Palmares Beach

Palmares sits along Highway 200, a few kilometers south of downtown. It's a long beach of amber-colored sand with some rocks at the waterline and gentle to moderate waves. The water runs from emerald green to deep blue.

In July 2014 it raised the first Blue Flag in the state of Jalisco, an international award from the Foundation for Environmental Education for cleanliness, safety, accessibility and environmental management. According to the mayor at the time, the site used to be a municipal dump. The certification was renewed in 2015, but we couldn't confirm it is still current.

At the entrance stands «La Vela del Galeón» (The Galleon's Sail), a monumental sculpture by French artist Nicolás Bertoux. Vendors sell grilled fish and shrimp on a stick, fruit and ice pops, and it's a good beach for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Getting there: On Highway 200 toward Mismaloya, about 6 km south of downtown. There's a parking lot by the road and a bus stop called «Playa Palmares».

When to go: Early in the day or on weekdays for more room. Check the Civil Protection flag before getting in the water.

Cost: Free (parking and lounger rentals may cost extra).

Tips: There are public restrooms and lifeguards. Parts of the shoreline are rocky; sandals help.

Accessibility: A long ramp leads down to the sand, in addition to stairs.