Best Beaches in Chennai

Marina Beach, one of the longest urban beaches in the world, stretches along the Bay of Bengal in Chennai, India. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic beach offers a pleasant escape with its sandy shores, bustling promenade, and opportunities for kite flying and enjoying local street food.

Location: Chennai city
Activities: Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, take in the view of the Bay of Bengal, fly kites, engage in beach sports, and savor delicious street food from the numerous stalls along the promenade.

Elliot's Beach, also known as Besant Nagar Beach, is a popular coastal destination in Chennai, offering a tranquil escape with its sandy shores and gentle waves. Located in the Besant Nagar neighborhood, it's easily accessible from Chennai and provides opportunities for relaxing by the sea, taking leisurely strolls, and enjoying local seafood.

Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai.
Distance from Chennai: 13 kms from chennai city centre
Activities: At Elliot's Beach, you can relax by the sea, take a leisurely walk along the scenic promenade, and savor the local seafood delicacies at the nearby restaurants. It's also a great place for picnics and enjoying the serene ocean views.

Covelong Beach, also known as Kovalam Beach, is a picturesque coastal stretch near Chennai. Located a short distance from Chennai city center, this serene beach offers water sports and a tranquil atmosphere for a relaxing getaway.

Location: Kovalam village
Distance from Chennai: 40 kms from Chennai.
Activities: At Covelong Beach, visitors can enjoy water sports, including windsurfing and kayaking. The area is also known for its fishing villages and beachside shacks serving fresh seafood.

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. 

Location: Valmiki Nagar
Distance from Chennai : 10 kms
Activities: At Breezy Beach, you can relax by the sea, take peaceful walks, enjoy the coastal scenery, and spend quality time with friends and family. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents, but it's a great place for picnics and unwinding.

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.

Location: East Coast Road (ECR)
Distance from Chennai: 20kms  
Entry Fee: INR 600 (adults), INR 500 (children)
Activities: At VGP Golden Beach, you can relax on the beach, swim in the sea, and explore the nearby VGP Universal Kingdom, an amusement park with rides and entertainment for all ages.

Santhome Beach, located in the neighborhood of Santhome in Chennai, is a serene urban beach known for its historical and spiritual significance, including the Santhome Basilica. This picturesque beach offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle, with pleasant seafront views and cultural attractions.

Location: Santhome nagar
Distance from Chennai: 6kms
Activities: Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, explore the Santhome Basilica, and savor the local cuisine at nearby restaurants. It's a peaceful spot for relaxation and cultural exploration.

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
Distance from Chennai: 14kms
Activities: Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks on the pebble-strewn beach, take in the scenic ocean views, and capture beautiful sunsets. It's a great place for a relaxing escape by the sea.

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. 

Location: N4, Beach Rd, Kasimedu
Distance from Chennai: 7km
Activities: Visitors can observe the local fishing operations, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, and savor fresh seafood at the nearby eateries. It's also a great place for photography and experiencing the vibrant local culture.

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. 

Location: Neelankarai, Southern Chennai
Distance from Chennai: 15 kms
Activities: At Neelankarai Beach, you can relax on the sandy shores, take leisurely walks, enjoy beachcombing, and have picnics by the sea. It's a peaceful spot for those looking to unwind.

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.

Location: East Coast Road (ECR)
Distance from Chennai: 30-35 km
Activities: Visitors can enjoy beachcombing, picnicking, and watching local fishermen at work. The beach provides a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and taking in scenic views of the Bay of Bengal.

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
Distance from Chennai: 25kms
Activities: At Akkarai Beach, you can enjoy activities like picnicking, swimming, and simply relaxing by the sea. The beach is known for its peaceful and less crowded atmosphere, making it an ideal place for a quiet getaway.

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
Distance from Chennai: 24kms 
Activities: Visitors can enjoy activities like  picnicking, swimming, and relaxation in its peaceful and less crowded atmosphere.

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.  

Location: South of Chennai
Distance from Chennai: 24kms
Activities: This beach offers a perfect spot for picnicking, swimming, and unwinding by the sea, with well-constructed paths, lush green areas, and children's playgrounds