Fodor's Expert Review Playa las Brisas

Long, wide, and often empty, this is a wonderful place to stroll. Swimming is more problematic: although the waves are not generally big, they tend to crash right on the beach. At the south end are most of the modest hotels that make up Manzanillo's Zona Hotelera. An artificial rock jetty divides Playa las Brisas from the boat harbor and creates a place to snorkel, although the water tends to be murky this close to the harbor and the waves that surge against the rocks can surprise. Although this is basically one 6-km-long (4-mile-long) stretch of brown sand, it technically becomes Playa Azul and then Playa Salahua at the bay's west end, just before the Barceló Karmina Palace. Amenities: food and drink; parking. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.