Sleepy San Blas’s entertainment is of the local, informal variety. Visitors content themselves with strolling the beach or riding the waves by day, and reading, watching TV, listening to mariachis, or dancing at a handful of clubs by night.

Owner/manager Mike McDonald works hard to keep Mike’s Place (Juárez 36), on the second floor of his family’s restaurant, the classiest club in town. He keeps the lights flashing and the small dance floor thumping with blues, Latin, and 1960s rock tunes from his own guitar, accompanied by his equally excellent drum and electronic-piano partners. Listen to live music Saturday nights 9 p.m.–midnight during the summer low season, and Tuesday–Saturday during the fall–winter high season. He usually charges a small cover; drinks are reasonably priced.

Another good option (and a good spot to meet people) is the San Blas Social Club bar, which sometimes offers jazz in season. Check it out at the northeast plaza corner, across the street from Cha Cha’s restaurant. A few other places require nothing more than your ears to find. During high season music booms out of low-life Botanas Herredor (down H. Batallón, a block past the Motel Marino). The same is true seasonally at the bar at the Hotel Bucanero (Calle Juárez 75, tel. 323/285-0101).