El Zocalo, also known as Plaza de Armas.. The heart-beat of the city centers around the central square and one of the oldest park of its kind in all of Mexico. Its a popular place, in the evenings the park is usually very busy as people congregate at tables outside of the bar / cafes' on the plaza. In addition to food and drink, there is plenty to entertain ones other senses.. Hundreds of people strolling about, musicians of many types, clowns, dancers and vendors of all types..

Just a bit after dark, most evening there is free entertainment of some sort sponsered by the city government.. The most well known being the traditional dance numbers by costumed performers known as DANZON.. Plan to spend some time here during your visit to the area. You'll like it..  

DAYTIME..  http://www.slide.com/r/gPbN3zPbrD9oA4BRmVEuKLyG8n-WXUS8

EVENINGS..   http://www.slide.com/r/cH8o-hp-5j_xU9AMXF8C23tlge4jabzU 

Beaches / Playas in Veracruz and Boca del Rio.. You'll not find the same, pristine beaches as located at Cancun..  ( " but doesn't seem to bother the locals too much " )

http://www.slide.com/r/6rm2BlMH4T8XOv4u7u861u0T_fOfyQNp

Fortress San Juan de Ulua..  http://www.slide.com/r/rByEQY4B2T-u5x03oJdYRF_F5dX6Y62M 

Article about the fort.. http://groups.msn.com/VERACRUZ-COMbyJONW/sanjuandeulua.msnw

Baluarte de Santiago.. easy to visit.. just couple blocks off the Malcon.. This bulwark is the only remaining section of the extensive military wall that was built in 17th century after the entire city was pillaged by the pirate Lorencillo.. The fortress houses a historical museum with the "Fisherman's Jewels". The collection consists of several pieces of pre-Columbian jewelry that was found by a fisherman in 1976 near La Antigua.. Address: At Fco. Canal between Gómez Farías and 16 de Septiembre.. closed Mondays.

http://www.slide.com/r/RBYURr40wD8zpX0WLG6lS8UVkNj_WBMu