Clifton Beach, also known as Sea View, in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan is located on the Arabian Sea. It stretches from Karachi to Ormara. The beach is very popular in Pakistan. It is open 24/7 for the general public. Karachi is the most prominent coastal city of Pakistan and beach lovers here have many opportunities to visit different beaches bordering the Arabian Sea. Clifton Beach is purported to give the best value in leisure and recreational opportunities for fun seekers and beach lovers. In recent times, the area surrounding the beach has seen massive commercial activity as it is located in one of the most sought after localities in Karachi. The beach is now home to multiple local leisure activities including camel rides, buggy rides, horse rides, plastic plane flying among others. The Seaview Apartments across from the beach is a gated residential area which is rated among the top properties in the city. Other apartments and villas which can be seen along the Clifton beach coasts are becoming popular as well.
Restaurants and entertainment avenues
Previously, Clifton Beach had only had a few small shops known as "Corniche Points", where visitors could buy things like mineral water, samosas, chai and other food stuff. Now, Clifton Beach has multiple high-end restaurants along its shores including Playa Bar by Rostai, Chaupal, Salateen, Shinwari Nights and other events. One of Karachi's most popular branches of McDonald's is also located at Sea View. Next to McDonald's, is the AK Park where Karachi's annual flower festival is held every year. Do Darya, which is an extension of Clifton Beach, is located further away from the main beach area but is still one of the hottest dining spots in Karachi, housing some of the finest eateries including Kolachi, Charcoal, Kababjees among others. On weekends, the waiting queue at some of the restaurants can up to be an hour long or even more. Expensive revitalization is being planned. These restaurants are mainly known for their Pakistani cuisine however most of them serve International cuisine as well including Italian dishes. These restaurants are mainly extended out on piers into the sea and are primarily made of wood. Some of these restaurants also have ATM facilities. The Place is also located here. It consists of a full-fledged, multiplex cinema, a food court and an entertainment and games section as well.
Events
Clifton Beach is one of Karachi's major tourist attractions so most notable celebrations are done here by the citizens. A major event of the year is the New Year's celebration on the eve of 31st December each year. Also, the Pakistan Air Force now holds regular shows on Clifton Beach on important national events. These air shows consist of planes from the PAF showing acrobatics and flypasts to the audiences.
Attempts At Beautification & Uplift
Clifton Beach has a long history. In recent times, the local government and civil society have tried to make the place beautiful and tourist friendly again. Attempts include the installation of themed dustbins in the shape of Giant Fish and cleanup campaigns by local civil society members.
Background
In the late 20th century, this beach was rated by Huffington Post as the most popular beach in Karachi. It was affected by an oil spill in 2003. A wreckage and cargo of dhow caused the oil spill and polluted the beach; the crew members of the wrecked dhow were rescued by Maritime Security Agency. The beach was closed for three days for removal of hay bales and cargo wreckage in the water. In 2005, the beach was revamped and upgraded.
