

  • Why Families Love It: Mia and Leo get to experience a “beach day” and “park day” in one trip. They love the playgrounds, and we always bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the shaded BBQ areas. Plus, if they get tired of the sand, there’s a pool area for a change of scenery.
  • Pro Tip: Arrive early on weekdays to pick the best picnic spot! The entry fee is affordable, and it’s definitely worth it for the range of family-friendly amenities.
  1. Kite Beach – Find Your Spot Away from the Crowd

Kite Beach is one of Dubai’s most well-known beaches, and while it can get busy, walking to the far ends of the beach usually leads to quieter spots. There’s something for everyone here—from beach volleyball to paddleboarding and plenty of food options nearby.

  • Why Families Love It: The facilities are excellent, and Mia and Leo have a blast playing in the water while we set up our picnic spot. We often bring scooters or a football since there’s plenty of space to play.
  • Pro Tip: Later in the afternoon, you’ll catch locals flying kites, which Leo absolutely loves watching. And, if you’re lucky, you might see some paragliders, which is always exciting for the kids!

Kite beach dubai

  1. Hidden Beaches Along the Hatta Road – A Mini Adventure

For families up for a little drive, there are hidden beaches along the road to Hatta that make for a fun day trip. These beaches are more secluded and surrounded by natural landscapes, giving a different vibe compared to Dubai’s usual sandy shores.

  • Why Families Love It: These beaches are quiet, spacious, and often empty, so it feels like a mini adventure every time. Mia calls it “the secret beach” because there’s usually no one else there, and Leo loves climbing the small sand dunes nearby.
  • Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and plenty of water. Since these beaches have no amenities, we usually set up a small “camp” with a blanket, snacks, and a little portable shade.

Our Family Tips for a Perfect Beach Day with Kids

Exploring Dubai’s hidden beaches has been one of our favorite ways to bond as a family. If you’re planning a trip to any of these spots, here are a few pointers based on our experiences with Mia and Leo:

  • Pack Smartly: With no facilities at most of these beaches, it’s all about preparation. We bring lots of water, snacks, sunscreen, and beach toys. Don’t forget an umbrella or tent for shade, especially for younger kids.
  • Check the Weather: Be mindful of the tides and temperature. The beaches tend to be calmer early in the morning, which is usually when we head out to avoid the midday heat.
  • Arrive Early: The hidden beaches can get busier as the day goes on, so we aim to reach by mid-morning. This gives us enough time to set up, relax, and spend a few hours without any rush.

Dubai’s hidden beaches offer families a unique way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty away from the usual crowds. With a little planning, you can create some wonderful family memories on these shores, just like we have. From Leo’s beach races to Mia’s shell collections, these hidden gems have given us some of our best days in Dubai.

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