Playa Miramar is Manzanillo's main tourist beach, a long stretch of golden-brown sand fronting the city's northern hotel zone along Boulevard Miguel de la Madrid. The beach is lined with beachfront restaurants, palapa bars, and hotel properties, giving it a lively, developed feel compared to the quieter beaches south of the bay. Visitors come to swim, though the surf can be moderate to strong, making it popular with bodyboarders and surfers, especially in the section near the Santiago breakwater. The wide sand strip is comfortable for walking end to end, roughly a 30-45 minute stroll, with the best photo views looking back toward the hotel skyline at sunset. Palapa restaurants along the beach rent chairs and umbrellas for a nominal fee. Mornings are calmest for swimming before the wind picks up, which typically happens by early afternoon and creates better conditions for surfing. Weekends and Mexican holiday periods bring significantly larger crowds, particularly Semana Santa and the winter holiday season.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open access, daily
- Best time
- Morning for calmer water; sunset for the clearest ocean views
Location
Blvd. Miguel de la Madrid, Colonia Miramar, 28869 Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico
19.1503, -104.3439 View on map
Highlights
- Long sand beach fronting Manzanillo's northern hotel zone
- Popular surf and bodyboard breaks near the Santiago breakwater
- Beachfront palapa restaurants with chair and umbrella rentals
- Sunset views back toward the hotel skyline
Tips for visiting
- Swim in the morning before afternoon wind and swell pick up
- Chair and umbrella rental typically costs a small fee if ordering food from the palapa restaurant
- Watch for undertow, especially near the breakwater, as lifeguard coverage is limited
- Expect heavy crowds during Semana Santa and the winter holiday season
When to visit
Morning for calmer swimming conditions, or sunset for photography and the clearest ocean views.
Accessibility
The beach itself is soft sand without paved access, which is difficult for wheelchair users; some beachfront restaurants offer level patio seating closer to the boulevard.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend two to four hours, combining swimming or surfing with a meal at a beachfront palapa.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the wide sand and shallow shoreline sections suit families, though parents should watch for stronger surf and undertow near the breakwater.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is unrestricted, and sunset over the hotel-lined shore is a popular shot.