Marina Beach Tours and Activities

Marina Beach showing general coastal views as well as a large group of people
Marina Beach which includes markets
Marina Beach as well as a large group of people
Marina Beach featuring a playground and a beach as well as a small group of people
Marina Beach as well as a small group of people


Relaxed walks, pretty sunrises, elaborate entertainment, traditional Indian street food and historical landmarks make this one of Chennai’s liveliest beaches.

Marina Beach is a fascinating combination of nature, architecture and entertainment. This long stretch of golden sand overlooks the Bay of Bengal, with glorious blue-green water lapping at its shores. Marina Beach presents a breezy respite from Chennai’s searing heat and is a place enjoyed by local residents and tourists alike. Come here to experience scenic sunrises, dip your feet in the ocean, try typical street food and spot architecturally impressive landmarks.

Escape the bustle of Chennai’s city streets, go for a stroll on the beach and feel the soft sand between your toes. Wake up early to marvel as the sun rises over the Bay of Bengal and casts a captivating light over the city. Watch as fishermen paddle out into the ocean on colourful wooden catamarans. Wade in the warm water, but avoid swimming as strong currents and rip tides are common.

In the late afternoon the beach becomes a hive of energetic activity. You’ll see countless games of cricket, kids flying kites, fortune tellers, tightrope walkers and stunt performers. Browse the fish markets and be sure to try classic Indian snacks. Enjoy roasted corn on the cob smeared with a dressing of lime and chili powder. Go to the southern end of the beach and climb to the summit of the lighthouse for sweeping city views.

Wander along Marina Beach Road (aka Kamarajar Promenade), a beachfront boulevard lined with monuments and striking buildings. Check out the Triumph of Labour statue, Annadurai Memorial and MGR Memorial at the beach’s north end. Look for statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Subramaniya Bharathiyar, a famous Tamil Nadu poet. Admire the 19th-century Vivekananda House, which puts on art and multimedia exhibitions.

Marina Beach runs south from Fort St. George. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Chepauk, Thiruvallikeni and Light House train stations are all a short walk from the beach. Alternatively, take one of the city’s affordable taxis or auto-rickshaws. You might want to combine your beach time with a visit to nearby Chennai Citi Centre, a shopping mall with numerous fashion outlets and a large food court.

Popular places to visit


Top Marina Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Woodlands Inn

Woodlands Inn

2.5 out of 5
C.N, Krishna Swamy Salai Road, Chepauk, New No.2, Old No 2, Triplicane, Chennai, TN
Woodlands Inn
Taj Club House

Taj Club House

5 out of 5
No 2 Club House Road, Off Mount Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Taj Club House
THE MADRAS GRAND

THE MADRAS GRAND

3 out of 5
NO 1 - CHINNA STREET, EGMORE, Chennai, Tamilnadu
THE MADRAS GRAND
SMS GRAND INN HOTEL

SMS GRAND INN HOTEL

3 out of 5
1st St Miyan Sahib Triplicane, Chennai, TN
SMS GRAND INN HOTEL
The Kings Park Residency

The Kings Park Residency

3.5 out of 5
No. 1 Arunachalam Street, Walaja Road, Opposite Kalaivanar Arangam,Chepauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The Kings Park Residency
Al Noor Palace

Al Noor Palace

2 out of 5
Big Street, 88, Chennai, TN
Al Noor Palace
Sundaram Residency

Sundaram Residency

2 out of 5
No 230/257 , Bharathi Salai , Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Sundaram Residency
Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre

Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre

4.5 out of 5
No 2 Ethiraj Salai Commander In Chief Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre
FabHotel Prime Stalin Pleasant Park

FabHotel Prime Stalin Pleasant Park

3 out of 5
141, 142, Wallahjah Rd, Mount, Road, Anna Salai, Triplicane, Chennai
FabHotel Prime Stalin Pleasant Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Marina Beach

At Marina Beach in Chennai, enjoy the thrill of strong waves while soaking up the sun. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline to explore nearby attractions, including local eateries and vibrant markets. Don't miss the chance to visit a nearby water park for a splash of fun, making your vacation both relaxing and exciting. This iconic beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and local culture for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

At Marina Beach, you can shop at Express Avenue, just 1.6km away, featuring a mix of business and entertainment vibes. Chennai Citi Center Mall is 3.2km away, perfect for family outings. If you're up for a drive, visit Pondy Bazaar, located 6.4km away, offering a vibrant local experience.

Recreation

Explore M.A. Chidambaram Stadium for an energising sports experience, located 644m from Marina Beach. For a larger venue, head to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, 3.2km away, offering vibrant sports vibes. Enjoy outdoor activities at Oz Golf Academy, situated 4.8km from the beach, perfect for golf enthusiasts.

Adventure

At Muttukadu Boat House, enjoy exhilarating water sports on scenic waters, located 29.0km from Marina Beach. For a unique indoor experience, head to VGP Snow Kingdom, 17.7km away, where you can ski and enjoy family-friendly activities. Kart Attack, a thrilling karting venue, lies 19.3km from the beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Marina Beach is vibrant and inviting. Catch a movie at Inox Theatre, just 3.2km away, for a mix of family and romance. Alternatively, enjoy the cinematic experience at Devi Cineplex, located 9.7km away, perfect for a fun night out with loved ones.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Marina Beach

Marina Beach in Chennai offers an array of attractions, including temples, cathedrals, and churches, perfect for travellers seeking cultural experiences. Beyond the stunning beach itself, visitors can immerse themselves in the local city atmosphere and explore its rich heritage. Whether you're looking to relax by the shore or delve into the vibrant surroundings, Marina Beach has something for everyone.

  • Kapaleeswarar Temple: Nestled 3.2km from Marina Beach, this stunning temple showcases traditional Dravidian architecture and is a vibrant hub of local culture. The intricate carvings and colourful sculptures create a breathtaking atmosphere, perfect for immersing yourself in the spiritual essence of Tamil Nadu.
  • Anna Salai: Located 1.3km away, Anna Salai is a bustling street that captures the urban spirit of Chennai. Lined with shops, eateries, and vibrant street life, it's an excellent spot to experience local cuisine and the city's energetic vibe.
  • Fort St. George: A historic fort situated 1.6km from the beach, this site is rich in colonial history. Explore the museum and the well-preserved structures, gaining insight into Chennai's past and the influence of British rule in India.

Best time to go to Marina Beach

The best time to visit Marina Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. May is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
February78.8°F (26.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
March82.6°F (28.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowAverage
April86.5°F (30.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
May89.6°F (32.0°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June88.9°F (31.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July86.9°F (30.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August85.6°F (29.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September84.7°F (29.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
October83.1°F (28.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November79.7°F (26.5°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December77.7°F (25.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Marina Beach

To save money on your trip to Marina Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of May to June and September when prices drop. Sundays are the most affordable days to book accommodation, while Tuesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly hotels and consider eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Look for package deals that combine flights and activities to maximise savings. Additionally, explore free activities along the beach and local markets to enjoy the region without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Marina Beach are May to June and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Marina Beach is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Marina Beach is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Marina Beach hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.