Tucked away in the beautiful marine reserve, Dohat Arad Park quickly became a favourite spot for our family. We headed over one recent morning, keen for a bit of peace and some fresh air.
The park itself is a real gem; it has this wonderful, sprawling walking path lined with flourishing trees and vibrant flowers that makes for a picturesque route.
We arrived just as the tide was out, which was a real treat. The lagoon, the heart of the park, was enchanting revealing its full beauty; it’s teeming with mangrove trees and wildlife. I’m no expert, but even I could spot herons, storks and some graceful flamingos enjoying the wetlands! It’s clearly a fantastic spot for any birdwatcher, but even for casual visitors like us, it’s captivating.
The park is perfectly set up for an active family morning. The main 3km loop is fantastic, and my daughter loved tackling it on her trike! It felt so safe and smooth, especially the 1.6km stretch with the resilient rubber walkway. Watching her potter around the bend, completely focused, was the highlight of the trip.
For the adults, there are grassy workout areas and plenty of shaded spots for a much-needed sit-down. Thoughtful public toilets are scattered along the route, and there are even food and beverage outlets if you need a quick refuel or a drink. Plus, the well-crafted kids’ playground with swings and climbing structures meant we could easily transition from walking to playtime.
Now, because it’s so close to the airport, you do get the occasional roar of an plane, but honestly, it barely distracts from the beauty. Parking is super convenient too; the first 40 minutes are complimentary (free of charge), and after that, it’s just an affordable 300 fils per hour.