La Mer Beach is a popular Dubai beachfront destination with beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf, restaurants and entertainment. The area has, however, undergone dramatic changes from what the older travel books call La Mer. The old La Mer South area has been transformed into the upscale beach destination, J1 Beach, with its beach clubs and restaurants. A number of attractions have been closed, such as Laguna Waterpark. La Mer and J1 Beach are today different from the original destination. It is important to recognize these changes so that visitors can make an informed decision about where to go for a beach, restaurant, or activity. 

Quick Facts About La Mer Beach

Most importantly, the beach at La Mer is no longer the same as what was depicted in previous photographs and articles. The southern section, once part of La Mer, became J1 Beach, and the rest of the La Mer community remains unchanged, as it still has residential, marina, dining, and beachfront. 

Where Is La Mer Beach in Dubai?

La Mer is situated in Jumeirah 1, on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. The location is located in one of Dubai’s established coastal neighbourhoods and is near Dubai attractions like Jumeirah Mosque, City Walk and Mercato Mall.

J1 Beach is about 700 metres away from Rove La Mer Beach and Jumeirah Mosque is about 1.9 kilometres away from Rove Hotels. The distances give an idea of the layout of the various attractions to the La Mer area. 

It’s also handy for travellers who wish to enjoy the beach while exploring other parts of central Dubai. Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall and City Walk are approximately 15 minutes from this property at La Mer, depending on traffic, Rove says. 

If you think about it, there’s one thing: the beachfront doesn’t have a Metro station directly at it. The coastal area is usually accessed by visitors by car, taxi, or bus.

What Happened to La Mer Beach?

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether this is one of the original La Mer’s, and much of the data found on the web still refers to the original La Mer.

The original destination was a lifestyle-focused beachfront development featuring the beach, restaurants, retail, entertainment, and leisure facilities. Visit Dubai said that it was a beachside destination where you can entertain, shop, and dine.

The southern part underwent a major change as part of the redevelopment. La Mer South was converted to J1 Beach, a Visit Dubai description of which reads: “J1 Beach is now a coastal haven with luxury restaurants and top-notch beach clubs”. J1 Beach was launched in October 2024. 

This change is what has led to the varying information on the old La Mer experience. Attractions that no longer exist in the past may be mentioned in older articles, and newer articles may refer to J1 Beach.

It is safest to consider the beaches at La Mer and J1 as the same, but still two areas of the broader development, and not to expect that all of the attractions listed in an older La Mer guide are still available.

Is La Mer Beach Still Open?

This depends on what part of La Mer you are referring to.

The southern section has been transformed into J1 Beach, which is an active luxury beachfront destination with restaurants, beach clubs, swimming pools, beach access, and entertainment. The official J1 Beach website currently provides all of these services and venues: beachfront dining, licensed restaurants, live entertainment, swimming pools, sunbeds, and direct beach access. 

Details regarding the remaining public beach land are less easy to come by. According to a 2026 La Mer guide, La Mer North still has a free public beach, and Tripadvisor reviews from late 2025 and early 2026 mention that parts of the area are being closed and facilities have decreased. 

Redevelopment of these conditions may have altered since this map was created, so I cannot guarantee that all of the sections displayed in the older La Mer Beach guides are open to the public. Before going, you should find out the current conditions of the specific entrance or facility you will be using.

La Mer Beach vs J1 Beach: What Is the Difference?

It is easiest to define the area by breaking the two experiences apart.

La Mer refers to the wider beachfront master development in Jumeirah. It involves residential areas, Port de La Mer, beach areas, and the growing leisure scene. According to Meraas, it is a coastal development that will have residential, marina, retail, dining, and recreational areas. 

J1 Beach occupies the redeveloped southern beachfront and focuses much more heavily on luxury dining and beach-club experiences. Visit Dubai calls it a place where there are nine luxury dining venues, and the official J1 Beach website lists a selection of licensed beachfront restaurants and clubs. 

The difference for visitors is straightforward: If you want to see the new luxury beachfront scene, you’ll need to pay attention to the name of J1 Beach. If you are doing research on the neighborhood, or on housing, or on where to live, you will come across the name La Mer.

What Can You Do at La Mer Beach?

Spend Time by the Arabian Gulf

The original draw of La Mer was a beach and a vibrant waterfront.

Relaxation is available along the broader Jumeirah coastline, with opportunities to stroll along the waterfront, enjoying scenic views across the water to the Arabian Gulf. Beach access is not the same, however, in all public areas, and not all commercial beach clubs are available for beach access and use, so visitors should not assume that everything is available for their use.

If you are just looking to swim and relax on a public beach, please check the access arrangements before coming.

Explore J1 Beach

The most important modern addition to the La Mer coastline is J1 Beach.

The spot features top-notch beach clubs, restaurants, access to the beach, and entertainment, all in a landscape reminiscent of the Riviera. At the present moment, its official website offers concepts like African Queen, Bâoli Dubai, Gigi Rigolatto, Gitano, and Sirene Beach by Gaia, just to mention a few. 

Visit Dubai also showcases establishments like Gigi Rigolatto, Gitano, Almayass by the Sea, and Bâoli Dubai, underscoring the area’s new emphasis on dining and luxury leisure. 

J1 Beach is an ideal spot for those seeking a more typical day at the beach.

Enjoy Beachfront Dining

The redeveloped area is a good reason to come and eat.

J1 Beach is a collection of various international dining concepts next to the waterside. Gigi Rigolatto, for instance, offers Italian cuisine with a private beach, pool, Mediterranean garden, and other recreation amenities. Bâoli Dubai specialises in modern Chinese cuisine, and Gitano is a modern Mexican concept. 

Dining facilities and opening hours may be subject to change, especially in the ongoing expansion of the surrounding area. It’s therefore recommended to verify the individual restaurant or beach club prior to arrival.

Walk Around the Waterfront

For its colourful design, murals, coastal architecture, and relaxed pedestrian areas, La Mer gained fame.

The original destination focused on a unique beach town style as opposed to the typical high-rise, urban skyline that is seen in many Dubai destinations. This visual presence continues to tie the area to La Mer and contributes to its photography and strolling along the waterfront popularity. 

But redevelopment means that for some older streets, shops, and installations that appear in the online images, they may no longer be as shown.

Stay Near the Beach

For those who prefer a beach closer to the shore, Rove La Mer Beach, located in La Mer South/Jumeirah 1, is an option.

Rove calls it a “beachfront hotel with beach access, an outdoor pool, Beach Bar, gym, terrace and more. It is located at La Mer South, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE. 

The hotel is also quite convenient for those who prefer to stay at the beach and visit the center of Dubai.

Is La Mer Beach Good for Families?

For a long time, La Mer has been attractive to families due to the destination’s combination of beach access and food, leisure, and entertainment.

The situation has changed since the redevelopment; families should take into consideration which section they want to choose. J1 Beach is mostly oriented towards upscale dining and beach club activities, while the rest of the extensive La Mer coastline is more public-facing.

Families should also not take any word on board from any old articles about Laguna Waterpark being an up-to-date attraction. There has been recent speculation that the waterpark closed in 2023 as part of the redevelopment. 

Is Laguna Waterpark at La Mer Still Open?

No. Laguna Waterpark is no longer operating.

La Mer had a waterpark that was in operation between 2017 and 2023. The current guides designate it as part of a redevelopment of the broader La Mer area. 

This is a significant update as many of the older La Mer articles continue to list Laguna Waterpark as one of the main attractions of the destination.

Laguna Waterpark is not operating. If you have a plan that was drawn up prior to the pandemic, you may need to change some of your plans.

What Is J1 Beach Like?

J1 Beach is quite a departure from the initial La Mer concept.

J1 Beach has been designed with luxury beach clubs, licensed restaurants, luxury dining, and beachfront leisure, rather than primarily on casual retail and family entertainment. According to the official J1 Beach website, it is an “urban riviera” in Jumeirah 1 that promises direct access to the beach and has its own private jetty. 

It offers various food options, allowing guests to enjoy different dishes without having to leave the beach.

This means that J1 Beach is more appropriate for visitors who are looking for a fancy dining or beach club experience than for those who just want a cheap day on the beach.

Best Time to Visit La Mer Beach

The best time to do outdoor activities in Dubai is from October to April.

Visitors can easily walk, swim, sightsee, and dine outdoors during cooler times of the year.

The time of day is also dependent on the purpose. Visits normally take place in the morning, but late afternoon/evening is ideal for people who want to enjoy sunset views and beachfront dining.

When planning a trip, always keep an eye on the weather forecast and know the operating hours of a beach club or restaurant, if that is part of your itinerary.

How to Get to La Mer Beach

La Mer is mostly accessible via road in Jumeirah 1.

Access to the area is by private car or taxi; there are bus services on the wider Jumeirah road network. This is because there are several sections to La Mer and multiple entrances; it is best to enter a specific location or venue like “La Mer Beach” into your map navigation app rather than the location “La Mer”.

The official website points to several key features of J1 Beach, including valet parking and a dedicated jetty, which mark its upscale status. 

The hotel’s location also makes it easy to travel to nearby attractions such as J1 Beach from Rove La Mer Beach. 

Hotels Near La Mer Beach

The hotel that’s most closely known is Rove La Mer Beach.

The property offers Beach Access, an Outdoor Pool, a Beach Bar, and all other facilities of the hotel are available. Rove also makes City Walk, Jumeirah Mosque, and other Dubai attractions easily accessible to make the trip more convenient. 

It is possible to visit the beach from outside the immediate area of La Mer, staying at Jumeirah, City Walk or Downtown Dubai and driving or taking a taxi.

These are options to choose from if you are looking to stay on the beach or have wider access to Dubai’s shopping, business and sightseeing districts.

Is La Mer Beach Worth Visiting?

Yes, but that really depends on what you’re expecting from it.

If you’re looking for the original La Mer experience from older travel articles, with a ton of casual shops, restaurants, entertainment, and Laguna Waterpark, you just might find that the place has undergone a lot of changes.

Jumeirah coastline is a current topic of interest, and so is J1 Beach, luxury beachfront dining, and the overall development of La Mer, if you have any interest in the present Jumeirah coastline. J1 Beach is now a vital new addition to Dubai’s top-tier beach dining. 

However, for a basic public beach day, check access requirements first, as redevelopment has taken place on various parts of the coastline at different times.

La Mer Beach: What Visitors Should Know Before Going

Much of this area has undergone considerable transformation over the years, and some of the details listed below may not be the same as they are today. There are a few things to check before you travel to avoid outdated attractions and information. 

• Do not rely on old La Mer guides. Attractions and access arrangements have changed substantially since the original development opened.
• J1 Beach is the redeveloped southern section, J1 Beach, has been developed for luxury restaurants and beach clubs. 
• Laguna Waterpark is closed and is not part of a current trip. 
• Check beach access before travelling, especially if you are relying on public beach access.
• To verify opening times, reservations, and access to restaurants and beach clubs, please check the venue’s specific opening dates, reservations, and access policies.

Conclusion

Though it’s still a favorite spot for those who visit Dubai, La Mer Beach has evolved from the place many older travel guides refer to. La Mer South is now the luxury beach club, and restaurant dominated J1 Beach. La Mer provides a nice place for visitors to enjoy the sea and plenty of dining and leisure facilities, although some of the original attractions are not available. It’s a good idea to check up on the latest news of the beach or attraction you intend to visit in order to have your expectations aligned with the experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Is La Mer Beach free?

Access to public beaches may be available for free in some areas, or private beach clubs and facilities will charge a fee. Please verify access conditions before visiting.

Is La Mer Beach the same as J1 Beach?

No. J1 Beach is the rejuvenated southern area of the old La Mer South and now focuses on beach clubs, restaurants, and luxury beachside experiences.

What happened to La Mer South?

La Mer South has been redeveloped into J1 Beach, which opened in October 2024.

Is Laguna Waterpark still open?

No, Laguna Waterpark is no longer in operation; it was shut down in 2023.

Where is La Mer?

La Mer is located on the Arabian Gulf in Jumeirah 1, Dubai.

Is J1 Beach suitable for families?

Families seeking a simple public beach should look elsewhere, as J1 Beach is primarily catering to beach clubs, restaurants, and high-end leisure.

What restaurants are at J1 Beach?

J1 Beach has several restaurants and beach clubs, such as Gigi Rigolatto, Bâoli Dubai, Gitano, African Queen, and Sirene Beach by Gaia.

Is there a hotel at La Mer?

Yes. Rove La Mer Beach is a hotel situated on the beach in the La Mer resort area, offering direct access to the beach and other leisure facilities.

Is La Mer worth visiting?

Yes, particularly if you would like to enjoy beachfront dining, sea views, and the newer J1 Beach experience. Do not follow older guides, however, as several of the original La Mer attractions have become different and/or shut down.