Playa Brujas

Playa Brujas, Witches' Beach, also called Playa Las Brujas, is one of the northernmost beaches of Mazatlán, in the Cerritos area, beyond the end of the Zona Dorada and some 30 minutes by road from Olas Altas in the old town. It sits by the rocky headland of Punta Cerritos, where the long sandy shore that runs north from the marina meets a hill and a rocky coast. Less built up and less crowded than the hotel zone, it has kept a looser, bohemian feel, and banda players still work the sand.

It is above all a surf beach. Big waves roll in here and make it a favorite with surfers and bodyboarders, and surf lessons are offered at this north end of the beach; the same strong sea means it is not always safe for swimming. When the tide goes out, the rocks reveal tide pools, and a cave in the cliffs can be reached by scrambling over the rocks at low tide; at high tide it is cut off. In the afternoon people stay for the sunset over the Pacific.

The name comes from a local legend. A pirate, so the story goes, landed on this coast looking for a place to hide his treasure, met a witch who lived in a cave among the rocks and made a pact with her to guard it forever; on full-moon nights she is said to keep watch, and people tell of lights, figures on the rocks and voices when the tide rises. Services are simple: shade tents and loungers for rent and limited parking that fills on busy days. A few restaurants are near, among them Mr. Lionso and The Last Drop at Punta Cerritos and the Cerritos Resort bar and restaurant, but it is wise to bring food and water.