The main town beach curves around the bay directly in front of San Juan del Sur's waterfront strip. It is a classic Central American crescent: coarse dark sand, calm water, fishing boats anchored in the middle of the bay, and a row of restaurants and bars at the back. The swimming is sheltered and safe — the bay blocks the open-Pacific swell so even children can paddle here comfortably.
The beach is best in the mornings before the day heats up. By mid-afternoon it fills with a mix of local families, backpackers from the hostels, and day-trippers from Managua. At the northern end, small fishing boats still operate and you can sometimes buy fish directly from the boats. The town's main drag runs the full length of the beach, which means the beach itself is never more than a minute's walk from food, drinks, or shade.