Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, a Mediterranean port of mosques, churches, Ottoman and French-mandate architecture, museums, corniche promenades and one of the Arab world's best food scenes. In October 2026 it is also a city under very restrictive government travel advisories (US Level 4 Do Not Travel; Canada avoid all travel; Australia do not travel; UK against all travel to parts of the city), so this guide leads with the security picture and then covers what is open, where to stay and eat, and how to get around.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Beirut.
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- free, informal, local seaside with city views
- Free access
- Corniche promenade access
- Nearby cafes and kiosks
Ramlet al-Baida Public Beach
Beirut's last free public sand beach on the Ras Beirut seafront, with basic facilities.
Editor’s tip. Bring water, a towel and shade; services on the free strip are minimal.
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- old-school beach club with sea decks
- Sun-loungers
- Restaurant and bar
- Changing rooms
- Sea deck
Sporting Club Beach
Historic private beach club on the Ras Beirut seafront, open to day visitors for a fee.
Editor’s tip. Confirm the day fee at the entrance; reviews report about USD 35 but no official 2026 tariff was found.
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- lively resort with pool and sea deck
- Pool
- Sea deck
- Restaurant and bar
- Changing rooms
Eden Bay Beach Resort
Private beach resort on the Ramlet al-Baida shore with pool, sea deck and restaurant.
Editor’s tip. Check the current day price on the resort's page or at the gate; no 2026 tariff was found.
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- old harbour town with rock coves
- Cafes and restaurants
- Beach clubs with day entry
- Harbour
Batroun Old Town Shoreline and Phoenician Wall
Small rocky coves, a Phoenician sea wall and beach clubs about an hour north of Beirut.
Editor’s tip. Wear water shoes; many entry points are rock.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Beirut memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Beirut’s coast.
Is Ramlet al-Baida free?
Yes, the public strip has no entrance fee; the resorts beside it charge for their own sections.
From the Ramlet al-Baida Public Beach editorial.
Is it safe to swim?
Water quality varies and lifeguard cover is not guaranteed, so swim with caution or choose a private club.
From the Ramlet al-Baida Public Beach editorial.
How much does Sporting Club cost?
Visitor reviews report about USD 35 for a day, but no official 2026 price was found, so confirm at the gate.
From the Sporting Club Beach editorial.
Is it open to non-members?
Yes, day visitors can pay at the entrance.
From the Sporting Club Beach editorial.
How much is entry?
No 2026 tariff was found; Lebanese beach resorts range from roughly USD 5 to 40, so confirm at the gate.
From the Eden Bay Beach Resort editorial.
Is the public beach nearby?
Yes, the free Ramlet al-Baida public strip is next to the resort.
From the Eden Bay Beach Resort editorial.
How far is Batroun from Beirut?
About 55 km north, about 1 hour by road depending on traffic.
From the Batroun Old Town Shoreline and Phoenician Wall editorial.
How do visitors travel there without a car?
Minibuses and vans run north from Charles Helou station near Beirut port; ask the driver which stop is for Batroun.
From the Batroun Old Town Shoreline and Phoenician Wall editorial.