Fodor's Expert Review Playa Principal

Although it's not the cleanest beach in town, Playa Principal is popular with Mexican families, who flock to this strip of medium-coarse beige sand due to its calm waters and proximity to the shops, hotels, and restaurants of Avenida Pérez Gasga. The wide, curved bay meets up with Playa Marinero at the mouth of Río Rigadillo, and while the sand is soft near the shore, it's somewhat hard packed near the palm trees that line the beachfront businesses. It is also a working harbor with a large fleet of traditional fishing boats, so watching the weathered fishermen haul in their catch in the morning is an opportunity to see Mexico at its most authentic. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: sunrise; walking.