The article deals with Vidzeme coastal zone, which is suitable area for recreation development. Economic activity here take place all time and recreation is one of traditional sector if industry. The development or recreation supports Latvian strategy of sustainable development “Latvija 2030”. Normative acts represent necessity of recreation and people rights for it. There also is marked a need of sustainable development. As result, it is possible to identify seven sustainable principles from international examples of good practice and requirements mentioned in the national and international standards to achieve sustainable development in coastal recreation – recreational potential preserving, recreational resources using efficiency improving, good will, mobility, environmental correspondence, changes and union principle. It is recommended to organize recreational system on base of foundation resources – architectural and historical heritage, nature, beaches and harbors. Yacht harbor network, car and bicycle rent services need to be developed, railway can be extended into direction of Ainazi along coastline. Old estates can be turned into SPA centers or tourist information points. High quality car parking system with information boards need to be developed. Infrastructure and area's image by public places with a help of signs can be created. Involving different organizations can be made one institution to coordinate urban planning in the area. Principles help to determine coastal recreational complexes with different functions: active recreational zones – a resort for international festivals. ares as new tourist centers and resort zones on the seaside; quiet passive recreational zones; districts as modern water tourism zones with yacht centers; culture tourism centers as town with timber architecture examples; areas as powerful local water recreational centers