Ponta Negra (lit. "Black Tip") is a famous beach and neighborhood located in the Brazilian city of Natal, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Located in the extreme south of the beach is the Morro do Careca (Bald Hill), a large dune and an iconic landmark of the city.
- Ponta Negra beach is about 4 km long.
- In the south end is Morro do Careca, the most famous landmark of Natal.
- Walking northwards, one first sees about 2km of av. Erivan Franca, crowded with bars, restaurants, hotels, party houses, small shopping galleries, etc; then, the avenue ends, and the next 2km have just a walk way, lined with small hotels and some small snack barrows.
- The beach is completely urbanized and there are several shops, restaurants, bars, night clubs, and hotels.
- The sand itself is lined with "tents", or huts, called "barracas" that serve food and drinks to beachgoers day and night.
- A common sight on the beach are "jangadas", simple, multicolored, local fishing boats typical of northeastern Brazil.
