Jūrmala: A 40-minute drive from Riga is the seaside town of Jūrmala. Once one of the most popular beach destinations for the Soviet Union, Jūrmala has over 30 kilometres of coastline — and is the largest coastal resort in the Baltic. The city prides itself on being a ‘Healthy City’: during the 1930s, people flocked here to bathe in the mineral-rich water and mud. Jūrmala is also home to Latvia’s largest waterpark.
Turaida Museum Reserve: Turaida means ‘God’s garden’ in an ancient local language, and this museum’s surroundings are certainly beautiful. An hour from Riga, the Turaida Museum Reserve features a picturesque medieval castle that narrates the history of the area — while the garden contains sculptures dedicated to Latvian folk tales.
Gauja National Park: Stretching over 90,000 hectares, the Gauja National Park is the oldest and largest national park in the country. Situated an hour’s drive north-west of Riga, this park has hiking trails, castles, ski slopes, caves and much more. The Ērgļu Cliffs, Zvārtes Rock and the Āraiši Archaeological Museum are a must-see.