Playa Los Cocos is the strip of beach near Santa Marta's marina and central waterfront. It is not the wild Caribbean fantasy many travelers have in mind, but it is useful for an evening walk, a quick look at local beach life, and sunset over the bay.
For swimming and a full beach day, most visitors do better at Taganga, Rodadero, or Tayrona. Los Cocos earns its place because it is right in town and helps connect the historic centre with the sea.