10 Amazing Year-Round Things to Do in Tema Ghana That Blend Coastal Life and Culture

Key Takeaways:

• Tema is a coastal city just east of Accra, known for its port, beaches, cultural events, and peaceful community vibe.

• This article highlights 10 year-round experiences, from beach hangouts and art spaces to natural escapes and historic landmarks.

• Whether you’re looking for laid-back leisure or community-driven events, Tema offers a diverse and memorable Ghanaian experience.

Situated along Ghana’s eastern coastline, Tema is more than just a port city — it’s a laid-back destination where industry meets nature and tradition dances with modern culture. Known for being home to Ghana’s largest seaport, Tema has grown from a small fishing village into a bustling urban zone with a unique charm. Built in the 1960s as part of Ghana’s post-independence modernization efforts, Tema was designed with zones and neighborhoods, giving it a clean, organized feel.

But what really makes Tema special is the everyday energy of its people, its ocean breezes, its market buzz, and the unexpected gems tucked into its streets and shores. With year-round sunshine and coastal winds, the city invites locals and travelers to explore beaches, live music spots, nature walks, and traditional Ghanaian cuisine without seasonal limits. It’s an underrated destination that knows how to deliver real, relaxed vibes.

Table of Contents

1. Spend the Day at Titanic Beach

2. Explore the Tema Fishing Harbour

3. Catch Local Art and Culture at the Tema Art Center

4. Take a Walk or Jog Along the Greenwich Meridian Line

5. Enjoy Fresh Street Food at Community 1 Market

6. Discover the Sakumono Lagoon and Nature Reserve

7. Listen to Live Highlife at a Local Spot

8. Visit the Lighthouse at the Breakwater

9. Explore the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Monument (Short Trip)

10. Attend a Local Festival or Durbar Celebration

1. Spend the Day at Titanic Beach

Titanic Beach is Tema’s most popular shoreline hangout — and for good reason. With wide-open sandy stretches, strong Atlantic waves, and an endless breeze, it’s perfect for lounging, strolling, or taking in the local beach life. On weekends, it comes alive with music, grilled seafood, and local vendors selling drinks and snacks. It’s lively without being overrun, and there’s room for everyone from families to solo travelers to groups of friends.

You can visit any time of year, but early mornings and sunset hours offer a more peaceful vibe. Local musicians sometimes perform along the shore, and you can often rent chairs, umbrellas, or even ride a horse along the beach. If you want a taste of authentic Ghanaian beach culture that still feels close to the community, Titanic Beach is the place. Bring sunscreen, small cash, and a relaxed mindset — it’s all about going with the flow here.

2. Explore the Tema Fishing Harbour

The Tema Fishing Harbour is the beating heart of the city’s coastal economy and a fascinating place to spend a morning. Here, brightly painted wooden canoes line the shore, fishermen haul in nets, and the scent of smoked fish lingers in the salty air. You’ll see fishmongers processing catches, kids helping their parents, and entire families working together to keep centuries-old traditions alive. It’s busy, raw, and real — a direct window into Ghana’s fishing heritage.

Open year-round and best visited early in the day, the harbor also offers the chance to buy ultra-fresh fish or watch boat repairs in real-time. It’s a photographer’s dream and a cultural deep dive in one. While tours aren’t formal, locals are often willing to chat or explain what’s happening if you show respect and interest. Just don’t forget to try some fresh grilled tilapia with banku from one of the harbor-side vendors afterward.

3. Catch Local Art and Culture at the Tema Art Center

Small but mighty, the Tema Art Center is a space where Ghanaian creativity comes to life. You’ll find stalls with colorful kente cloth, beads, wood carvings, paintings, and handmade crafts — each telling stories of tradition, heritage, and modern African expression. Artists and vendors are typically on site, happy to share the meanings behind their work or offer a peek at how items are made. It’s not just a market — it’s a cultural conversation.

Open throughout the year, this center is a great place to pick up locally made gifts and support artisans directly. You might also stumble upon impromptu drumming sessions or dance rehearsals if you go during a festive season or market day. Prices are negotiable but fair, and your cedis go a long way toward supporting the local arts. It’s a soulful stop where you can see, feel, and take home a piece of Tema’s creative spirit.

4. Take a Walk or Jog Along the Greenwich Meridian Line

One of Tema’s most unique features is that it lies right on the Greenwich Meridian Line, one of the few places in the world where you can literally stand at 0° longitude. The city has marked the line with a modest monument and a pedestrian-friendly area where locals often jog, walk, or take photos. It’s a cool blend of science, geography, and outdoor recreation — and it’s totally free to visit.

Open all year, the area makes for a great morning or evening outing, especially if you’re looking to balance cultural exploration with movement. It’s also a fun and educational stop for families or travelers interested in geography or mapping history. The line may be invisible, but the symbolism of “standing in the center of the world” is always powerful. Bring your camera — and maybe even a yoga mat for a sunrise stretch.

5. Enjoy Fresh Street Food at Community 1 Market

For foodies, Community 1 Market is a must. It’s one of Tema’s busiest and most flavorful locations, where you’ll find vendors selling everything from plantain chips and kelewele to waakye, grilled tilapia, kenkey, and spicy shito sauce. The air is thick with smells of frying, grilling, and spicing — and you can follow your nose from stall to stall. It’s a great way to experience Ghana’s culinary heartbeat up close and deliciously.

This market runs every day and is busiest in the mornings and early afternoons. It’s easy to wander, try a little bit of everything, and chat with friendly vendors about what’s cooking. Prices are affordable, portions are generous, and flavors are bold. Come hungry and open to trying something new — and don’t forget to wash it all down with a chilled sobolo or fresh coconut water.

6. Discover the Sakumono Lagoon and Nature Reserve

Just on the outskirts of Tema lies the Sakumono Lagoon, a protected coastal wetland and haven for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers. This serene spot is home to over 70 species of migratory and native birds, including herons, egrets, and African jacanas. The surrounding mangroves and mudflats create a quiet contrast to Tema’s urban buzz — a reminder that nature is never too far away.

Open all year round, Sakumono Lagoon is best explored in the early morning or just before sunset, especially during the migratory bird season. There are informal walking paths and scenic lookout spots that give you a peaceful view over the water. Bring binoculars if you have them, or just sit quietly and soak in the stillness. It’s a low-key but magical experience that feels like a reset for your senses.

7. Listen to Live Highlife at a Local Spot

Highlife music, Ghana’s iconic blend of traditional rhythms and jazzy horns, is very much alive in Tema — and you don’t have to go far to hear it. Local bars and restaurants like Vienna City or smaller community lounges often host live bands that keep the rhythm going late into the night. You’ll see locals singing along, dancing freely, and enjoying drinks in an atmosphere that’s always welcoming.

Live highlife shows are held year-round, especially on weekends and public holidays. The music is infectious, the vibe is casual, and visitors are often encouraged to join the dance floor. Even if you’re new to the genre, you’ll quickly feel the joy and nostalgia in every chord. For a truly Ghanaian night out in Tema, nothing beats live highlife under the stars.

8. Visit the Lighthouse at the Breakwater

Tema’s Breakwater Lighthouse, standing at the edge of the industrial port, offers a slice of maritime history and some pretty epic views. While it’s not open for climbing, the base of the lighthouse is a popular local lookout point, especially at sunrise or after a rain when the sky glows over the horizon. You’ll often find fishermen prepping their boats nearby or couples sitting quietly watching the waves.

This spot is accessible year-round and gives you a unique perspective of Tema’s role as Ghana’s maritime gateway. It’s also a quiet place to reflect, journal, or simply take in the sounds of the sea. Bring your camera and maybe a local snack from the market to enjoy as you take in the harbor life from this peaceful perch.

9. Explore the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Monument (Short Trip)

Just a short drive from Tema is the Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm and Monument, the site where cocoa — now one of Ghana’s biggest exports — was first planted. Tetteh Quarshie brought cocoa seeds from Fernando Po (now Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea) in the late 1800s, forever changing Ghana’s economy. The monument honors his legacy, and the small farm gives visitors a chance to see cocoa trees up close.

It’s an easy, year-round outing that blends history, agriculture, and national pride. Guided tours are available and give insight into the cocoa-growing process, from pod to export. You’ll also learn about how cocoa continues to shape local livelihoods. If you’re interested in sustainable food, farming, or Ghanaian innovation, this side trip is a worthwhile addition to your Tema itinerary.

10. Attend a Local Festival or Durbar Celebration

No visit to Tema (or Ghana) is complete without experiencing a local durbar or festival — traditional events that bring communities together through music, dance, food, and royal pageantry. These celebrations happen throughout the year in Tema and nearby towns and often include processions of chiefs, drumming circles, and colorful costumes that celebrate both modern and ancestral pride.

While some festivals are seasonal, others pop up around local milestones or national holidays. Ask locals or check nearby community boards to see what’s happening during your visit. Attending a durbar is like stepping into a moving museum — full of rhythm, meaning, and soul. Don’t just watch — join the circle, taste the jollof, and dance alongside new friends.

What to do if you have kids?

Tema is a fun, safe, and relaxed destination for families with children. Titanic Beach offers plenty of room to run and play, and the Greenwich Meridian Line makes for a fun educational moment (who wouldn’t love standing in the “center of the world”?). The Community 1 Market and Art Center are great for exploring local life and picking up souvenirs kids will love. Be sure to try street snacks like bofrot (doughnuts) and fresh coconut. Ghanaian culture is famously warm and welcoming to children — and in Tema, little travelers are greeted with smiles everywhere they go.

Where can I find free events in Tema Greater Accra taking place this weekend?

To discover local happenings like free concerts, beach clean-ups, pop-up food stalls, art shows, or public festivals in Tema, head to PlanMyWeekend.ai. This free AI-powered tool curates real-time, hyper-local events based on your current location and interests — without the need for long searches or sketchy social links. Whether you want live music, cultural experiences, or something outdoorsy, PlanMyWeekend.ai will show you what’s going on right now in Tema. Just search the city, scroll, and show up.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Tema

Tema is one of Ghana’s best-kept secrets — a place where coastal calm meets cultural richness without the tourist crowds. Whether you’re walking the Greenwich Meridian, sharing grilled fish with locals, or swaying to highlife under the stars, this city gives you a real taste of Ghanaian life. It’s close to Accra, full of warmth, and open for adventure year-round.

So pack your curiosity, your sandals, and your appetite — because Tema is ready to show you something refreshingly real.