Playa Camarones

Playa Camarones is the easiest beach to reach if you're staying downtown. It starts where the Malecón ends, by the Los Milenios sculpture, and runs north along Colonia 5 de Diciembre. The sand is soft and golden, and the surf is usually gentle to moderate.

Weekdays are quiet; on weekends local families show up with coolers and rent an umbrella for the day. Vendors walk the sand selling pescado embarazado (chunks of grilled fish on a stick), grilled shrimp with chili and lime, fresh fruit and tuba, a drink made from coconut palm sap. There are beach restaurants, palapas and water-sport rentals, but you don't need to spend a peso to enjoy it.

Late afternoon is the best time: the sun drops into the bay, and you can stroll back along the Malecón as the lights come on. Camarones has held the international Blue Flag certification in several seasons, which looks at water quality, safety and environmental management.

Getting there: From the Malecón, walk north past the Los Milenios sculpture and step down onto the sand. City buses running along Avenida México or Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio drop you a few blocks away, and you can also ride the boulevard bike path.

When to go: Year-round. Weekday mornings are the quietest; weekends and sunset bring the crowds.

Cost: Free (umbrellas, loungers and food cost extra).

Tips: Bring cash for the beach vendors. Check the safety flags before you swim; the color code is explained on the beach signs. On Sundays, arrive early for a good spot.

Accessibility: The paved Malecón reaches the south end of the beach; getting to the water means walking on sand.