Ponta Negra is the city's beach, even though the water it faces is river not sea. A long sandy strand stretches along the Rio Negro on the western edge of town, backed by a wide promenade with palm trees, food kiosks, an open-air amphitheatre, and the towers of the city's most expensive condominiums. Whether the beach itself is fully exposed depends on the river height — at low water (September–November) it broadens into a sandbar wide enough for football matches; at high water (May–June) the riverbank reaches the boardwalk.
Evenings are when Ponta Negra comes alive: families walk the promenade, vendors sell tapioca and coconut water, and the bars fill up for live music. The amphitheatre hosts large concerts during festivals.