The Paseo Bastidas is the seafront promenade that runs along Santa Marta Bay, connecting the historic centre to the working port. In the evenings it becomes the paseo of choice for locals — families pushing strollers, couples on benches, vendors selling fruit and arepas, teenagers on bicycles. The views across the bay toward the Sierra Nevada foothills are beautiful at sunset, when the mountains turn gold and the fishing boats sit still on the water.
The promenade is lined with palms and has a relaxed, non-touristy feel that makes it a refreshing alternative to the more crowded beachfront areas. Street food here is genuine and cheap — look for ceviche and fried fish from the carts near the old port. The Paseo connects to the walking streets of the historic centre and to the beach area at the northern end of the bay.