Riviera Park is one of the most beloved recreation spots in Sochi. Its story began in the late 19th century, when entrepreneur Vasily Khludov founded a small green oasis here that eventually grew into the city’s largest park, rich in nature and filled with entertainment options. Today, Riviera Park consistently ranks among the resort’s top attractions and draws visitors all year round.
Covering more than 14 hectares, the park brings together manicured alleys, shady groves, blooming magnolias, and dozens of entertainment areas. Thanks to its remarkable variety of plants, visitors often compare it to the Sochi Arboretum — that’s how lush and picturesque the greenery is. On a hot day, it’s a pleasure to walk under the palm trees, breathe in the resin scent of cedars and larches, or explore the rose garden that fills the air with fragrance all summer long.
Riviera Park is perfect for family outings: children can enjoy more than 70 attractions — fr om classic carousels to extreme rides, a free-fall tower, go-karting, and fun houses. Locals come here not only for leisurely strolls but also for sports: the park offers outdoor workout areas and tennis courts.
History of Riviera Park
The history of Riviera Park began in 1883, when industrialist Vasily Khludov purchased a vast plot of land along the Sochi River — nearly two thousand hectares. He envisioned creating a family estate with a garden reminiscent of the best European resorts. Khludov invited architect Lev Kekushev to design the summer residence, and the land around the estate was planted with rare and exotic species. Over time, this very garden became the foundation of what would later be known as Riviera Park.
A few decades later, facing financial difficulties, Khludov sold the estate to the state treasury, and the garden officially became a city park. However, the revolution, wartime years, and a lack of proper maintenance nearly destroyed this green oasis — by the mid-20th century, little remained of Khludov’s original vision.
The territory began to be restored after the war, but by the end of the century the park had once again fallen into neglect. Riviera experienced its true revival only in the 2010s, ahead of the Sochi Olympics. Today, it is a modern, well-maintained park which, although it has lost.
What to See in Riviera Park
Right at the entrance, visitors are greeted by a large map of the grounds — and for good reason: the park is truly vast, and it can be hard to decide wh ere to go first. To make your walk enjoyable and well-planned, it’s worth outlining a route in advance. Below are the key areas and landmarks that will help you get your bearings quickly and ensure you don’t miss the most interesting spots in Riviera Park.
Park Ensemble
Riviera Park covers nearly 15 hectares of well-kept grounds, where thoughtfully designed alleys and green areas create a comfortable space for strolling. The main entrance is located at the intersection of Kurortny Prospekt and Yegorova Street — easily recognizable by its carved arch and shell-shaped clock. Fr om here begins the Main Alley, which leads to all major points of interest in the park: Cosmonauts’ Alley, the rose garden, the oceanarium, the Khludov estate, and other notable locations.
Khludov’s Dacha
The history of Riviera Park began with the summer residence of industrialist Vasily Khludov, which once rose above the park’s green alleys. Built in the late 19th century, the house was spacious and ornate: it had 12 rooms, and its architecture combined several styles at once. The tented tower resembled medieval castles, the carved porch echoed traditional Russian wooden architecture, and the richly decorated façades were inspired by Baroque motifs.
After the revolution, the building was used by various institutions, and over time it fell into serious disrepair. By the end of the 20th century, the dacha was in an emergency state, and in 2009 it was dismantled.
The modern building that appeared here in 2012 was inspired by the historical estate, though it looks noticeably brighter and more decorative. Today, it houses a boutique hotel with richly decorated Baroque-style interiors, as well as an author’s cuisine restaurant — one of the most atmospheric spots in the park.
Green Theater
The open-air concert venue known as the Green Theater was built in Riviera Park in 1959 and quickly became one of the resort’s main cultural hubs. The complex originally included an entrance area with gates and poster stands, an amphitheater for the audience, and a covered stage wh ere popular bands and performers regularly appeared, drawing vacationers fr om all over Sochi.
The theater has recently undergone extensive restoration. The stage is now equipped with modern sound and lighting systems, the amphitheater seats around 1,600 spectators, and the spacious standing area can accommodate up to 2,500 guests. Today, the Green Theater hosts concerts by well-known artists, stand-up shows, children’s performances, and seasonal events, once again securing its role as an important cultural venue in the city.
Dolphinarium
If you walk along the Central Alley of Riviera Park, you’ll reach a large building with a pool — this is the dolphinarium, which opened in 2012. Shows take place here year-round: in summer on the open-air stage, and in winter in a warm indoor amphitheater. Dolphins, whales, and sea lions perform in the program, making the shows a delight for both children and adults.
The dolphinarium complex includes several themed zones and museums, allowing you to spend several hours here with ease:
- Penguinarium. Penguins live in halls designed to resemble Arctic landscapes and swim in artificial waterfalls. The temperature inside never rises above +18 °C, so it’s best to bring a warm sweater.
- Zoo of Exotic Animals. Home to around 50 species — fr om crocodiles and monitor lizards to raccoons. In the contact zone, some animals can be viewed up close.
- Butterfly Garden. In a large pavilion, huge, brightly colored butterflies with wingspans up to 30 cm freely fly above visitors. They are raised right here — in a dedicated incubator.
- “Inside the Human Body” Museum. An interactive exhibition about anatomy: you can look inside a tooth, experiment with taste sensations, and try your luck in a “genetic lottery.”
- Robot Exhibition. A space dedicated to robotics: robot dogs, dinosaurs, humanoid robots, and a miniature Wall-E. Some of the exhibits can be operated by remote control, and a robot football player lets you score a virtual goal.
- “GeniUM” Museum. A zone of optical illusions, experiments, and physics puzzles. The most popular attractions are the mini tornado and the Ames room, wh ere a person appears either gigantic or tiny.
- Oceanarium. A space with a hundred species of freshwater fish. You can take vivid photos against the aquarium backdrops and feed spotted ornamental carp.
The dolphinarium is one of the most engaging and experience-rich areas of Riviera Park — equally entertaining for children and adults.
Alpaca Park
In 2024, a cozy petting zoo opened in the deeper part of Riviera Park, with South American alpacas as its main residents. They roam freely in spacious outdoor enclosures, and nearby you can meet friendly goats and rabbits of various colors. Visitors are encouraged to feed the animals, but bringing your own food is not allowed — each species has its own carefully selected diet, and healthy treats are provided on site. You can pet and photograph the alpacas and other animals, but without flash, so as not to scare them.
Writers’ Alley
In the mid-20th century, Riviera Park gained a Writers’ Alley — a quiet walking area lined with busts of Russian and Soviet literary classics. In total, more than twenty sculptures are installed here, including portraits of Nikolai Gogol, Nikolai Ostrovsky, Nikolai Chernyshevsky, and other authors. It is one of the most atmospheric spots in Riviera Park, a place wh ere you can pause, recall your favorite works, and enjoy the peaceful shade beneath the trees.
Attractions
Riviera Park offers more than 30 attractions designed for visitors of all ages. For the youngest guests, starting fr om about three years old, there are gentle rides: a chain carousel, a mini bumper car arena, a toy train ride, trampolines, and small cars on a special track. Older children enjoy interactive attractions — they can “battle” a shark using a water blaster or soar into the air in the cabin of a mini airplane or helicopter.
Teens and adults typically prefer more dynamic activities: roller coasters, the Free-Fall Tower, the extreme rides “Galaxy” and “Corsair,” and the classic bumper cars.
If you’re looking for a thrill, stop by the Horror Castle. For panoramic views, head to the 30-meter Ferris wheel (available for ages 12+). And for lighthearted fun and amusing photos, visit the Giant’s House and the Mirror Maze.
Riviera Promenade and Beach
In the very center of Sochi lies another iconic place bearing the name Riviera — the pedestrian promenade and the city beach of the same name. It is one of the most popular leisure spots among locals and visitors. A large-scale renovation began in 2020: on the lower tier of the promenade, the staircase and access to the sea were restored, the pavement was replaced, new lighting was installed, and sports and children’s areas were added. The main point of attraction became the amphitheater, wh ere people gather in the evenings to watch the sunset by the water.
A year later, the upper part of the promenade was also upgraded: a cozy public garden appeared, along with new flowerbeds, walking paths, and modern landscape lighting. A viewing deck with a beautiful coastal panorama was added to the beach.
On June 1, 2024, the largest family beach complex on the Black Sea coast — Riviera — opened here. It is a spacious recreation area with shaded alleys, sports grounds, an aerarium, and picturesque subtropical greenery — an ideal place for a relaxing beach day or active leisure.
How to Get to Riviera Park
Riviera Park is located in one of Sochi’s central districts — about a 15-minute walk from Riviera Beach and the Marine Station, and roughly 25 minutes on foot from the railway and bus stations. You can reach it in several convenient ways:
Taxi. The fastest option. It’s best to use trusted ride-hailing services — they’re safer and usually cheaper than street taxis. To reach the main entrance, specify the address: Egorova Street, 1.
Bus or minibus. There is a public transport stop near the park served by several city routes. Buses coming from Loo also stop here.
Guided tour. A good choice for those staying outside the city center, for example in Adler. Riviera Park is often included in sightseeing tours covering Sochi’s main attractions, so you can combine your visit with exploring other interesting locations.
Best Time to Visit
Riviera Park is pleasant to explore any time of year thanks to Sochi’s mild subtropical climate. Winter is calm and especially cozy: on sunny days temperatures stay around +12…15 °C, making it ideal for leisurely strolls along quiet alleys. Early signs of spring already appear in February.
In March and April, magnolias bloom, and by early summer the rose garden — one of the park’s most picturesque spots — becomes fragrant. From June to September, Riviera Park is at its liveliest: attractions operate, music plays, summer cafés open, and concerts take place on the Green Theater stage.
Those who prefer peaceful walks should consider October — the weather is still warm and sunny, and the park is noticeably less crowded.
Where to Take Photos
Riviera Park is practically one large backdrop for beautiful photos. Attractive scenes await at every step: the ornate entrance arch with its shell-shaped clock, the blooming magnolia alley, fountains, the rose garden, and the reconstructed Khludov dacha. The park offers plenty of sculptures and scenic viewpoints, and the classic vacation shot under a palm tree practically takes itself.
The renovated Riviera promenade is just as photogenic, with its shaded lounge areas and cozy seaside corners. Great pictures also come out on the sandy beach — especially at sunset.
Interesting Facts
Riviera is considered one of the oldest parks in Sochi — its official opening took place in 1898. Today, its nearly 15-hectare territory hosts around 240 plant species, dozens of entertainment zones, attractions, and cafés. More than 10,000 trees, shrubs, and flowers grow here, with about 50 species classified as particularly valuable.
One of the park’s symbols is the clock composition set inside a golden “pearl” at the main entrance — a spot photographed by virtually every visitor. The main architectural landmark of Riviera is the restored mansion of Vasily Khludov, originally built at the end of the 19th century based on a design by architect Lev Kekushev.
Travel Tips
You can get to Sochi by plane, bus, or train. If you arrive at the railway station, Riviera Park is within comfortable walking distance — about 25 minutes on foot.
During peak season, the city can experience heavy traffic, so it’s often faster and more convenient to get around on foot, by scooter, or by bicycle.
For easy access to Riviera Park and other major attractions, choose accommodation in Sochi’s Central District. This area concentrates the main landmarks, the promenade, cafés, and museums.
A relaxed walk through the park takes 1–2 hours. If you plan to enjoy the rides, visit the dolphinarium, or have lunch on-site, set aside a full day.
The best months to combine beach time, sightseeing, and strolls are June and September — these periods offer fewer crowds, no exhausting heat, and warm enough sea water for swimming.
A visit to Riviera Park pairs perfectly with a trip to Sochi’s city center, a beach break, lunch, or shopping — everything is located nearby.
If you’re in the mood for a change of scenery and mountain views, it’s easy to reach Krasnaya Polyana, Rosa Khutor, and the Gazprom Resort from central Sochi. In a single day, you can ride the cable car, see waterfalls, walk ecological trails, and enjoy stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains.
Where to Stay
If you plan to explore Sochi actively and visit Riviera Park often, the best option is to stay in the Central District. Here you’ll find the city’s main attractions, the promenade, the beach, numerous cafés, and walking areas. Hotels in this area allow you to reach the park quickly on foot and conveniently combine sightseeing with seaside relaxation.
Bogatyr Castle Hotel
If you’re ready for a truly unique experience and are looking for 4-star comfort, consider the Bogatyr Castle Hotel. It is one of Sochi’s most striking resort projects: the architecture is styled as a medieval castle, and inside you’ll find spacious rooms, well-developed facilities, restaurants, and a spa complex. The hotel is located near the sea and a theme park, making it an excellent option for families. Bogatyr is also ideal for those who want to combine active city walks with a fully relaxing vacation.