Bahía de Navidad

The tight arc of the Bahía de Navidad is practically ringed by deep, honey-colored sand with two resort towns waving amiably at each other from either end. Situated 5km apart by road, but only a kilometer and a bit along the beach, Barra de Navidad and San Patricio-Melaque are siblings with distinct personalities. Barra is beloved for its attractive cobbled streets and aura of good living, while Melaque, which is larger and less quaint, draws budget-minded travelers seeking that beachfront buzz.

Explore Bahía de Navidad

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Bahía de Navidad.

Restaurants

Mexican
Barra Galería de Arte & Restaurant
Imagine a courtyard where secluded tables peek from behind a riot of greenery and fairy lights twinkle as evening falls. Owner Robert's photography adorns…
Seafood
El Manglito
With a lovely view over the lagoon and welcome breezes, this open-air restaurant with palm-thatch roofing and sand floors produces some really excellent…
Seafood
Fortinos
Across the lagoon, this waterfront restaurant's family-run kitchen has been winning folks over with its superb seafood dishes for more than 50 years. The…
Breakfast
Bananas
For breakfast with a fine ocean view, this 2nd-floor eatery above Hotel Barra de Navidad is hard to beat. Grab one of the terrace tables overlooking the…
Mexican
Tacos Scooby
This neighborhood eatery does the tastiest tacos al pastor (spit-cooked marinated pork) in town, and keeps expats coming back for the grilled ribs and…
Seafood
Papa Gallo's
An offshoot of popular restaurant Roosters, this restaurant is reached by an alleyway opposite the bus station. There are tables on the sand, but it's…
Mexican
Restaurant de Maria
A former school teacher has lovingly converted an open-air courtyard into a casual restaurant known for good Mexican breakfasts such as huevos divorciados…
Seafood
Nacho
It doesn't look like much upon first glance, just a handful of tables under a stilted beachside palapa roof, but the grilled fish is the deal. Ask for…
Mexican
Quetzal de Laura
Open to the elements, this cheerful yellow-hued restaurant is particularly good for inexpensive Mexican breakfasts, home-style sopa azteca (soup with…
Seafood
El Brody
On the highway near the turnoff to Barra de Navidad, this locally popular place does excellent seafood cocktails. Just next door, the owner's brother…
Cafe
La Flor del Café
On a plant-covered, brightly hued patio, this place eschews the hottest part of the day but opens mornings for tasty smoothies, juices, coffee, sandwiches…
Mexican
Restaurant Ramón
This casual, friendly restaurant is justifiably popular for its excellent fish tacos, chiles rellenos (chilis stuffed with meat or cheese) and local and…