Lagos
Credit: Kehinde Temitope Odutayo
Lagos, Nigeria’ s largest and most vibrant city, is where Africa’ s creative spirit beats the loudest. Known worldwide for its thriving Nollywood film industry, lively nightlife, and sprawling markets, Lagos offers a mix of dynamic urban living and relaxed coastal getaways. From galleryhopping and fine dining to exploring open-air markets or unwinding on one of the city’ s 20 + beaches, there’ s something for every type of traveler. United Airlines provides nonstop flights from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Lagos’ s Murtala Muhammed International Airport( LOS) four times a week.
TARKWA BAY BEACH
Accessible only by boat or water taxi, Tarkwa Bay Beach is located on a peaceful island near Lagos Harbor. Popular with both locals and tourists for its calm waters and affordable prices, Tarkwa Bay offers a variety of amenities. Water sports enthusiasts can rent jet skis, kayaks, parasailing, and tubes to enjoy along the beach. There’ s also shopping with many handmade goods, restaurants, ATV rides, beach volleyball, and horseback riding along the shoreline. For weekend stays, there is a selection of hotels, resorts, beach houses, and lodges available.
ELEGUSHI ROYAL BEACH
Owned by the Elegushi royal family, this private beach is one of the oldest in Lagos. It provides an authentic local experience, with the sand lined with restaurants, live music, and clubs. Crowds gather here on weekends and in the evenings. The beach is open 24 hours and features horseback riding and vintage Ferris wheels operated by hand. The waves tend to be high and strong, so most visitors prefer to wade rather than swim.
ILASHE BEACH
Ilashe Beach, the most exclusive and upscale beach resort in Lagos, is situated on Snake Island off the city’ s coast. It can only be reached by boat, and visitors must charter private boats to get there. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and Lagos Lagoon, this secluded beach resort requires guests to rent private beach houses for their stay. Each beach house features a private pool, and the beach offers sand cars, water sports, mini golf, tennis, beach soccer, and snooker. Since there are no restaurants or bars on the island, visitors need to bring their own food and drinks.
LEKKI & VICTORIA ISLAND WATERFRONTS
Lekki and Victoria Island are upscale, waterside neighborhoods filled with luxury real estate and high-end shops. Dozens of beaches line both areas, but there’ s also Lekki Leisure Lake, offering pedal boat rides, jet skis, boat cruises, and quad bike adventures. At Lekki Conservation Centre, walk through mangroves and Africa’ s longest canopy walkway. For another shoreline view, visit the Lagos Motor Boat Club to watch regattas or enjoy fine dining by the water.
GETTING THERE
United Airlines offers nonstop flights from Washington Dulles International Airport( IAD) to Lagos, Nigeria’ s Murtala Muhammed International Airport( LOS) four times a week.
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