4 Best Sights in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Open Beach sits at the northern end of the Jumeirah strip. As its name suggests, it's an open area, meaning there are no gates or entry fees. A long asphalt track is great for jogging and rollerblading. You can rent sun beds and umbrellas from kiosks, and there's a lifeguard on duty. There are often food trucks around for a casual bite. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (paid); showers. Best for: walking; solitude; swimming.

Dubai's first foray into large-scale coastline extension, Palm Jumeirah caught the world's attention when plans were announced in 2001. The development was Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum's solution to the area's shortage of beachfront and was created by taking land from the seabed to build new communities. Shaped as a date palm tree, the 1.2 mile-long trunk protrudes from the mainland and its 17 palm fronds sit in a shallow lagoon surrounded by a protective outer crescent. Palm Jumeirah is a self-contained residential district that combines private villas and apartments with luxury hotels, shopping, and entertainment districts. As a visitor you can't access the residential areas, but the monorail can take you down the trunk and drop you at Atlantis hotel. From here you can see the sun set over the Arabian Gulf from the boardwalk on the outer crescent. There are food trucks there in nice weather if you want to stroll and make an evening of it, or you might want to dine in one of the many hotel restaurants.

Umm Suqeim Beach, which has incredible views of the Burj Al-Arab Hotel offshore, is a favorite of touring groups that briefly step onto the sand to snap pictures before climbing back on the bus for the next stop on the itinerary. Umm Suqeim Park isn't exactly a beach park, as it has no sunbathing facilities or direct beach access, but it's just across the road from Umm Suqeim Beach and has play areas for children and a café.

Amenities: lifeguards. Best for: surfing; sunset; swimming.