Dubai is a metropolis full of surprises. Among them, there is the hipster-minimalist-post-industrial-style neighbourhood of La Mer, overlooking Jumeirah beach. La Mer is also an urban family beach with restaurants and shops to suit all budgets. For this reason, I recommend including it on your Dubai itinerary.
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What to see at La Mer in Dubai
The urban landscape of La Mer is totally different from what you would expect to find in Dubai. The predominant elements, rusted metal and whitewashed timber from the sea contribute to its distinctive style. It is a mix of retro and industrial, enhanced by colourful murals.
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If you want to explore the whole district, La Mer Dubai has four areas: the beach, the Laguna Waterpark entertainment centre, and two urban areas to the north and south, with shops, bars, and restaurants.
The atmosphere is relaxed, with a free beach characterised by wide wooden walkways, cabanas, and a promenade to walk on in the less hot hours of the day. Everything here is family-friendly. There are shallow water enhanced by unexpected urban elements such as comfortable hammocks and working showers with freshwater buckets.
Close to the beach, you can find shops, restaurants, bars, and ice cream parlours within a real neighbourhood decorated with street art and water features, with impressive attention to detail. The urban part of La Mer is home to a vintage-looking cinema, the Roxy Cinema, and the Laguna Waterpark.
Street Art in La Mer Dubai
Every corner of La Mer in Dubai is meant to be photographed and shared on social networks. Street art is everywhere, but it’s not just random graffiti. Here, the images painted on the walls are designed down to the last detail to enhance the neighbourhood’s beauty. The alleys of La Mer are designed to get you lost and end up in front of delightful murals. The best of them is the one with wings to get a picture in front of it.
What to do in La Mer
Having aroused your curiosity about this neighbourhood, I will list the activities you can do in La Mer. Of course, bathing and beach life are favourite activities for tourists and expats. If you have already enjoyed the beach at your hotel or beach club, you will find other attractions available. In fact, there are over a hundred shops, cafés, restaurants, a water park, and a cinema in La Mer.
Going to the beach
The public beach in La Mer is two and a half kilometres long and is managed by Sea Breeze. It is equipped with cabins, showers, and other bathing facilities. If you want to enjoy a premium experience at La Mer, you can rent a sunbed or one of the four luxurious Day Rooms available. As the water is shallow, the beach at La Mer is especially suitable for families with children.
Going to the Roxy Cinema
If you have nostalgia for vintage cinemas, you can stop by the Roxy Cinema. It is a gem for cinephiles and you can find it in the northern part of the district. There are only twenty seats, with luxurious leather recliners. The cinema also has a fantastic bistro lounge that serves burgers, drinks and desserts to your seat while you enjoy your favourite film.
Try the slides at the Laguna Waterpark
If you seek a fun day out, especially if you travel with kids or young adults, a visit to La Mer should definitely include the Laguna Waterpark. It is one of the main attractions of this destination. Divided into four different areas, this waterpark offers various slides, raft rides, a pool lounge, and a children’s area. If you buy a Laguna Waterpark day pass, you can get in and out of the waterpark as many times as you like throughout the day.
Eating out
La Mer is not only an Instagrammable destination. It also offers a fantastic gastronomic selection, thanks to the neighbourhood’s vast selection of cafes and restaurants in the same hipster style. I recommend The Chickery, a gourmet fast food restaurant with speciality chicken and American sandwiches. It is in the northern part of La Mer. Still, if you love burgers, you should also try Salt, on the beach.
Although I have told you about classic American food, in La Mer you will find cuisines from worldwide. Here, there are authentic Indian, Japanese and Mediterranean restaurants, as well as cafés serving bubble tea, ice cream and camel milk drinks.
Shopping at La Mer in Dubai
The La Mer Dubai district is home to many shops and boutiques, both on the beach and in the urban area. For instance, I recommend a trip to shayMARTIAN, which has an extensive collection of swimwear and kaftans for the whole family from top international brands.
Along the promenade, you can buy beach accessories and giant inflatables. However, in La Mer, there are also perfumeries such as Sephora and Make Up Lab, and Bin Sin Pharmacy and Seif Pharmacies to stock up on sunscreen.
Sleeping in La Mer Dubai
If you have fallen in love with the most hipster district in all of Dubai, you can also sleep very close to La Mer in the Rove La Mer Beach hotel. The property includes a restaurant, outdoor pool, fitness centre and bar, common areas and a 24-hour reception.
Rove La Mer Beach
La Mer Beach – Jumeirah 1
Dubai
Why visiting La Mer district in Dubai
La Mer district in Dubai, opened in 2017, is one of several projects designed to beautify the city for Expo 2020. The project is by the real estate group Meraas. The same group has built the City Walk shopping mall, the Bluewaters island, and other destination neighbourhoods in Dubai.
La Mer is an open space for everyone, with free access to the beach and promenade, also suitable for travellers who want to enjoy the luxury of Dubai in a low-cost version. In this area even the prices of restaurants and shops are affordable for everyone. Please let me a comment if you already know La Mer Dubai or if you discovered it by reading my article.