Playa San Carlos

Playa San Carlos is how people not from the area likely refer to the Playa los Algadones, likely the most famous beach in San Carlos in Sonora. Like many of the beaches here, it is named for the old ranch that used to be here, but today the name is said to refer to the cotton-white sand. Another candidate for the honor is the Playa San Francisco which is the most central, and thus often, the most crowded and popular of San Carlos beaches. 

Nearly the entire coast in and around San Carlos is lined with heavenly beaches. These are interrupted by frequent, dramatic and colorful rock formations and other natural interruptions. The Hotel Playa San Carlos is another candidate, also central, and bordering on the Playa San Francisco. But visitors aren't limited to these. The Playa La Posada is on a protected cove and popular for snorkeling. The Marinaterra Beach Club takes it a step closer with diving and kayaking available in addition to swimming.

Miramar Beach is one of the most commercially successful with volleyball, pedal boats, kayaks, lots of music and young people but often, still, at least some passing dolphins. The Playa Piedras Pintas also offers services for those looking to dive, snorkel or kayak, but there are no palapas here so an umbrella is recommended. Pilar Beach is a beautiful soft sand beach with dolphins stopping in just about every day and plenty of birds and sea shells.  

People come to San Carlos for these beaches, and for others. Most of the visitor information centers in town will give you a free map with the most popular beaches always listed. But the beauty of San Carlos is that so many of the beaches are un-named, contemplative places where the land meets the sea. People go to contemplate our own places in the universe, and myriad other, thoughtful things. It's a fantastic place to visit and well worth staying a few extra days.