Ullal is a long stretch of sand about 10 km south of Mangalore city, reached by crossing the Netravati River estuary. The beach is wide, backed by casuarina trees, and far quieter than anything closer to town. The estuary mouth to the north gives good views of boats coming and going from the port. On clear days you can see the hills of the Western Ghats rising to the east.
Swimming at Ullal requires caution — the currents near the estuary mouth can be strong, and the surf here has no lifeguards. Local families come in the evenings and on weekends, and there are a few shack-style restaurants and stalls near the main access point. The nearby village of Ullal has the Somanatha Temple, one of the important Shiva temples of coastal Karnataka.