Jurmala is the collective name for a cluster of small towns along the Riga coastline. Originally, Jurmala was established as a resort in the 19th Century and was a favourite with the apparatchik of the Soviet Government.
Most of the wooden beach houses have seen better days but this adds to the old world charm of the location which is surrounded by shady pine forest and beautiful white sand.
The official advice recommends that you don''t swim in the sea here although the water appears to be very clean and the beach is absolutely spotless.
The journey to/from Jurmala is best done by train from Riga. However, be warned - on warm days, locals flock in their hundreds and very few seem to have an understanding of the purpose of a queue and stampede past women, children and the elderly!
If you are looking for relaxation and clean sand, get off the train at Dubulti - if you want to gaze at bronze bodies, pose in your swim wear or flout your physique whilst playing volleyball then Majori is the stop for you.