A Guide To Accra's Labadi Beach

The Accra coastline is dotted with many public beaches, castles and forts. All these beautiful public spaces offer access to the beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the shore. Labadi Beach, however, is unique among these for its range of dynamic beachside activities. It offers a great urban beach experience, with a clean beachfront, good food and music and new friends just around the corner.

Labadi Beach, officially known as the La Pleasure Beach, is a scenic stretch of sand situated in Labadi, a suburb of Accra. It is not to be confused with the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel or the Labadi Beach Hotel, both of which are upscale hotel beaches in the same vicinity. It is the most popular beach in Ghana, with a spacious shoreline lined with sparse coconut trees and plenty of activities on offer.

Street Food and Local Gin

There are dozens of bars littered across the place, where you can enjoy cool beers or try out locally-brewed gin and spirits like Akpeteshi or Shocker. These very potent drinks, consumed in moderation, are the drink of choice for many local beach goers. There are also hookah bars in smoking areas, for those who enjoy tobacco.

The food is also a treat although it is mainly street food. Local favourites like charcoal-grilled tilapia, spicy kebabs and jollof rice are sold for very cheap. There are also stalls where you can buy continental dishes like french fries, burgers and salads.

Night Time Parties

When the waters become too dark and dangerous to swim in, visitors abandon the waves to party until very late in the night. Live bands and reggae artists, as well as disco and pop DJs play for all night raves around bonfires. You can certainly have a great time there any day of the week.

Because the beach is so popular among citizens of Accra, it is usually filled on Fridays and Saturdays, however, on weekdays you can enjoy a quiet environment perfect for reading or reflection. You can also go on horseback rides along the water for a very small fee.

Art Stores

Labadi Beach is a public space, however, you do have to pay a small access fee of about GH¢10 (US$2.30). Because of the presence of the many expats who visit, there are art stores where you can purchase various artefacts like Krobo beads, rings, trinkets, wooden masks, etc.