León's nearest beaches are at Poneloya and Las Peñitas, about 20 kilometres west of the city. Poneloya is the more developed of the two, with summer houses and a handful of seafood restaurants along the shore. Las Peñitas is quieter and more popular with backpackers and surfers, with a scattering of hostels and strong beach breaks.
Just offshore, the Juan Venado Island nature reserve is a long, narrow mangrove island that can be explored by boat — look for caimans, sea turtles (nesting season runs from July to January), and wading birds. Tours run from Las Peñitas.