SANTA CLARA, Panama- White Sand, beach food and lodging

Just about an hour and half from the Bridge of The America's,  Santa Clara is an accessible public beach on Panama's Pacific coast. Great for a day trip or a weekend get away. The beach Whether it is to take a long stroll along white sands, or to snooze in a hammock, Santa Clara is the go to town. Nestled just off the Panamanian Hwy, this small beach town has more to offer than meets the eye.

The journey begins with a ride along the PanAmerican Highway. When coming from Panama City, Santa Clara is about 1/2 hour past Coronado. The entrance road into Santa Clara is on the left. The landmark is XoKo is Restaurant on the corner.  (You’ve gone too far if you have reached the  Decameron development.).

At the end of the main road there is a private beach access, where a $3 dollar fee per adult ($1.50 per child) is required to a sea scape of fun and relaxation.  Note there is a cooler fee of $5.00, but parking is free of charge.

Things to do

To venture out onto the waves for fishing and snorkeling, contact Warren Feguson. He’s owner of the ocean-side Santa Clara restaurant, and he’s also the guy who’s eager to provide a great adventure. Pop him an email to let him know you want to dive right in: warren77@hotmail.com.

Places to stay

Want to stay the night? No problem. Named after the mythical mermaids, who sang enchanted tunes to lost sailors, La Sirenas offers a group of cosy casitas (cabins) to nestle in after a hard day of fun at the beach. All the casitas have an air-conditioned bedroom, living room (with sofa beds), porch (with hammock) and a fully-equipped kitchen, cable tv and free wireless internet. Cabins run from $130-180 per night

For a more economic alternative,  Las Veraneras in Santa Clara has cabanas that sleep 5 - 10 people. Prices differ for cabanas with fans and ones with air conditioning.

Places to eat

Santa Clara beach restaurant offers enjoyable seating right on the beach. The restaurant is open from 11am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and on weekends the doors close around 9pm.

Las Veraneras is also another choice available, offering comfortable bohias decked out with picnic tables. Indoor eating is also an option. And this restaurant is open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.

After a long-day of swimming and ocean activities, head to XS for the best burger at the beach XS is also the only camper park in Panama. The burgers at the restaurant here were voted Best Burgers at the beach by Playacommunity.Com readers in 2011. This beach burger joint is located on the mountain side of the Panama hwy. XS was And who doesn't enjoy a hand-held homage to childhood eateries after a long-day of swimming by the ocean shore?