A beautiful beach located just beyond the salt flats. It is a bit difficult to get there because it is about a mile walk from the parking area. But it is worth the trek. The beach is rustic but it is super clean and the waves are very calm. We loved it!
Unfortunately, during our trip, the beach was unusablely covered in seaweed. The walk wouldn’t have been bad if we got to cool off in the water at the beach, but walking 50 minutes straight in the heat for nothing was rough. The salt flats were cool but not worth the drive. I can see it would be very beautiful if not for the seaweed.
The last time we visited Playa Sucia in October 2021, the gate at the end of the paved road was open, allowing me to drive all the way to the end of the heavily potholed section. Fast forward to March 2025 and a little bit of the road near the abandoned steel bridge was washed out, forcing us to park on the side of the road and walk.
Having never walked it before, I failed to realize how far it was from the gate to the beach (about a mile), and this caused my wife and daughter to hate me for a little while. Once we arrived at the beach, however, it was exactly as I remembered it - beautiful and calm with soft sand and gentle waves. I'd live there if I could.
And then we had to walk a mile back to the car. In the heat. But don't worry, it builds character.
BTW, I would recommend not plopping your stuff down right as the trail enters the beach area. The seaweed is plentiful there, as is the stench of decay. We went to the middle of the beach (after a mile, what's a few more hundred yards, eh?) and found shade there. Also, if you're expecting a beach experience like what you get in most parts of the Continental US (y'know, stuff like convenience, easy access, restrooms, food nearby, benches, etc.), you'd be best off greatly tempering those expectations of this beautiful island. The locals here excel at making do, and that taught me an important lesson. Your family may be temporarily displeased with you, but you won't regret it.
Long hike but worth it! We went early and there weren't many people yet so we got a nice shady place in the trees. On our way out lots of people heading in. Parking sucks but seriously so beautiful. Picked up some trash on our way out. Remember to keep it clean. Made some hermit crab friends! Bring a sun shirt and hat for the walk!
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Andres Ayala
4 months agoA beautiful beach located just beyond the salt flats. It is a bit difficult to get there because it is about a mile walk from the parking area. But it is worth the trek. The beach is rustic but it is super clean and the waves are very calm. We loved it!
Mackenzie Joy
a month agoUnfortunately, during our trip, the beach was unusablely covered in seaweed. The walk wouldn’t have been bad if we got to cool off in the water at the beach, but walking 50 minutes straight in the heat for nothing was rough. The salt flats were cool but not worth the drive. I can see it would be very beautiful if not for the seaweed.
Brian Eschrich
5 months agoThe last time we visited Playa Sucia in October 2021, the gate at the end of the paved road was open, allowing me to drive all the way to the end of the heavily potholed section. Fast forward to March 2025 and a little bit of the road near the abandoned steel bridge was washed out, forcing us to park on the side of the road and walk. Having never walked it before, I failed to realize how far it was from the gate to the beach (about a mile), and this caused my wife and daughter to hate me for a little while. Once we arrived at the beach, however, it was exactly as I remembered it - beautiful and calm with soft sand and gentle waves. I'd live there if I could. And then we had to walk a mile back to the car. In the heat. But don't worry, it builds character. BTW, I would recommend not plopping your stuff down right as the trail enters the beach area. The seaweed is plentiful there, as is the stench of decay. We went to the middle of the beach (after a mile, what's a few more hundred yards, eh?) and found shade there. Also, if you're expecting a beach experience like what you get in most parts of the Continental US (y'know, stuff like convenience, easy access, restrooms, food nearby, benches, etc.), you'd be best off greatly tempering those expectations of this beautiful island. The locals here excel at making do, and that taught me an important lesson. Your family may be temporarily displeased with you, but you won't regret it.
Luke Ritter (Accent Construction)
6 months agoVery much worth the drive and hike. Bring food and equipment you want for the day as the hike out takes about 30 minutes.
Kevin Carpanini
7 months agoLong hike but worth it! We went early and there weren't many people yet so we got a nice shady place in the trees. On our way out lots of people heading in. Parking sucks but seriously so beautiful. Picked up some trash on our way out. Remember to keep it clean. Made some hermit crab friends! Bring a sun shirt and hat for the walk!