Most Visakhapatnam beaches are not safe for swimming due to strong waves and unpredictable currents. Rushikonda Beach and Bheemili Beach are the main exceptions, where swimming is possible when the sea is calm. At all other beaches, it's safer to stay on the sand or wade in the shallows.
The Best Beaches in Visakhapatnam for Family-Friendly Fun
Looking for the best beaches in Visakhapatnam for you and your family? This guide has got you covered with the top kid-friendly beaches and activities.
Plan your family trip to Visakhapatnam
Located in Eastern India in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam (aka Vizag) is one of India's most underrated family-friendly beach destinations. From the swimmable Blue Flag-certified waters of Rushikonda Beach to the hillside scenery of Yarada Beach and the kid-friendly museums along RK Beach, the things to do in Visakhapatnam with children go well beyond the sand.
While the unpredictable currents at many Visakhapatnam beaches often make swimming too dangerous, locals and tourists still flock to them for the oceanfront parks, street food stalls, lighthouse views over the Bay of Bengal, and nearby historic sites.
Planning a family beach holiday in Visakhapatnam? This guide covers the best Visakhapatnam beaches for families, what to do at each one, when to visit, and where to stay.
Quick guide for family-friendly beaches in Visakhapatnam
- Best overall beach for families: Rushikonda Beach (water activities, facilities, gentle shoreline)
- Most convenient Vizag beach: RK Beach (central, close to attractions and food)
- Quiet beach for younger children: Yarada Beach (less crowded, calm setting)
- Best for a half-day trip: Bheemili Beach (tranquil beach, scenic drive)
- Good for short stops: Tenneti Park coastline (no sand, easy views, shaded areas)
Rushikonda Beach: safe for swimming and water sports
Lined by rolling green hills and towering palm trees, Rushikonda Beach is one of the best Visakhapatnam beaches for families. Located just eight kilometres from the Vizag city centre, this golden, crescent-shaped beach is Blue Flag certified, which means the water is clean and safe for swimming when the sea is calm. It’s one of the only swimmable beaches in Visakhapatnam.
Other beach amenities include on-duty lifeguards, changing rooms, toilets, and souvenir shops. There are also plenty of vendors selling snacks like noodles and mango slices, as well as tea and coconut water.
What to do with kids at Rushikonda Beach
- Wade in the shallows or take a dip when the sea is calm (one of the few Vizag beaches where you can swim)
- Try supervised water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, surfing, parasailing, or windsurfing (better suited to older children and teenagers)
- Book a beginner scuba diving lesson through one of the local operators
- Picnic on the sand or pick up street snacks from the beachside vendors
- Explore the shoreline and rock pools along the edges of the crescent bay
Ramakrishna Beach: family attractions and seaside promenades
Located in the heart of Vizag, Ramakrishna Beach (aka RK Beach) is the most popular beach in Visakhapatnam. Like most Vizag beaches, the waves and currents here make swimming unsafe.
It's still a popular spot for families, with a long-paved promenade, oceanfront parks, street food stalls, and a string of museums within walking distance. The VMRDA Park is located at the northern end of the beach, and the Submarine Museum, Sea Harrier Museum, and Visakha Museum are all close by.
If you're looking for a family-friendly base on RK Beach, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is right on the waterfront. The resort has an infinity pool overlooking the Bay of Bengal, five on-site restaurants and bars, and a spa. Rooms come with ocean views, and there are dedicated activities for kids.
What to do with kids at RK Beach
- Walk the paved promenade and stop at street food stalls along the way
- Visit the Submarine Museum and Sea Harrier Museum (both are hands-on and kid-friendly)
- Let younger children run around in VMRDA Park, which has playgrounds, boating, and skating
- Take a break from the beach at one of the Novotel's family-friendly pools and restaurants
Yarada Beach: quiet picnics and coastal views
You'll find lovely Yarada Beach next to the city's naval area, just 15 kilometres from Vizag. This is another one of the most picturesque beaches in Visakhapatnam, thanks to the verdant banana and coconut plantations and imposing rock formations. The currents and waves here are unpredictable, so this is not a swimming beach. If the waves look rough, keep younger children away from the water's edge.
This beach lacks most facilities, aside from toilets and a few food vendors. But that's part of the appeal. With fewer crowds and a wide stretch of sand, it's one of the quieter spots on the Vizag coastline.
It's also well worth visiting the nearby Dolphin’s Nose Lighthouse. The views over Vizag and the Bay of Bengal from a vantage point of 358 metres above sea level are simply stunning. Plus, for a small fee, kids and adults alike will love going to the top of the lighthouse for even more spectacular views. Do note that the lighthouse's visiting hours are limited and can vary.
What to do with kids at Yarada Beach
- Spread out on the wide sand for a picnic (bring your own supplies or buy corn on the cob and kebabs from local vendors)
- Walk along the shoreline and explore the rock formations at either end of the beach
- Drive to the nearby Dolphin's Nose Lighthouse for panoramic views from 358 metres above sea level
- Grab coconut water or a light snack from one of the small beachside vendors
Bheemili Beach: gentle waves and heritage charm
Bheemili Beach, also known as Bheemunipatnam Beach, is another one of the most popular Visakhapatnam beaches. Located roughly 25 kilometres north of the city centre, it's far more peaceful than the central Vizag beaches.
Bheemili Beach is considered one of the safest beaches in Visakhapatnam. The gentle waves and calm waters make this an ideal spot for swimming when the weather is nice. That being said, there is a steep drop-off close to shore, so keep children in the shallows.
Beyond the beach, Bheemili has a surprising amount of heritage to explore, and there are plenty of food vendors selling pani puri, muri mixture, tomato and egg bajjis, and sugandhi.
What to do with kids at Bheemili Beach
- Swim in the shallows when the sea is calm (one of the few Vizag beaches where this is safe, but watch for the steep drop-off)
- Visit the 17th-century Dutch Cemetery and explore the old tombstones
- Walk to Bheemili Lighthouse for Bay of Bengal views
- Take photos with the Mermaid Statue at the northern end of the beach
- Arrive early or stay late for sunrise or sunset on the sand
Tenneti Park Beach: gardens, sea views, and the MV Maa shipwreck
If you'd prefer to skip the crowds at RK Beach, the nearby Tenneti Park Beach is a wonderful family-friendly alternative. One of the most unusual attractions here is the huge, abandoned ship MV Maa, which was stranded on the sand during a storm in 2020. It's now one of the most well-known Vizag landmarks.
The beach itself is rocky in parts and not ideal for swimming, but that's not why families come here. Tenneti Park features beautifully manicured gardens, tranquil walking paths, kids' play areas, and sweeping sea views. There's also an amphitheatre which hosts events when the weather is nice, and a few food vendors in the area selling mangoes and corn on the cob.
It's worth pairing your visit with Kailasagiri, a hilltop park just 10 minutes away. You can drive up, or better yet, take the cable car.
What to do with kids at Tenneti Park Beach
- See the MV Maa shipwreck on the sand (one of Vizag's most photographed landmarks)
- Let younger children use the play areas in Tenneti Park while you take in the sea views
- Head to Kailasagiri and ride the toy train for city and coastline views
- Visit the giant Shiva and Parvati statues and the hilltop play park at Kailasagiri
If you're planning a wider family trip across India, Vizag pairs well with other coastal destinations like Goa's family-friendly beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Lifeguards are present at many of the most popular Visakhapatnam beaches, including Rushikonda Beach, RK Beach, and Yarada Beach. However, more remote beaches may not have lifeguards on duty. It's important to note, too, that some beaches are often unsafe for swimming due to strong currents and large waves, including RK Beach and Yarada Beach.
Most Visakhapatnam beaches are accessible by car or taxi from the city centre. RK Beach and Tenneti Park are within the city itself, while Rushikonda is about eight kilometres out, Yarada is 15 kilometres, and Bheemili is roughly 25 kilometres north. Ride-hailing apps, such as Ola and Uber, are widely used in Vizag.
The best time of year to visit Visakhapatnam beaches is between October and March. The winter months bring mild temperatures and loads of tourists looking for fun in the sand and sun. Things get unbearably hot and humid between May and June, making exploring the city rather uncomfortable. The monsoon season runs from July to September, bringing wet conditions, lower temperatures, fewer tourists, and deals on hotels.
The best place to stay in Visakhapatnam is on RK Beach. Set right on the beach, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach is an excellent option. This family-friendly five-star resort offers spacious guest rooms with Bay of Bengal views, an incredible oceanfront infinity pool, a wellness-focused spa, and five bars and restaurants. It's an easy option for a fun and relaxing escape to the beach.
