Best Beaches in Saint Petersburg 2025
Discover the most beautiful beaches and coastal experiences in Saint Petersburg.
Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city and its cultural capital, built on 42 islands at the mouth of the Neva River. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, it served as the imperial capital for over two centuries and is home to some of the world's greatest museums, palaces, and architectural masterpieces.
Top 10 Beaches
The best beaches Saint Petersburg has to offer.
Peter and Paul Fortress Beach
The sandy strip along the south face of the Peter and Paul Fortress walls is one of Saint Petersburg's most beloved summer spots. Locals pack the beach on warm days to sunbathe with views of the Neva and the Hermitage, creating a surreal beach scene in the heart of the imperial city.
Sestroretsk Beach
One of the most popular beaches accessible from Saint Petersburg, Sestroretsk offers a long sandy shoreline along the Gulf of Finland with calm, shallow waters suitable for families. The area has been a summer resort town since the imperial era.
Repino Beach
A peaceful beach near the artist Repin's estate (Penaty), with pine forest meeting the Gulf of Finland shore. The water is clean and the atmosphere is tranquil — popular with locals who want to escape the city without going too far.
Solnechnoye Beach
A lively summer beach with clean sand and the typical Gulf of Finland shoreline. Solnechnoye (meaning 'sunny') attracts younger crowds and families and has better facilities than some neighboring beaches.
Komarovo Beach
The beach at Komarovo has a romantic literary heritage — the poet Anna Akhmatova spent summers here and is buried in the local cemetery. The beach is less developed than Sestroretsk, attracting those who appreciate nature and quietude.
Lakhta Beach
An accessible city beach on the eastern Gulf of Finland shore, offering views of the futuristic Lakhta Center (Gazprom headquarters) skyscraper. The water is calm and the beach is relatively clean, though not as sandy as Sestroretsk.
Beaches by Vibe
Find the perfect beach for your style.
Quiet & Peaceful
Komarovo and Repino offer peaceful, uncrowded beach experiences with pine forests and clean Gulf of Finland water
Family-Friendly
Sestroretsk has gentle shallow water, good facilities, and a long sandy beach perfect for children
Water Sports
Lakhta and Solnechnoye attract windsurfers and kite surfers due to consistent Gulf of Finland breezes
Lively Scene
Peter and Paul Fortress beach has the most lively in-city atmosphere, especially during White Nights
Complete Beach Guide
Detailed beach profiles, packing lists, and seasonal recommendations.
Beach Activities
Things to do at the beach and in the water.
Windsurfing
The Gulf of Finland's consistent winds make it excellent for windsurfing; rental and lessons available at Sestroretsk and Solnechnoye
Open water swimming
The Gulf of Finland water is clean though cold (15–20°C in summer); locals are hardy swimmers. The White Nights season is the best time.
Beach volleyball
Courts available at Solnechnoye and the Peter and Paul Fortress beach area
Nordic walking
The pine forest paths connecting the Kurortny district beaches are excellent for Nordic walking year-round
Practical Information
What you need to know before heading to the beach.
Best Season
June–August for swimming; the Gulf of Finland water temperature reaches 18–22°C at its warmest in July–August
Facilities
City beaches (Peter and Paul Fortress) have basic facilities; suburban beaches (Sestroretsk, Solnechnoye) have better amenities
Access
Suburban beaches reached by suburban train (elektrichka) from Finland Station — about 45–60 minutes; all public and free
Costs
Public beaches are free; sunbed rental $3–7 at beaches with facilities; windsurfing equipment rental from $20/hour
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 Saint Petersburg's Best Beaches
Get our complete beach guide with seasonal tips, packing checklists, and activity recommendations.
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