While we're all familiar with the colorful culture and heritage of Mumbai, and its food, the true attraction is the picturesque coastline lining the Arabian Sea. With plenty of beaches, each possessing its unique charm and attraction, the city offers everything from family-friendly, crowded stretches to quieter beaches for romantic getaways or a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle. Mumbai's beaches have something for everyone. There is no shortage of beaches no matter where you are in the city.
The first step in planning a beach day, in a city, is about choosing the right location. The coastline has several beaches, each different from the other. But there are so many options that it's easy to feel lost. We’re here to help!. We're going to show you the hot spots, the hidden gems, and everything in between. While Juhu is lively in spirit, Aksa is placidly relaxing. All the beaches have their essence. Let's dive in.
Often referred to as Mini Goa, Manori is the best beach in Mumbai for family outings or a weekend getaway. It is located a few kilometers from Gorai Beach and requires a ferry ride from Marve Jetty. Manori Beach has peaceful surroundings that charm tourists. The nearby area is lined with coconut plantations and rocky hillocks for a peaceful and serene sunset view.
Tip: Do not miss the authentic seafood in one of the many beach shacks around the area.
A little further north to Aksa is Gorai Beach, another popular but relatively quiet beach. To reach the location, you have to take a ferry ride of about 10-15 minutes from Borivali. Gorai is a top beach in Mumbai, known for its clean surroundings and calm waters, making it a popular picnic spot. There are a lot of water activities and boat rides for adventure enthusiasts here.
Tip: You can plan a day out by visiting the Global Vipassana Center near the beach.
Located in the heart of the city, Dadar, the Dadar Chowpatty is one of the best beaches in Mumbai for sunsets. This top beach in Mumbai offers a magnificent view of the sunset against the backdrop of Bandra-Worli Sealink. You can unwind with friends or family after a long day, sit on the rocks, or take a stroll on the beach. Being in Dadar, you can find a lot of shops and restaurants around the location to end your day.
Tip: Visit the nearby Shivaji Park and Samyukta Maharashtra Smruti Dalan, a museum dedicated to Maharashtra’s rich history.
A list of the best beaches in Mumbai would probably be incomplete without mentioning Girgaum Chowpatty. This large stretch of beach near marine lines in the south is popular for its lively atmosphere and proximity to the iconic marine drive. Flooded by locals for a quiet morning or evening walk, you can try out different food stalls, and famous cold drinks, or just unwind in front of the cool breeze. The beach is a minute away from the Charni Road railway station and easily accessible by public transport.
Tip: To experience the local culture, visit the Girgaum Chowpatty vibrant Ganesh Chaturthi festivities in September.
Marve Beach is another good beach in Mumbai, located in the Malad-Gorai region. It is very secluded and often overlooked by tourists. The crowd will be sparse even if you visit on the weekends. The beach is nestled away from the concrete jungle. Beautiful views of the Arabian Sea with clean sand and unpolluted coastline is perfect for a walk or a morning jog. There are plenty of food and beverage stalls in the area offering various cuisines.
Tip: Skip the crowd at Gorai and visit the Marve beach for a more peaceful beach experience.
Situated a little further from the city, Aksa Beach offers a serene and peaceful retreat away from the rush of Mumbai. A clean, secluded beach with pristine clear water makes it an ideal spot for early morning or evening walks. This is an ideal stretch of sand for playing beach games, sunbathing, or taking your kids or pets out for the day. The beach is accessible by public transport from Malad in the western suburbs.
Tip: Visit the nearby Madh Island famous for its churches, seafood, and quiet coastline.
Perhaps the most iconic and famous beach on the list, Juhu Beach has long been the crowd favorite in Mumbai. Located near Juhu in the western suburbs, this beach is thronging with locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is very lively with food stalls, entertainment options, and great sunset views. You will always get a family-friendly vibe no matter what part of the day you visit here.
Tip: Do not miss the wide array of food stalls and visit early morning if you want to avoid heavy crowds.
If you find Juhu Beach too crowded for your liking, a few kilometers north is Versova beach near Andheri. It is one of the best beaches to visit in Mumbai, especially for the sunsets. The crowd is sparse and you will often find youngsters and college students hanging around. Versova has lots of cafes as well as themed restaurants to explore. You might also spot local fishermen at work, adding to the beach's authentic charm.
Tip: Take the Ghatkopar-Versova metro line to skip the traffic and easily access the beach.
Located on Madh Island, Dana Pani Beach is the perfect alternative to Aksa Beach and is located 3 kilometers away from Aksa. Aksa Beach has INS Hamla (a base of the Indian Navy) at one end and Dana Pani Beach at the other end. Dana Pani Beach offers a more private experience with almost no crowd if you go on the weekdays. There are a lot of beach-side restaurants and resorts to explore, making it the best beach in Mumbai for families.
Tip: Book an overnight stay at one of the many beach resorts at Dana Pani for a peaceful weekend retreat.
The best beaches in Mumbai are spread across the entire coastline of this city. They are lively and vibrant, offering some of the finest scenic views. From Girgaum in the south to Gorai and Manori in the north, these 9 locations are a perfect start to your hunt for the top beach in Mumbai. Some beaches give the city a glimpse of culture and some are completely a peaceful abode, keeping all the hassles away. So it's time to venture out and visit these beaches of Mumbai if you haven't yet!