Jūrmala is unique for its diverse resort experience, which can be enjoyed even in a very short period of time. The unique geographical location of Jūrmala, which is unusually situated on land between two coasts, provides a jam-packed one-day city experience. On either side of the city, the waters of the Gulf of Riga and the River Lielupe flow by, between which lies a vibrant cultural core, creating excellent conditions for planning a variety of one-day trips.

As the starting point for this adventure, we recommend the centre of Jūrmala – Majori. The Tourist Information Centre (5 Lienes Street) is located right opposite the train station, and its charming two-storey wooden house offers valuable directions, where needed. However, if you are already aware of the mood and dynamics of the day, you can plan the itinerary independently, choosing a more peaceful walk away from the centre towards Dubulti, or a livelier route through the centre towards Dzintari.

A peaceful walk from Majori to Dubulti

For a quieter option, the traveller's compass should be oriented westwards and follow the river upstream. On the way along the picturesque Dubulti Loop, or the place where the river makes a significant curve and comes closest to the bay, the Aspazija House (18/20 Z. Meierovica prospekts) is worth a stop. The ancient wooden two-storey house possesses the essence of 1930s interiors, and the walls of its magnificent guest salon, cosy veranda and luxurious studio introduce you to one of the greatest Latvian poets – Aspazija (1865-1943). 

The road continues to a point where the land comprising Jūrmala City is only 350 metres wide. Here, you will notice from a distance the remarkable architecture of Dubulti Station – a striking modernist structure. Today, its wave-like building shelters the Art Station Dubulti – Europe's only contemporary art space operating in a building of a functioning railway station.

As a contrast to both of these new-age elements, directly across the street, the Dubulti Evangelical Lutheran Church (13 Baznīcas Street) stands in its quiet glory – this is one of the most remarkable Art Nouveau churches in Latvia, whose overall impression surprises, contrasting the textures of its façade with its inside spaces, whose mood is characterised by restraint. 

Once your spirit and eyes are nourished, it's time to round off your city walk with a hearty meal in the Caucasian restaurant Kinza House (2/3 Baznīcas Street), or to enjoy an exquisite gastronomic experience in the 36. line Grill Restaurant (2b Baznīcas Street), evaluated by the prestigious “Michelin Guide”. This is the place where, feeling the cooling breath of the bay waves, you can enjoy seafood and grilled fish dishes. Thus, inspired by the sea's endless generosity, you can take a leisurely stroll along the beach or along the forest paths through the dunes – back towards Majori.

Jam-packed route from Majori to Dzintari 

When starting your Jūrmala experience in Majori, the first worthwhile stop is the Jūrmala City Museum (29 Tirgoņu Street), whose exhibition will give you an idea about the history of the resort town and beginning of its spa and bathing culture. Along with the historical exhibition, the museum also offers a programme of rotating exhibitions, often featuring the works of Jūrmala artists.

Then, in quite a historical spirit, it's time to 'promenade' towards Dzintari through the city's main artery – Jomas Street, which has also historically been the central meeting point for the city's visitors. Here, showing off yourself and having a look at others, you can assess the city's restaurant and café scene, where almost all the world's tastes meet, and choose something from the offer of the small shops and street souvenir stands. 

From Jomas Street, you can also take a quieter route by turning left and walking along Jūras Street or making your way through the network of small streets. They will reveal the unique architectural story of Jūrmala, consisting of 19th/20th century wooden buildings - Art Nouveau and National Romantic summer houses. The turrets accentuating the houses, glazed verandas and masterly façade woodcarvings will give this walk a special dimension of another time and place.

The building, which brings together architectural testimonies from different eras, is the Dzintari Concert Hall (1 Turaidas Street), at which Jomas Street terminates – a significant stop in Latvia's concert life. It combines in a symphonic interplay both the 1930s Romanticism façade, behind which the historic closed hall is hidden, and the open hall, built back in the 1960s, which allows musical enjoyment to be complemented by the natural sounds of the sea. 

Then you can choose a more nature-friendly route and head to Dzintari Forest Park (Lazdonas Street) to breathe deeply into your chest the aromatic air, rich in pine tree phytoncides, and then rise above the stately conifers to a height of 38 metres to enjoy the sea horizon from the observation tower. 

The vicinity of the sea just seen from a bird's perspective will invite you to experience it up close, so it's time to head to the beach and sink your feet into the white quartz sands. Enjoying the ever-changing sea water, which can get whipped from mildly blue mirror surface into white wave crests, watching the changing shoreline with its red willow and green forest line - you can take your return route towards Majori. 

At Majori beach, you can take a photo of the city's logo for a photographic memory - adding the distinctive signature “Jūrmala” to the story of the day. Whereas, right there in the dunes, it is worth rubbing the bronze sculpture “Turtle” (1 Tirgoņu Street) for good luck. It symbolises a lifetime, which also means countless opportunities to return to Jūrmala to enjoy more one-day trips.

By the way, you can also choose to take the boat “Elizabete” for the return journey, which departs from the quay at 2a Rīgas Street at 18:00 and will take you to Riga in 2.5 hours.