Historic private beach club on the Ras Beirut seafront, open to day visitors for a fee.
Sporting Club is a long-established private beach club on the Ras Beirut shore beside Pigeon Rocks (Raouche), open to the public on payment of a day fee. Founded in 1953, it is known for its pool-and-sea-deck layout, its old-school Beirut atmosphere and its views of the rocks, and it has long been the city's best-known place to swim without leaving town. Visitor reviews report a day entrance of about USD 35 (roughly 3.1 million LBP), up from about USD 20 in 2017; no official 2026 price list was found, so visitors should confirm the fee at the gate. Hours listed in older snapshots are about 07:00 to midnight but should be treated as unconfirmed. Facilities typically include changing rooms, sun-loungers, a restaurant and bar, and ladders or steps into deep water; a club mood suits adults and families rather than quiet seclusion. It is reached from Hamra by taxi in about 10 to 15 minutes. As with all Beirut beaches, entry prices change by season, and the club has shut during periods of unrest, so check its social-media page for the day before going.
| Distance | Inside Beirut; about 10-15 minutes by taxi from Hamra |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Taxi from Hamra or central Beirut, a few USD (estimate) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June to September |
| Address | Sporting Club, Ras Beirut Corniche, Beirut, Lebanon |
Amenities
- Sun-loungers
- Restaurant and bar
- Changing rooms
- Sea deck
Good to know
- Best for
- swimmers, couples, classic Beirut beach day
Location
Sporting Club, Ras Beirut Corniche, Beirut, Lebanon
33.8914, 35.4731 View on map
Highlights
- Historic Ras Beirut beach club since 1953
- Swimming with views of Pigeon Rocks
- Restaurant and bar on site
- Short taxi ride from Hamra
Tips for visiting
- Confirm the day fee at the entrance; reviews report about USD 35 but no official 2026 tariff was found.
- Bring cash in USD; card machines are not guaranteed.
- Arrive before 11:00 at weekends to secure loungers.
- Keep valuables in the lockers if provided.
- Check the club's social media for closures before travelling.
- Use sun protection; shade is limited on the deck.
When to visit
June to September, mornings.
Accessibility
Steps and decks around the club; ramps are partial and sea entry is by ladder, so access for wheelchair users should be checked on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Is it open to non-members?
Yes, day visitors can pay at the entrance.
Where is it?
On the Ras Beirut shore beside Pigeon Rocks, off the Corniche.
Can children swim there?
Children are welcome, but the sea is deep close to shore, so supervise them closely.