Jumeirah Beach

Within walking distance of the Burj Al Arab is arguably Dubai's best strip of public sand. Round-the-clock lifeguards keep an eye over this one-mile, cream-colored beach. Sun-seekers come to this lively shoreline to revel in Dubai's bright rays, while water sports enthusiasts take advantage of the calm, turquoise waters of the Persian Gulf. Jumeirah Beach is also equipped a children's playground and plenty of barbeque and picnic areas. Just make sure you come early. According to one TripAdvisor user, "It can get crowded, but it is not bad at all. It gets really hot during the day so the morning before 11am is the best time."

Jumeirah Beach can be reached from Jumeirah Road is open from 7 a.m. to 11 or 11:30 p.m., depending on the day, and admission is 5 AED (roughly $1.25 USD) per person. Before you hit the sands, make sure you're armed with bottled water and sunscreen. The rays are at their strongest during the middle of the day, so you may want to seek shade to avoid dehydration or sun stroke. To learn more about Jumeirah Beach, visit the Dubai Tourism Board's website.