El Cuco's beaches are dark, volcanic, and open to the Pacific. They are better for surfing, walking, and watching local beach life than for calm swimming, though conditions vary with tide and swell.
Playa El Cuco is the easiest beach to use from town. Playa Las Flores is the serious surf break. El Esteron is broader and quieter, and the beaches farther east toward Intipuca and El Icacal feel more undeveloped.