Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Colima? Are you thinking of a trip to North America and wondering what to explore in Colima? We’ve got you covered. Smaller cities are unique. You will fall in love with Colima, whether you are visiting for just a few days or planning to stay longer. You might want to leave Colima with only some fantastic attractions and exciting activities available.
Discover what makes Colima tick by taking one of our most popular day trips. Then, explore our best places to visit in Colima and book confidently, as we offer no cancellation fees or additional fees.
Barra Navidad
Barra Navidad is one of the best places to visit in Colima. Barra de Navidad, a small Mexican town, is located along the western coast of Jalisco. Barra de Navidad is a small fishing and farming community that lies east of Manzanillo, 60 km north. The Jalisco state government promoted Barra as a tourist destination of the Costalegre in recent years.
The beachfront faces the sandbar arch towards San Patricio (Jalisco), 4.5 km to the west. Barra de Navidad’s history dates back to 16th-century Spain, which used it as a base for repairs and shipbuilding. As a memorial to these voyages, a monument was erected at the end of the jetty.
Ruy Lopez de Villalobos’ fleet of six galleon vessels, the Santiago Jorge, San Antonio San Cristobal San Martin, San Juan, and San Cristobal, set sail from Barra de Navidad in Jalisco, Mexico on November 1, 1542, with between 370 and 400 men. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, his sail-captain Andres de Urdaneta, and five ships, 500 soldiers, set sail from Barra de Navidad in New Spain on November 21, 1564. Small fishing boats gather scallops in the large lagoon behind Barra de Navidad.
They also transport locals from Barra, Isla Navidad, and the Grand Bay Hotel to Barra. The Grand Bay Hotel was recently voted Mexico’s Number One hotel/resort by the Travel Channel. These boats transport passengers to and fro Colima, a community in Comilla.
There are many restaurants along the shore. Many of Barra de Navidad’s beachside businesses were destroyed by Hurricane Jova in 2012. Despite the high tide and damage, companies survived. The number of tourists visiting the area has declined significantly since then.
Playa Miramar
Enjoy surfing the waves and dining at restaurants while you soak up the sun on one of Manzanillo’s most popular beaches. Rent a board at Playa Miramar from one of the vendors and enjoy the gentle waves that run along the length of the beach.
You can end your surfing session by enjoying fresh seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants. Or, you can shop for souvenirs at the craft vendors that line the road. You can view a variety of wildlife by taking a stroll around Las Penitas Lagoon.
Playa Miramar is “View of the Sea,” one of the most visited beaches in the Manzanillo region. Local families and friends often visit this beach to relax after work or for picnics. You will find a wide range of restaurants, rental shops, and souvenir stalls to cater to your needs.
Playa Miramar’s most beloved pastime is surfing. Many shops rent surfboards and boogie boards along the beach. Book a lesson at one of the many schools located on the coast if you have never attempted surfing. The Olas Atlas end is the best place for experienced surfers to find the best waves.
You can also choose from kayaking and windsurfing if you prefer something else. You can enjoy local cuisine at one of the many palapas or open-air restaurants along the shore or shop for jewelry at one of the open-air markets. To get a fair price, bargain with vendors.
Enjoy a walk on the paved path around Penitas Lagoon. You can see egrets, herons, and other birds calling this area home at sunset. Crocodiles and other large animals can be seen in this area.
Horseback riding tours are another popular way to visit this beach. You can book a tour and enjoy a thrilling gallop along the sands. Then, you can end your day with a refreshing drink at one of the bars.
Playa Miramar can be found in Santiago Bay, between Playa Olas Atlas and Playa Boutique. Take a bus from Manzanillo to get there.
Catedral Basilica Menor
The Catedral Basilica Menor Since 2000, the Virgin of Guadalupe has been consecrated to her by Pope John Paul II. Every December, thousands of people visit the church to pray. The Cathedral was built in 1527. It underwent some changes between 1820-1894, which are still visible in its current condition. Ionic arches frame its austere façade.
The temple’s interior is notable for its neoclassical decor. It features cedar wood carvings by cabinetmakers Manuel Cedeno & Andres González. Don Othon Bustos, a renowned carver, created the pulpit. The old sculpture of San Felipe Jesus (the city’s patron saint) is another highlight.
Playa La Audiencia
You can swim, kayak, or dive in the calm, turquoise waters. You can snorkel in the clear waters at Playa La Audiencia. Below the surface of the sea, you will find colorful fish, giant octopuses, and other marine life. You can enjoy watersports like kayaking, swimming, and windsurfing.
Or rent a beach chair to relax under an umbrella. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants on the shore, and then stay for the sunset over the headland to your west. Playa La Audiencia, one of Manzanillo’s most beautiful and famous beaches, is among the best.
The beach is located on the west side of the Santiago Peninsula. Its safe swimming and calm waters make it a popular choice for families. This is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy a day at the beach.
Participate in any of the watersport activities available.
Many stalls rent kayaks, windsurfers, and boogie boards from the beach. Playa La Audience’s water is more precise than many other beaches, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. You can join one of the many dive trips to feed the eels and octopuses, or you can snorkel on your own to explore the area.
For a small fee, you can relax on the sand and rent a chair or umbrella to use as a lounger or umbrella. Then, enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the restaurants while you read or listen to the gentle waves lap the shore.
The plaque is located near the beach’s public toilets. This is where Hernan Cortes, the Spanish explorer, ordered his lieutenant to build brigantines to assist the Spanish.
Playa La Audiencia can be reached by taxi from Manzanillo, the center of Santiago Bay. All year, the watersports equipment stalls are open. However, weekends and holidays can be busy, so make sure you arrive early to get the best spot on the beach.
The Nogueras Cultural Center
The Nogueras Cultural Center is one of the best places to visit in Colima. The main house of the former Nogueras Hacienda has located 2 km (1 mi) away from Comala and 25 km (16 mi) distant from Colima. This was where Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo, a native Colima artist, lived.
The University Center for Environmental Management, the National Training Center for Artistic Design, and the Center for Anthropological Studies of the West call this area home. There is also a botanical garden. There are also Centro Cultural Nogueras.
This beautiful natural area is where you can learn from herbalists about the uses of various plants. They also explain how to make compost, a natural fertilizer that transforms soil into high-quality products. You can also see turtles, butterflies, and different types of trees and crops.
It is very educational and exciting. This is a beautiful place to take your family. Monday through Friday, 10:00 – 2:00 pm and 4:30 – 7:00 pm Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 – 6:00 pm
Oro Beach
When you visit this beautiful beach north of Manzanillo, look out for a piece of gold. You can leave your first footprints on the golden sands at Oro Beach. As you walk along the tidemark, look out for exotic shells and watch for the sun to shine brightly.
Locals claim that there are still gold pieces left over from a shipwreck that occurred more than 150 years ago. Then, you can find a quiet spot to sunbathe and listen to the waves crash on the shore.
Oro Beach is one the most remote and secluded beaches in the Manzanillo region.
Although many believe it is named after the golden sand, the truth is much more enjoyable. A ship from San Francisco caught on fire in 1862. It was only a few miles out at sea when $1.4 million worth of gold fell to the bottom. Much of the gold was never recovered. You can still hear the stories of people finding old coins washed up by the tide.
You can have the beach all to yourself if you arrive early. Many people avoid Oro Beach due to the 4-mile (7-kilometer long) dirt road that leads to it. However, if you put in the effort, you will be rewarded with stunning cliffs, crashing waves, and uncrowded golden beaches.
Pick a spot on the sand and set up camp. You can also enjoy the beach and the tidemark by dipping your toes into the water. Even if there isn’t any gold in the water, you will find exciting shell specimens you can study. You can then relax on your towel while listening to the waves and wind in the trees.
The powerful waves will be a treat for surfers, but swimmers should stay away from rough conditions. You can stay up until the early hours by gathering driftwood and lighting a fire in the sand. Oro Beach can be found 18 miles (30 km) north of Manzanillo. To get there, you will need to have your transportation.
The San Gabriel Cave
A group of young hunters discovered a large, open hole in the ground about 40 years ago. The cavity was several meters below the ground. The group’s surprise led them to realize that the opening was actually the entrance to a large dome that housed hundreds of stalagmites and stalactites in different sizes and shapes.
This is now called the “The Dome.” Grutas de San Gabriel . It was closed to the public because it was unsafe and challenging to access. Visitors were allowed to visit the cave only ten years ago when Don Rogelio Garcia, the owner of the land, renovated the cave’s mouth with lights and stairs.
This was to provide tourists with a reliable and worthy site. You can see the excellent work of nature over many millennia from the cave’s 50-meter height. If you are interested in this excursion, please consider the following: the journey to the site takes approximately one hour (depending on your vehicle) through uneven terrain and places where there is often no service.
Don Rogelio Garcia is the friendly guide who will take you to the cave once you have arrived in San Gabriel. The entrance fee is per vehicle and not per person. The San Gabriel Caves are accessible daily between 6 am and 6 pm. Don Rogelio Garcia plans to expand the tours to include new access to undiscovered caves. You can take one person or large groups on tours.
Zocalo
Zocalo is one of the best places to visit in Colima. Enjoy pleasant views of Manzanillo’s bay from Manzanillo’s historic square and some of the best restaurants in the area. As the locals pass by, you can sit at the Zocalo fountain and take in the views of the cruise ships as they go.
You can stop by one of the many restaurants that line the square or walk the back streets to get a sense of the old port. Look at the Spanish colonial architecture on the plaza, and then take a stroll down Avenida, Mexico, for some shopping.
Manzanillo’s main square is Zocalo (also known as Jardin Alvaro Obregon). It was built in the 19th century and has been the heart of the town’s activity ever since—many of the magnificent Spanish-built houses that can be seen around the plaza result from Spanish colonial influence.
You can find a bench, a quiet relaxing spot, or stroll through the tree-lined square. If you want to cool off, the fountain is a great centerpiece. Zocalo is home to some of Manzanillo’s most popular restaurants. Open-air dining is a great way to enjoy local seafood and watch the action in the bay.
You can explore the backstreets around the square or stroll down Avenida, Mexico. This is Manzanillo’s main shopping avenue. There are many boutiques and chain stores here so you can find luxury souvenirs or high-end items.
Enjoy a romantic walk or another meal at Zocalo after the sun sets. Zocalo is centrally located in Manzanillo. It’s just a short taxi ride away from the main beaches. You’ll likely pass it during your visit to the town. First, it’s worth an hour to explore the Centro Historico area.
Liberty Park
The Jardin Libertad This beautiful park is a natural oasis that reflects the city’s beauty. The kiosk at the park’s center was imported from Belgium in 1891. Numerous metal swan-shaped fountains are located around the plaza. They add a unique touch to the area. The Morelos, Hidalgo, and Medellin portals surround the plaza.
They are always welcoming and provide a lively atmosphere in restaurants and cafes. You can view the Catedral Basilica Menor and the City Hall from this spot. In addition, one can enjoy a stunning view of the Jardin Libertad and the entire Zocalo de Colima from the balconies.
Las Hadas Golf Course
Las Hadas Golf Course is one of the best places to visit in Colima. Las Hadas Golf Course is a great place to practice your swing. So gather your friends and book a tee time to enjoy an afternoon of fresh air, fun, and golf. Are you looking for Las Hadas Golf Course in Santiago? There is an admission fee.
It is located in Peninsulas de Santiago. You might also like Zocalo, Playa Miramar, and Playa La Audiencia if you have the time. It won’t take you long to reach these golf destinations.
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Oro Beach is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Colima.
I would be very thankful if you’d help it spread by emailing it to your friends or sharing it on Facebook, Medium, Reddit, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram. Thank you!
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