Praia do Futuro, about 7 km east of the city centre, is Fortaleza's favourite beach for locals — a 7-km stretch of broad, clean sand where beach barracas (open-sided bars on the beach) serve cold beer, freshly grilled lobster, crab claws in spiced butter, and fried fish by the kilo. Thursday is traditionally "Chega Mais" night at the barracas, when live forró bands set up and the beach becomes a party until late.
The barracas at Praia do Futuro are themselves something of an institution. The most famous — Chico do Caranguejo, Cabana do Coco, and Crocobeach — have been here for decades and function more like beach clubs than simple bars, with changing facilities, sunlounger rental, and full kitchens. The sea here has stronger currents than the urban beaches closer to town, so take local advice before swimming.