Best Beaches in Chennai

Marina Beach, has been acclaimed as the second-longest beach in the world and the longest in India. The beach has a primarily sandy terrain and is dotted with plenty of merry-go-rounds, horse ride vendors and shops selling souvenirs. One can take a walk along the Marina beach with friends and family and visit the stalls to enjoy a hot plate of crispy sundal and murukku. Popular attractions near the beach include the Old Light House and the Aquarium.

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Boating, Jet Skiing, Horse rides, beach games, picnics
Eating Options: Street food vendors and stalls serve snacks, seafood and fruits. Cafes and restaurants can be found near the beach.
Location: Marina Beach Road

Located towards the south of Marina Beach, Elliot's Beach is incredibly calm and tranquil and does not offer much activity. Among the beaches in Chennai, Elliot's beach is one of the best for those uninterrupted long walks along the shore. This beach is quite popular among families who bring their kids in the evening to watch the sunset. 

Type of Beach: Public Beach
Things to Do: Boating, Jet Skiing, Horse rides, beach games, picnics
Eating Options: Plenty of food stalls and shacks near the beach.
Location: Besant Nagar

A perfect retreat amidst palm trees and silver sand, Covelong Beach was once set up as a port by Saadat Ali for Carnatic Nawabs. Apart from various water activities like surfing, jet skiing, boating, the vicinity of the beach is also famous for fishing. It is even the primary occupation of the villagers living here. There is an old fort which the Dutches had built. The fort now has been turned into a fanciful resort, the Fisherman's Cove Resort which is owned by Taj Groups of Hotels.

Location: 40 kms south of Chennai. One can take a private vehicle or hire a taxi.

Also known as Thiruvanmiyur Beach, Breezy Beach lays in the remote neighbourhood of Valmiki Nagar. Being smaller and less polluted, it's a perfect getaway for those looking for a relaxing day out. This beach in Chennai is not as popular and known as the Elliots beach, and is hence more quiet and peaceful. The sunsets are particularly attractive and over recent years more tourists have been attracted towards this beach for its beauty.

Location: Valmiki Nagar

Considered as one of the cleanest and beautiful beaches in Chennai, VGP Golden Beach is among family and friends. It is a private beach with an amusement park attached to it - the VGP Universal Kingdom. The beach is ideal for morning walks or spending time with their loved ones. Surfing is quite popular here as well. Children especially love this beach. They can take a cooling dip in the sea, build sandcastles or hunt for treasures on the shore.

Entry Fee for VGP Universal Kingdom: INR 600 (adults), INR 500 (children)

The southern part of the Marina Beach is known as the Santhome Beach. With immaculate clean sands, azure blue waters and gorgeous sweeping views of the sea, Santhome Beach is a one among the most visited beaches in Chennai. One can also find many eateries and sports activities on offer at the beach.

Situated at a distance of 1 km from Thiruvanmiyur in Chennai, Pebble Beach is one of the smaller beaches in Chennai. Due to its location, it receives a relatively lesser number of visitors. However, the beach offers an extremely peaceful and serene environment where you can spend some time in solitude.

Location: Pebble Beach Ave, Injambakkam, Southern Chennai

Kasimedu Beach is comparatively lesser-known among the beaches in Chennai. It is not just a recreation spot but also an important fishing harbour. With a vast expanse of the blue sea and brown sandy shores, you can also find several fishermen at work with their huge fishing nets and boats. Besides, the fisherfolks also sell their spoils at the shores; you can buy fresh fish here. Volleyball is another popular activity at the beach.

Location: N4, Beach Rd, Kasimedu

Neelankarai Beach is an untouched gorgeous beach located in the small locality of Neelankarai in South Chennai. The highlight of the beach are the innumerous turtles that can be found on the shores especially during the breeding season. People usually visit it to watch the turtles or to walk along the lengthy coastline touching the beautiful blue waters of the sea. Sunsets are a gorgeous sight from the shoreline here.

Location: Neelankarai, Southern Chennai

Nettukuppam is the northernmost tip of Chennai and has a beach which is yet not tarnished by encroaching crowds. It is a solitary retreat for those who seek to enjoy the raging sea up close but in a peaceful environment. The place is an ideal place to spend quiet time as it is still not on the radar of the maddening tourist crowd.

The sandy coastline begins from Ennore in the north extending south into Uthandi, leaving one to choose from more than just Marina and Elliot's beach. With nicely constructed walkers' paths, convenient seats, adequate lighting, lush green areas and children's playgrounds proposed for select beaches in Chennai initially, there is more to look forward to when you clock in some time for fitness.

Location: South Chennai, 24 Km from city centre

Located at the southern tip of Chennai in Palavakkam, Palavakkam Beach is a wonderful beach boasting of mesmerising sunrise and sunset views. The highlight of the beach is an age-old temple situated on the beach. The beach has the vast expanse of shores, with stunning views of the horizon merging in the sea.

Location: Palavakkam Beach Road, Chennai

Also known as Mamallapuram by locals, the Mahabalipuram Beach is situated at an hour's drive, south from Chennai city. The beach comprises of some rock-cut sculptures which are quite interesting. It is also famous for caves, massive rathas, chariots and temples which offer a great spot for a weekend getaway experience.  The windsurfers and swimming lovers are bound to have an amazing time at the beach for they are seen doing just that on the shores of the beach.

Location: 58 Km south of Chennai