Karachi, the largest city of Pakistan, is famous not only for its vibrant lifestyle and cultural diversity but also for its stunning coastline along the Arabian Sea. The beaches in Karachi are among the most visited picnic spots in the country, offering everything from peaceful getaways to lively family destinations. Whether you want to enjoy camel and horse rides at Clifton Beach, explore the golden sands of Hawksbay, or relax at the scenic French Beach, Karachi’s coastline has something for every traveler. These popular Karachi beaches are ideal for family picnics, swimming, fishing, photography, and witnessing unforgettable sunsets by the sea.
Clifton Beach
Overview:
Clifton Beach, also known as Sea View, is one of Karachi’s most popular beaches. Stretching along the Arabian Sea, it attracts families, tourists, and locals looking for leisure, recreational activities, and scenic coastal views. The beach is open 24/7 and offers a vibrant atmosphere with both natural beauty and commercial attractions.
Location:
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Activities:
- Camel rides
- Horse rides
- Motorized buggy rides
- Plastic plane flying
- Beachside walking and photography
Food and Entertainment:
- Restaurants including McDonald’s and Do Darya
- Small food stalls and vendors (samosas, chai, snacks)
- Family-friendly rides at Chunky Monkey
- Live events, concerts, and festivals
- Pakistan Air Force air shows
History:
Clifton Beach has been a major tourist destination in Karachi for decades. In 2003, it suffered an oil spill from a wrecked dhow but was restored. Renovations have included Clifton Beach Park and urban beautification projects like themed dustbins and urban forests, making it more tourist-friendly.
Manora Beach
Overview:
Manora Beach is a scenic coastal destination in Karachi, forming a natural barrier between Karachi Harbour and the Arabian Sea. Once an island, it is now connected to the mainland by a 12 km sand bridge known as Sandspit. The beach is popular among tourists and locals for its long sandy shores, peaceful environment, and proximity to historic sites like Manora Fort and the Manora Point Lighthouse.
Location:
Manora Island, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Activities:
- Beach walking and photography
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Water sports
- Sightseeing historic sites (Manora Fort, Lighthouse)
- Exploring nearby Sandspit and Hawkesbay beaches
Food and Entertainment:
- Beachside restaurants and cafes
- Manora Beach Resort with dining options
- Kids’ play area and golf course
- Recreational facilities for families
- Casual local food stalls
History:
Manora was historically an island, mentioned by ancient Greeks and Ottoman admiral Seydi Ali Reis. Manora Fort, built in 1797 by the Talpur dynasty, protected Karachi Harbor from pirates and later the British. The island is now a Pakistan Navy base, and its lighthouse, built in 1889, remains a key landmark. Recent development has upgraded infrastructure and tourist facilities.
Hawkesbay Beach
Overview:
Hawkesbay Beach is one of Karachi’s most famous sandy beaches, known for its wide shores, calm waves, and family-friendly environment. It stretches along the Arabian Sea and is popular for both locals and tourists seeking a relaxing day out. Hawkesbay is also famous for turtle sightings, as the endangered Green and Olive Ridley turtles occasionally come to nest here.
Location:
Hawkesbay, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Activities:
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Camel and horse rides
- Beach volleyball and other sports
- Picnics and family gatherings
- Turtle watching (seasonal)
Food and Entertainment:
- Local food stalls selling seafood, chai, and snacks
- Small beachside restaurants and cafes
- Camel and horse rides for entertainment
- Open-air picnic spots for families
- Vendors offering beach toys and souvenirs
History:
Hawkesbay has been a popular recreational spot since colonial times. Named after Sir Hawkes, a British officer, it has evolved into a major tourist destination. Efforts have been made to protect its marine life, especially turtles, and local authorities maintain the beach for safe family visits.
Sandspit Beach
Overview:
Sandspit Beach is located near Karachi and is well-known for its calm waters, shallow shoreline, and relaxed environment, making it perfect for families and beginners in swimming. The beach is also a nesting site for the endangered Green and Olive Ridley turtles, attracting nature enthusiasts and conservationists. Location:
Sandspit, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Activities:
- Swimming and wading in shallow waters
- Turtle watching and eco-tourism activities
- Beach picnics and barbecues
- Camel and horse rides
- Photography and nature walks
Food and Entertainment:
- Local food vendors offering snacks, seafood, and drinks
- Small cafes along the shoreline
- Beachside camel and horse rides for children and adults
- Picnic areas for families
- Occasional cultural and eco-tourism events
History:
Sandspit Beach has long been a favorite for Karachi residents seeking a quieter beach experience. Its name comes from the long sand spit connecting it to nearby islands, forming a unique coastal environment.
Mubarak Village Beach
Overview:
Mubarak Village Beach, located in Karachi’s Kiamari Town, is a traditional fishing village along the Arabian Sea. Known for its local fishing community and rustic charm, the beach provides a glimpse of Karachi’s maritime heritage.
Location:
Mubarak Village, Kiamari, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Activities:
- Beach walks and sightseeing
- Photography of fishing boats and village life
- Observing local fishing practices
- Visiting nearby Churna Island for water sports
- Exploring coastal wildlife and marine life
Food and Entertainment:
- Fresh seafood available from local fishermen
- Small local eateries serving traditional meals
- Opportunity to taste freshly caught fish and local snacks
- Limited entertainment facilities; focus is on natural and village experience
History:
Mubarak Village is one of Karachi’s oldest fishing communities, with a history spanning over 200 years. The village is a hub for traditional fishing and preserves Karachi’s maritime heritage.
Korangi Creek Beach
Overview:
Korangi Creek Beach, located in the eastern outskirts of Karachi, is a quiet and less crowded coastal area compared to the city’s popular beaches. The beach iis also a hub for local fishermen and provides a view of mangroves along the creek, giving it ecological significance.
Location:
Korangi, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Activities:
- Beach walks and relaxation
- Bird watching near the mangroves
- Fishing and observing local fishing activities
- Picnicking with family and friends
- Photography of coastal scenery and wildlife
Food and Entertainment:
- Local food stalls offering fresh seafood
- Traditional snacks and drinks available from nearby vendors
- Limited entertainment; focus is on natural and peaceful beach experience
History:
Korangi Creek Beach has traditionally been a fishing area and is closely linked to the local community of fishermen. The beach and its surrounding mangroves play an important role in protecting Karachi’s coastline and supporting biodiversity.
Paradise Point Beach
Overview:
Paradise Point is a sandstone promontory and formerly a popular beach on the Arabian Sea in Karachi. Known for its natural arch (now mostly eroded), the beach was once a major tourist attraction, offering a scenic coastline and recreational activities. In recent years, it has been closed to the public due to security concerns related to the nearby Karachi Nuclear Power Plant.
Location:
Karachi District, Sindh, Pakistan
Activities:
- Previously: Horse and camel rides
- Previously: Swimming in the Arabian Sea
- Scenic photography of sandstone formations
- Relaxing beach walks along the coast
Food and Entertainment:
- Previously: Beachside amusement parks
- Previously: Restaurants and food stalls nearby
- Currently: Access restricted; limited public food and entertainment
History:
Paradise Point was historically a prominent tourist destination in Karachi. The natural sandstone arch was a key attraction. After 2017, the federal government acquired the area for the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission due to security concerns around the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant, closing it to general tourism.
Tushan Beach
Overview:
Tushan Beach Hut is a private beach strip near French Beach, designed for small groups and family getaways. It provides a private and secure environment with basic amenities, allowing visitors to enjoy the sea in a calm and exclusive setting.
Location:
Near French Beach, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Activities:
- Private beach relaxation
- Swimming in the Arabian Sea
- Sunbathing on the patio
- Group gatherings and picnics
Food and Entertainment:
- Food serving counter with sink for self-prepared meals
- Seating for 20 people
- Outdoor sea-facing patio for dining and socializing
History:
Tushan Beach Hut is a modern private facility catering to beachgoers seeking exclusivity and comfort. The setup includes running water, shower and bathroom stalls, and safe parking, making it a popular choice for small private events and family outings.
French Beach
Overview
French Beach of Karachi, also called Haji Ismail Goth, is a quiet fishing village located between Hawke’s Bay and Paradise Point. Unlike the busier beaches, it offers a more exclusive and private atmosphere, often frequented by Karachi’s elite class and tourists looking for peace and adventure.
Location
Halfway between Hawke’s Bay and Paradise Point, about 70 km from Karachi.
Activities
- Jet skiing
- Local-style fishing
- Kayaking
- Scuba diving
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Beach hut stays
Food and Entertainment
- Private beach huts with kitchens (self-catering is common)
- Fresh seafood from local fishermen
- Barbecue setups by visitors
- Small local eateries nearby (limited options)
History
French Beach, traditionally called Haji Ismail Goth, was once a simple fishing village. Over time, it became popular among Karachi’s elite and foreign visitors because of its privacy and exclusivity.
Cape Monze Beach
Overview:
Cape Monze Beach, also known as Ras Muari, is a scenic coastal spot located near Karachi. Surrounded by rocky cliffs and a long sandy shoreline, it is one of the most untouched and naturally preserved beaches in the region.
Location:
Located about 40 km southwest of Karachi, near Mubarak Village.
Activities:
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking and exploring rocky cliffs
- Photography of scenic views and marine life
- Beach picnics and bonfire gatherings
Food and Entertainment:
- Visitors usually bring their own food
- Perfect for outdoor BBQs and family picnics
- Local fishermen sometimes provide fresh catch on request
- Entertainment is mostly natural with sea views and calm surroundings
History:
Cape Monze, or Ras Muari, has historical importance as it was once used as a coastal lookout point. It is also home to a lighthouse that guides ships passing through the Arabian Sea.
Nathiagali Beach
Overview:
Nathiagali Beach is a highly exclusive and restricted coastal area in Karachi, primarily managed as a naval base.
Location:
Karachi, Sindh (Naval Base Area – restricted access).
Activities:
- Evening BBQ gatherings
- Viewing the Cape Monze lighthouse nearby
- Exploring historical Arab generals’ graves
- Watching the green phosphorus glow in the waves at night
- Relaxing in a clean, serene, and private environment
Food and Entertainment:
- BBQ dinners arranged by the hosts
- Camp-style gatherings in the evening
- Scenic views of the ocean and Cape
- Exclusive access ensures a peaceful experience away from the crowds
History:
Nathiagali Beach holds historical significance due to the ancient graves of Arab generals who landed in the region centuries ago. Its restricted nature has preserved its natural charm, making it one of the rare untouched beaches in Karachi.
