Best Beaches in Lima 2025
Discover the most beautiful beaches and coastal experiences in Lima.
Lima is Peru's vibrant capital and largest city, stretching along the Pacific coast where ancient civilizations once flourished.
Top 10 Beaches
The best beaches Lima has to offer.
Playa Miraflores (La Pampilla)
The main urban beach directly beneath the Miraflores cliffs, accessible via ramps and stairs from the malecón. La Pampilla is Lima's most popular urban beach and gets very crowded in summer. Facilities include restaurants, beach clubs, volleyball courts, and surf rentals. The dramatic backdrop of the 80m cliffs above makes it one of Lima's most iconic settings.
Playa Barranco
Accessible via the famous Bajada de los Baños walkway descending from near the Bridge of Sighs, Barranco beach has a more intimate and bohemian character than the main Miraflores beach. Less crowded than La Pampilla, the beach is a popular surfing spot and the setting for several well-regarded seafood restaurants right on the shore.
Playa Costa Verde - Makaha
A well-regarded surf beach on the Costa Verde road, popular with Lima's surfing community for its consistent breaks. Less crowded than the main Miraflores beach, Makaha is preferred by local surfers. Several surf schools operate here offering lessons and board rentals.
Playa Herradura
A large, horseshoe-shaped (herradura = horseshoe) bay in Chorrillos that is one of Lima's best swimming beaches, with calmer waters than the exposed Costa Verde. The bay's shape provides some protection from the strongest swells. Popular with local families, with a string of seafood restaurants and beach clubs along the shore.
Playa Agua Dulce
A wide, sandy beach in Chorrillos that is one of Lima's most popular public beaches with local families. Agua Dulce (Sweet Water) has good facilities, calmer waters, and a long sandy strip. The beach has some of the city's best food stalls and casual restaurants nearby, making it excellent for a full day.
Playa Punta Hermosa
Located 40km south of Lima, Punta Hermosa is Peru's premier surf beach and a popular day trip from the capital. The town is built around surfing, with world-class breaks including Pico Alto (one of the biggest waves in South America). Beyond surfing, the beach is beautiful with cleaner water than urban Lima beaches, and the surrounding cliffs are dramatic.
Playa Santa María del Mar
A beautiful bay with calmer waters and a smaller resort community 50km south of Lima. Santa María del Mar is considered one of the best beaches accessible from Lima for a day trip, with cleaner water, a proper sandy beach, and excellent seafood restaurants. Less developed than Punta Hermosa but with its own exclusive beach club.
Beaches by Vibe
Find the perfect beach for your style.
Quiet & Peaceful
Secluded spots perfect for relaxation and getting away from crowds.
Family-Friendly
Calm waters, amenities nearby, and safe swimming conditions for children.
Water Sports
Great conditions for surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and other water activities.
Lively Scene
Beach clubs, restaurants, and social atmosphere with facilities nearby.
Complete Beach Guide
Detailed beach profiles, packing lists, and seasonal recommendations.
Beach Activities
Things to do at the beach and in the water.
Swimming
Check local conditions and designated swimming areas. Be aware of currents and follow safety flags.
Snorkeling
Explore underwater life at beaches with clear water and reef areas. Bring or rent equipment.
Beach Walking
Enjoy sunrise or sunset walks along the shore. Great exercise and photography opportunities.
Boat Trips
Join boat tours to explore coastline, visit offshore islands, or try fishing excursions.
Practical Information
What you need to know before heading to the beach.
Best Season
Check seasonal conditions. Summer months typically offer best beach weather.
Facilities
Facilities vary by beach. Popular beaches may have restrooms, rentals, and food vendors.
Access
Some beaches require private transport. Check public transport options or hire a taxi.
Costs
Many beaches are free. Some may charge parking or entrance fees. Equipment rentals available.
What to Bring
- Sun protection (high SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Beach towel or mat
- Modest swimwear (check local customs)
- Water shoes for rocky areas
- Cash for vendors and rentals
- Waterproof bag for valuables
Beach Safety
Stay safe while enjoying the water.
Always check local conditions and follow lifeguard instructions. Swim in designated areas only.
Be aware of currents, tides, and marine life. Don't swim alone or when flags indicate danger.
Protect yourself from sun. Apply sunscreen regularly and seek shade during peak hours (11am-3pm).
Keep valuables secure or leave them at your accommodation. Don't leave belongings unattended.
Explore Lima's Best Beaches
Get our complete beach guide with seasonal tips, packing checklists, and activity recommendations.
Download Beach Guide