Playa La Barqueta

Playa La Barquete, the closest beach to David, is a long ribbon of dark-gray sand that's popular with local surfers. The area behind the beach is deforested, and the sea is often murky due to a nearby mangrove estuary. Nonetheless, it's a pleasant spot to spend a day or two. La Barqueta has the province's only beach resort and several vacation homes and condos, but most of the beach is backed by scrubby vegetation; you can stroll for miles without seeing a soul (except during holidays). The beach is public, but a day pass ($10) from the resort, Hotel Las Olas, includes pool, gym, and bar access. There are also several simple restaurants—especially Las Garzas, Miramar, and Rancho La Costena—west of Hotel Las Olas (not part of the resort) with inexpensive Panamanian fare. La Barqueta's sand can get hot enough to burn your feet. If the sea is rough there's a risk of rip currents, so don't go in any farther than waist-deep.