Playa Gaviota Azul

A free dip right in the middle of the party strip

Hours: Beach always open
Tickets: Free
Address: Boulevard Kukulcán km 9, beside Coco Bongo and the party strip; a short alley leads from the road to the sand

This beach is the front yard of the loudest stretch of the Hotel Zone. An alley between buildings that leak club music at night opens onto a public strip of sand. It is free and easy to reach from downtown. The surf changes by the day, from gentle to red-flag, so decide on swimming by the flag. By day, sit on the sand and watch the strip wake up behind you.