When people think about Lima, they usually imagine world-famous food, colonial history, colorful neighborhoods like Miraflores and Barranco, and maybe Machu Picchu as the next stop. But there’s something many travelers don’t expect:

Lima has beaches.

And not just random urban beaches — but a dramatic stretch of Pacific coastline known as the Costa Verde, where surfers, backpackers, families, digital nomads, and locals gather under the Peruvian sun.

If you're wondering what to do in Lima beyond museums and food tours, spending a day at the beach might be exactly what you need. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or on a longer backpacking trip through South America, a beach day in Lima offers a completely different side of the city.

Here’s how to make it perfect.

🌊 What Are Lima’s Beaches Actually Like?

First things first: don’t expect Caribbean-style turquoise water and white sand.

Lima’s beaches sit along the powerful Pacific Ocean, and they feel different — deeper, wilder, and more dramatic. The Costa Verde runs beneath the cliffs of districts like Miraflores, Barranco, Chorrillos, and San Miguel. From above, you’ll see green parks meeting steep cliffs, which drop down to the ocean where waves roll in constantly.

Most beaches along the Costa Verde are pebble or rocky beaches, not soft sand. But that’s part of the charm.

You get:

• Clearer water

• Less sticky sand everywhere

• A more urban, authentic atmosphere

If you’re craving sandy beaches, you’ll find more of those further south — especially around Punta Hermosa.

🏄‍♂️ Surf Is Everywhere (But You Don’t Have to Surf)

One thing you’ll notice immediately: a lot of people surf in Lima.

Surfing isn’t just a tourist activity here — it’s part of the culture. Early in the morning, you’ll see locals paddling out before work. In the afternoon, travelers take beginner lessons. Some beaches, like Makaha, Waikiki, and Redondo (all in Miraflores), are consistently filled with surfers.

Further south, Punta Hermosa is one of Peru’s most famous surf towns, attracting more experienced surfers looking for bigger waves.

But here’s the key:

This isn’t a “surf-only” destination.

You can absolutely enjoy a beach day without ever touching a board. In fact, many travelers simply:

• Walk along the shore

• Relax on a towel

• Watch the surfers

• Take photos

• Listen to the waves

• Read a book

• Chill with new hostel friends

If you’re curious, you can take a 1–2 hour surf lesson. It’s beginner-friendly, social, and a great way to step outside your comfort zone — but it’s completely optional.

🌡️ Climate, Water Temperature & Sun Exposure

Lima’s climate surprises many travelers.

Summer (December – March)

• Sunny and warm

• 75°F to 86°F (24°C to 30°C)

• Strong UV radiation

• Very popular with locals

Winter (June – September)

• Cooler

• Often cloudy

• 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C)

• Still surfable

The Pacific water is cold year-round. Even in summer, it’s refreshing rather than tropical. Surfers usually wear wetsuits.

But the most important thing?

The UV radiation in Lima can be extremely high, especially in summer. The ocean breeze might trick you into thinking it’s mild — but the sun is strong.

Bring:

• High SPF sunscreen

• A hat or cap

• Sunglasses

• Plenty of water

If you have sensitive skin, reapply sunscreen often.

🏖️ Pebble Beaches vs Sandy Beaches

Along the Costa Verde, you’ll mostly find pebble beaches. Walking barefoot can be uncomfortable, so sandals are a smart idea.

Advantages:
✔ Less sand sticking to everything
✔ Cleaner feeling water
✔ Unique, rugged aesthetic

If you head south to Punta Hermosa or Asia, you’ll find more traditional sandy beaches — especially popular in peak summer.

🇵🇪 Local Beach Culture in Lima

One of the best parts of spending a day at the beach in Lima is observing how locals do it.

On weekends (especially in summer), beaches get very crowded with Peruvians. Families arrive early with umbrellas, coolers, music, and lots of food. Groups of friends hang out all day.

It’s social. It’s lively. It’s real.

And yes — ceviche is part of the experience.

Peru is internationally recognized for its gastronomy, and eating fresh ceviche by the ocean feels like a ritual. Just make sure the seafood is properly refrigerated and buy from busy vendors.

⏰ Arrive Early — Especially on Weekends

This is important.

Beaches in Lima are very popular with locals, especially on weekends between December and March.

If you arrive late:

• It may be hard to find space

• Traffic heading south can be heavy

• The vibe becomes more chaotic

The sweet spot? Arrive between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

You’ll:

• Get better space

• Enjoy calmer waves

• Avoid peak traffic

• Have time for sunset later

🎒 What to Bring for a Perfect Beach Day in Lima

Backpacker-friendly checklist:

• Sunscreen (high SPF)

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Towel

• Sandals

• Water bottle

• Light snacks

• Light jacket (coastal wind can be cool)

• Small trash bag (leave no trace)

If you're staying in Miraflores, the Costa Verde is easily accessible by walking down from the cliffs or taking a short ride.

🌅 Don’t Miss the Sunset

Sunsets over the Pacific are something special.

As the sun drops into the ocean, the sky turns orange, pink, and purple. Surfers stay in the water longer. People sit quietly facing the horizon.

Even if you do nothing else all day, stay for sunset.

It’s one of Lima’s most underrated experiences.

🤝 A Social Plan for Backpackers

A beach day in Lima is also a social opportunity.

Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, beaches are great for:

• Meeting people from your hostel

• Joining group surf lessons

• Playing beach games

• Sharing snacks

• Starting spontaneous plans for Barranco nightlife later

If you're backpacking through Peru, this kind of easy, low-pressure social activity is gold.

🌊 Enjoy the Pacific Your Way

You don’t need to be athletic.

You don’t need to surf.

You don’t need a perfect beach body.

You just need time.

Sit on the rocks. Watch the waves. Listen to the ocean. Let the city noise fade behind you.

The Pacific feels powerful — and that’s part of its magic.

🌎 Is a Beach Day Worth Adding to Your Peru Itinerary?

Absolutely.

Peru is famous for Machu Picchu and the Andes — but its coastline is an essential part of its identity.

Spending a day at the beach in Lima lets you:

• Slow down between cultural stops

• Connect with local life

• Experience Peruvian summer culture

• See a different side of the capital

It’s not a tropical postcard beach.

It’s something more authentic.

✨ Your Perfect Lima Beach Day, Step by Step

Wake up in Miraflores. Walk toward the cliffs. Watch surfers entering cold Pacific water. Find your spot. Relax. Eat ceviche. Maybe try surfing. Stay for sunset. Go back to your hostel slightly salty, sun-kissed, and relaxed.

That’s Lima.

Unexpected. Urban. Social. Ocean-powered.

And worth it.

✍️ Pariwana Editorial Team
Practical travel tips written by backpackers, for backpackers.