Local Favorites
Discover a few of our favorite places beyond Punta Caelo. From great coffee and fresh local seafood to restaurants, golf, fishing, and rainy-day activities, these are some of our favorite ways to experience the area like a local.
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Chef Pascal
One of the area's standouts for a more elevated evening out. Chef Pascal specializes in French-inspired cuisine and seafood with a thoughtfully selected wine list. A great choice for a date night or special occasion.Café Med
A small, intimate Italian and Mediterranean restaurant in the Coronado area. This is more of a relaxed, lingering dinner than a quick meal and is a favorite among both locals and visitors. -
Ciao Ragazzi | Coronado
Located at Terrazas de Coronado, with Roman-style pizza, fresh pasta and classic Italian dishes. An easy choice for families or a casual dinner.Don Vito Pizza
A small, family-run spot in the San Carlos area known for wood-fired, Sicilian-style pizza. Casual, local and worth seeking out. -
Nación Sushi | Coronado
A lively Asian-fusion restaurant with sushi as well as a large menu of Asian-inspired dishes. It's an easy option when everyone in the group wants something different.Nazca 21 | Coronado
Peruvian cuisine with excellent ceviche, seafood and traditional Peruvian dishes. A nice change of pace from pizza and casual beach fare. -
Kahve Panamá Coffee | Coronado
A convenient coffee stop along the Pan-American Highway with espresso drinks, pastries and breakfast options. Great for grabbing a cappuccino or iced coffee on your way out for the day.Red Barn | Coronado
Located at Bayside Center along the Pan-American Highway, Red Barn is a great stop for coffee, breakfast or something healthy to take back to the penthouse. In addition to artisan Panamanian coffee, you'll find baked goods, prepared foods, fresh produce and specialty groceries. -
Playa El Palmar is just outside San Carlos and is one of the area's best-known surfing beaches. Its waves can be particularly approachable for beginners depending on the day's conditions.
Panama Surf School offers surf lessons and board rentals right at El Palmar, including options for beginners and families.
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Playa El Palmar
For a change of scenery, head to nearby El Palmar. It has a completely different feel from Punta Caelo—a laid-back local surf beach where you can watch the surfers, take a lesson or simply spend some time on the sand. -
Boga Bar | Vista Mar Marina
Located at the marina in neighboring Vista Mar, Boga Bar has an open-air waterfront setting overlooking the boats and Pacific. Go around sunset for the view and stay for drinks or a casual dinner. -
El Valle de Antón
Head into the mountains for cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery, hiking, waterfalls, local markets and restaurants. It makes an easy change of pace from a week at the beach.We recommend making a day of it rather than trying to rush there and back.
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Mercado de Mariscos de Río Hato
For fresh seafood to prepare at the penthouse, visit the local fish market in Río Hato. Located along the Pan-American Highway, the market offers a rotating selection of fresh local fish, shrimp and other seafood.
Choose your fish directly from the vendors, and they can typically clean and fillet it for you. You'll also find some fresh fruits and vegetables at the market.
Our tip: Go in the morning for the best selection, bring cash, and take a cooler or insulated bag if you have one.
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Coronado Center | Coronado
A rainy day is a great excuse to check out Coronado Center, located near Riba Smith. With several activities in one location, it's an easy option for families or anyone looking for something active to do away from the beach.
Zion Fitness Club — A modern, full-service fitness center offering inexpensive day passes for visitors who want to get a workout in during their stay.
Pickleball — Indoor courts are available for a game away from the heat or rain.
Neón Park — An indoor trampoline and activity park that's a great option for kids and teens.
Bowling — An easy activity for the whole family and a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Most activities offer day-pass or pay-as-you-go options, making Coronado Center particularly convenient for visitors who don't need a membership.
Our tip: With Riba Smith nearby, it's easy to combine your visit with a grocery run before heading back to the penthouse.
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Golfers have several courses within an easy drive of Punta Caelo, ranging from a convenient local round to championship resort golf.
Vista Mar Golf, Beach & Marina | San Carlos
The closest and most convenient option from Punta Caelo. Vista Mar offers an 18-hole coastal course with ocean and mountain views and a mix of challenging and forgiving holes. It's a great choice if you'd like to fit a round into your stay without making a full day of it.Buenaventura Golf Club | Río Hato
For a premier golf experience, head to Buenaventura. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course was designed by Nicklaus Design and stretches to more than 7,300 yards from the championship tees. The club also has a driving range, putting green, short-game area, pro shop and clubhouse dining.Mantarraya Golf Club | Farallón / Río Hato
Located near the Decameron resort, Mantarraya is an 18-hole, par-72 course and another good option for visitors looking to play while staying along the Pacific coast. Golf carts and rental clubs are available.Bijao Golf Club | Río Hato
Designed by Ron Garl, Bijao offers another resort-style golf experience a little farther west along the coast. Access and guest policies can vary, so we recommend contacting the club before making the drive.Do we need to bring golf clubs?
Not necessarily. Rental clubs are available at some of the area courses, including Buenaventura and Mantarraya. We recommend confirming availability when you reserve your tee time.
Do we need a tee time?
Yes. We recommend contacting the course in advance to confirm tee-time availability, current green fees, rental clubs and visitor-access policies, particularly at Buenaventura and Bijao.
Our pick: Choose Vista Mar for the closest and easiest round during your stay, or Buenaventura if golf is going to be one of the highlights of your trip.
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Panama's Pacific coast offers excellent sport fishing, and you don't have to travel far from Punta Caelo to get out on the water.
Coronado Fishing Club | Vista Mar Marina
Our most convenient option for a dedicated fishing charter. Departing from nearby Vista Mar Marina in San Carlos, Coronado Fishing Club offers everything from shorter family-friendly trips to full-day offshore adventures.Depending on the season and trip, anglers may have the opportunity to target tuna, mahi-mahi (dorado), sailfish, marlin, Spanish mackerel and other Pacific species. Tackle and bait are provided, and the crew can clean and bag your catch at the end of the trip.
Majo Fishing Lodge | Vista Mar Marina
Also departing from Vista Mar Marina, Majo offers sport-fishing charters along with other private boating experiences. This can be a great option for groups looking to combine time on the water with fishing, sightseeing or a more leisurely boat day.What time of year is best for fishing?
There's something to catch throughout the year, but the experience changes with the seasons.
May–December is particularly good for pelagic species, when anglers may encounter yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo, sailfish and even blue or black marlin.
January–April brings opportunities for species including snapper, grouper, jacks and tuna.
Your captain can recommend the best trip and target species based on current conditions.
Is there an option for families or first-time anglers?
Yes. You don't need to be an experienced angler to enjoy a fishing trip.
Shorter inshore trips are a great option for families and first-time fishermen, while serious anglers can book longer offshore excursions in search of larger game fish.
Our tip: If deep-sea fishing is high on your vacation list, reserve your charter in advance and schedule it toward the beginning of your stay. Ocean conditions can affect fishing trips, and this gives you some flexibility to reschedule if necessary.