Gujarat has a coastline measuring more than 1660 km, the longest among all Indian states, lined by beaches, scenic rocky coastlands, beach palaces and shore temples. The coast promises a holiday that blends relaxing on sea beaches with sightseeing and other activities. A unique aspect of the Gujarat coast is the presence of royal palaces along the Porbandar, Junagadh, Bhavnagar and Kutch district coastline.

One of Gujarat's prettiest beaches is Mandvi on the northern coast of the Gulf of Kutch. Situated near Mandvi town, which has many buildings of the Jadeja Rajput rulers of Kutch district, the beaches of Mandvi have pretty sands and good views, and it is always possible to find safe places for swimming and wading. While the town beach attracts a number of visitors, it is possible to escape the crowds at the pleasant beaches of Vijay vilas palace, a short distance out of town, with a pavilion facing the sea, for a fee. Other beaches are Pingleshwar and Ashamata.

On the west coast of Saurashtra is the shore temple of Dwarka. and numerous other temples in this holy coastal town. Shivrajpur is a pretty beach near Dwarka. Good birdlife can be viewed along Dwarka coast, and dolphins near Bet Dwarka. Offshore from the 200 km coastline from Jamnagar to Dwarka is India's first marine national park.

Porbandar down the coast from Dwarka. is a historic coastal town convenient for visits to numerous beaches like Madhavpur, Kuchdi and Chorwad. The chowpatty of Porbandar is a popular place for strolls. The royal family of Porbandar built palaces by the sea, one of which is still a private residence, another has been opened as a college. The creeks of Porbandar are delightful bircling places, flush with flamingos, rosy pelicans and other magnificent birds.

Further south from Porbandar is Veraval and its neighbouring temple town of Prabhas Patan or Somnath known for its shore temples and pleasant beach views.

One of the best beaches of Gujarat is Ahmedpur Mandvi. at the entrance to the Union territory of Diu. The long sandy stretch of beach, with Hoka palm trees to the rear and a view over the sea to the island of Diu. is good for walks and wading. Watersports are on offer at Ahmedpur Mandvi. It is possible to cross to Din and enjoy numerous beach options and sightseeing of the Portuguese monuments.

Off the road from Diu to Bhavnagar, via Mahuva, is Gopnath where from 1942-8, Maharajah Krishnakumar Sinhji spent his summer months enjoying breezes wafting over the sea. Gopnath has a shore temple, where it is said Narsingh Mehta attained enlightenment, and a scenic rocky coastline. The Gopnath bungalow is now a heritage hotel.

On the west coast of the Gulf of Camhay are Ubhrat. where the Maharajah of Baroda had a beach house, and Tithal, near Yalsad. which has a beach fringed by groves, popular for swimming, wading and walking. Further down the coast are the Union territory of Daman and the beach of Deheri which offers good swimming.