From Temples to Museums: Iconic Places to Visit near Marina Beach

Chennai has always been a curious city, with a transparent history to see, a million stories to read, and many more plates of fresh seafood to try on the shores of the beaches of the city. Weekends or weekdays, there's always something to see in this cultural, eccentric yet economical city. To help you tick off your 'Things To Do' near Marina Beach, Raj Park Hotel offers perfectly curated stays to power up your exploring self.

Nostalgic Things To Do near Marina Beach


In this curious city, if you're looking for a calm day, we have a few suggestions. Begin your day with an early morning walk or jog across the Marina Beach promenade. Grab a piping hot plate of the crispy molagai bajji (green chilli fritters), a cup of steamed and stir-fried sundal (legumes, grains). Or awaken your inner child with an exciting horse ride, or flying a kite along the shore while your mouth is filled with melt-in-your-mouth cotton candy. Visit the well-known lighthouse for unbeatable views and unforgettable sunsets.

a cycle parked on the beach with the sun setting in the background
a girl sitting on a bench looking at the paintings hung inside a museum

Building a Biography of Bustling Chennai


Standing tall with a steadily increasing number of stories to share, Chennai, or Madras, is home to many museums. Among these, the Vivekananda House whispers stories of the great philosopher's stay for six weeks here, in 1897, after his return from the West. The Government Museum & Art Gallery is the second-oldest museum in India, established in 1851, and is renowned for its rich collection of South Indian bronzes, including the iconic Nataraja sculpture. Fort St.George, the first English fortress built in India in 1644, which gave rise to the city of Madras as we know it today, can be explored through the concierge-guided city tours provided by our hotel.

Sacred Stops near Marina Beach


A visit to Chennai feels incomplete without exploring the majestic Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a 7th-century Dravidian masterpiece dedicated to Lord Shiva, where intricately carved gopurams and vibrant shrines narrate centuries of devotion. Equally captivating is the Santhome Basilica, a stunning neo-Gothic cathedral built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, making it a site of immense spiritual and historical significance. If you are planning your trip to Marina Beach, things to do are never-ending in this beautiful and bustling city, offering visitors a blend of culture, faith, and heritage at every step.

A church's interiors with stained glass and seats below the hanging lights
facade of Raj Park in the morning with blue sky in the background - Raj Park Hotel, Chennai

Your Days in Chennai Made Easy


The best time to explore Chennai and discover the many things to do near Marina Beach is in the early mornings or during the cooler evenings, especially between November and February. Raj Park Hotel Chennai, just a short drive away from Marina Beach, makes exploring the city effortless, with its ideal location for day itineraries around the beach and nearby attractions. Guests can look forward to comfortable rooms, family-friendly amenities, and a relaxing spa, creating the perfect base to balance sightseeing with a restful stay.

From the spiritual aura of Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Santhome Basilica to the history at Fort St. George and the lively promenade of Marina Beach, Chennai offers a perfect mix of culture, heritage, and coastal charm. The places to visit near Marina Beach make every trip memorable, whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a deeper exploration of the city. And a stay at the Raj Park Hotel, Chennai, has the perfect location, so you can explore charming Chennai to your heart's content.

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