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Stretch of the San Palmar river in the community of Los Picachos, Villa de Álvarez, with clear water among hills and trees. It is known as the only free-access swimming spot in the state, with restrooms, food stalls and camping space. Every holiday season the municipality sets up the Inclusive River, with a ramp and platforms so people with disabilities can enter the water.

A gigantic rock monolith, about 1,466 meters above sea level, visible from much of the Colima valley and surrounded by legends, among them that of King Colimán's tomb. A mountain trail leads up from the spot known as La Herradura, in Juluapan. It is a long, steep walk, hard but not especially dangerous, rewarded with one of the best views of the valley.

Saturday-morning market in Las Tunas on Tabachín street. Stalls with fruit, vegetables, groceries, clothing and household goods. A mid-sized neighborhood market with a family atmosphere and plenty of customers from nearby districts.

Saturday-evening market in Villa Izcalli on Almolli street. It sets up mid-afternoon and runs into the night, with clothes, food, fruit and vegetables and household goods. A relaxed Saturday outing for local families.

Wednesday-evening neighborhood market in Senderos del Carmen. Set up in the afternoon, it is handy for after-work shopping: fruit, vegetables, clothes and prepared food in a quiet residential setting.

Monday-morning neighborhood market in the Alfredo V. Bonfil district of Villa de Álvarez. One of the municipality's everyday-staples tianguis: fruit, vegetable, meat and grocery stalls, plus clothing and household goods, with a relaxed local feel.

Saturday-morning neighborhood market on Francisco M. Méndez street in Ramón Serrano. A staples market with fruit, vegetables, meat and groceries, plus clothing and household goods, popular with locals for the weekend shop.

Protected natural area of about 94 hectares inside the Colima–Villa de Álvarez metropolitan zone. It has trails through tropical dry forest and gallery forest, picnic areas, open lawns and outdoor event spaces. It includes the Ethnobiological Garden, with collections of useful plants, and is a good spot for walking, birdwatching and stargazing.

Thursday neighborhood market on Salvador Pérez street in Rancho Blanco. It covers weekly basics such as fruit, vegetables and groceries, plus clothing and household items. A simple local market used mostly by neighbors.

Every December the Sunday Villa market turns into a big Christmas expo in front of the University of Colima sports center. Expect clothing, toys, seasonal fruit and vegetables, plus street food such as tacos, carnitas, gorditas, aguas frescas and tejuino. Open until midnight, with security patrols and parking.