Fun Things to Do in JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) in Dubai

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from this site, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting me here at Travel Lush!

If you’re planning to spend some time at the beach during your Dubai getaway, chances are JBR (aka Jumeirah Beach Residence) is on your list of places to go or even stay. JBR is perhaps best known for its wide 1.7-kilometer stretch of sand, but there’s a lot more to it than that – there are loads of other exciting things to do in JBR!

As someone who lives in the Dubai Marina, JBR is basically in my backyard. Trust me – there’s a reason so many visitors choose JBR as their home base during their Dubai vacation. From the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf to the endless water sports, bustling international restaurants, and epic views of the Ain Dubai (the world’s tallest observation wheel), there’s a lot to love about JBR.

If you’re planning to spend a day (or a week) in Jumeirah Beach Residence and wondering what to do, here is my list of all the best things to do in JBR for endless fun and entertainment.

Quick Dubai Travel Tips

Exchange rate: At the time of writing, the exchange rate is AED 3.67 to USD $1.

Arrange an eSIM: Airalo is my go-to when purchasing eSIMS for my travels, and they have plenty of different eSIM options for the UAE. Use my promo code AIRALOESIM10 for 15% off!

Airport pickup: Don’t want to deal with the hassle of getting a taxi at the airport? You can easily arrange a driver to pick you up at the arrivals area and whisk you to your hotel (rates starting at AED 113).

Rental Car: If you plan on renting a car at Dubai International Airport, you can easily choose the best car for your big trip to Dubai on DiscoverCars.com. Renting a car is surprisingly cheap!

Recommended hotels in JBR: Rove JBR, a mid-range lifestyle hotel with direct beach access; Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, a 5-star resort with luxe rooms and an epic rooftop pool.

Top 3 experiences in JBR: Ride the Ain Dubai observation wheel, cruise around Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah on a Luxury Superyacht Tour, swim at the infinity pool on the 77th story of the Address Beach Resort.

Helpful Dubai posts:
~ The Best Areas to Stay in Dubai for Tourists (A Local’s Guide)
~ Getting Around Dubai Using the Metro, Tram & Taxis
~ 14 Essential Apps in Dubai that are Totally Free
~ 3 Days in Dubai – A Local’s Suggested Itinerary

Fun Things to Do in JBR

Ride the Ain Dubai

Taking a spin on the Ain Dubai – the world’s tallest observation wheel – is easily one of the most iconic JBR activities. You’ll find this architectural marvel over on Bluewaters Island, which is accessible from JBR via the pedestrian bridge. DiscoverCars.com

The Ain Dubai towers at 250 meters (820 feet) and takes 38 minutes just to make one revolution. Along the way, you’ll get some of the best views in Dubai – including views of the Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina skyline. Riding the Ain Dubai is surprisingly affordable, too, with general tickets costing AED 145 (adults 12+) and AED 115 (kids 3+).

Take a Stroll Over to Bluewaters Island

Yes, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Ain Dubai from every vantage point in JBR, but nothing beats getting up close and personal with the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.

Here you’ll not only find the sky-high Ain Dubai, but there are all sorts of great restaurants (with amazing sea views!), shops, and cafes, as well as the luxurious Banyan Tree Dubai resort, a fun adult-only bowling alley called Brass Monkey, a hip food hall called Hive, and a BrewDog Brewery. But the coolest part about walking over here is getting the chance to get neck-craning views of the 250-meter-tall Ferris wheel.

Plus, as the sun goes down each evening, the Ain Dubai lights up and puts on a spectacular show, which you can take in from Bluewaters or back on Jumeirah Beach.

Go to the 77th Floor of the Address

Speaking of tall structures, you simply can’t miss the architectural beauty that is the  Address Beach Resort (which is also a very cool place to stay). This imposing building is 293.9 meters (964 feet) tall and stands proud as one of the most iconic JBR attractions.

For something extra special, head up to the 77th floor, where you’ll find one of the world’s highest infinity pools. In most cases, this spectacular pool is only available to hotel guests, so the only way you’re going to be able to take a dip is if you book a stay at the hotel. But you can also pay a premium for beds, gazebos, or cabanas if you’d rather not stay at the hotel (check the website for prices and packages).

If you don’t mind skipping the pool, anyone can reserve a table at the adjacent ZETA Seventy Seven, where you can dine on seafood-centric Asian fusion dishes at the same dizzying heights and with the same unreal views of the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah as you’d get from the pool. Do note the minimum spend is AED 577 person and entrance is 21 and up.

Cruise around on a Yacht

One of the coolest JBR Beach activities is to cruise around on a luxury yacht. For a super chill experience on a superyacht, I suggest this 3-hour Luxury Superyacht Tour, which has an open bar, swimming stops, a meal, and a live DJ.

This is a fun experience which allows you to sail past iconic attractions like the Dubai Marina, Bluewaters Island and the Ain Dubai, and the Palm Jumeirah’s famous Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis the Royal. Plus, you get to swim in the Arabian Sea and enjoy either breakfast, lunch, or dinner – depending on the time of day.

Check Out The Walk at JBR

Stretching the entire length of JBR, The Walk at JBR is where you’ll find endless family-friendly JBR Beach activities. Take a stroll, and you’ll find tons of international restaurants to dine at (ranging from Georgian to Indian to fast-food chains like Chipotle and KFC), kid-friendly carnival games to play, unique shops to peruse, fun kiosks selling traditional UAE garb and perfumes, and colorful street art murals to take photos with.

Drink and Dine at Pavilion at The Beach, JBR

If you’re visiting JBR, you should definitely make your way to the Pavilion at The Beach, JBR. This huge space is home to some of the best restaurants in JBR and offers fully enclosed air-conditioned spaces as well as outdoor terraces, which are always buzzing when the weather is nice.

For something casual and fun, head to La Mezcaleria or Claw BBQ. Or for dinner and drinks with a view, try Eataly at The Beach (picture above) or Hurricane’s Grille & Bar!

Snap a Selfie with the Street Art Murals

When you think of street art, chances are Dubai isn’t the first place to come to mind. But one of the coolest things to do in JBR is to hunt down the colorful murals. You’ll find these dotting the way along The Walk at JBR, and they make for fun photo ops!

Sip Coffee with an Ocean View at Starbucks

If you’re in need of a refresher, there’s really no better place to grab a cup of coffee or tea than this Starbucks in JBR. For the best view in the house, head up to the second story and snag one of the coveted seats on the terrace. From here, you can sip your cold-brewed latte with an awesome view of the Arabian Gulf and the Ain Dubai!

Spend the Day at Bla Bla Beach Club

With a prime location overlooking the Ain Dubai, Bla Bla Beach Club is always a fun place to spend the day. Open from 10 am to sunset, you can reserve poolside loungers or one of the more VIP options on the upper decks.

The best part about Bla Bla is that the cost of entry is entirely redeemable for anything on the food and drinks menu, making it very tempting to spend the whole day here soaking up the sun and splashing around in the infinity and spa pools.

Do All the Watersports

When it comes to fun JBR activities, you’ll find watersports galore here. From going parasailing, banana boating, and jet skiing to embarking on all manner of boating excursions, the world is really your oyster at JBR. To get an idea of the prices, check out the Water Adventure website.

Plus, for family-friendly fun, you’ll find the world’s largest inflatable water park right offshore. Fun for kids and adults alike, Aquafun Waterpark boasts 100+ obstacles, including bouncy castles, slides, climbing walls, and more.

Check Out the Dubai Marina

Located an easy 10-minute walk from JBR is the iconic Dubai Marina, which is a must if you’re visiting JBR. There’s so much to see and do here that you can easily spend an entire day here.

READ MORE: A Local’s Guide to Things to Do in Dubai Marina!

You’ll want to take in the views from the pedestrian-friendly Dubai Marina Walk, hear the call to prayer reverberate around the marina from the area’s three mosques, stop for a drink or meal at one of the many marina-side restaurants and cafes, go shopping at the Marina Mall, and so much more.

Plus, if you want to make a night of it, Pier 7 boasts seven restaurants and lounges, including Asia Asia, which is one of the best nightlife venues in this part of town!

That’s it! My list of all the fun things to do in JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence). Let me know if you have questions about these JBR activities in the comments!