Ultimate Guide to the 6 Best Towns North of Puerto Vallarta
Those who have been to PV have probably already fallen in love with authentic charm. But beyond the cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta lies the state of Nayarit. Just the name, Riviera Nayarit, conjures up daydreams for some who wish to visit its scenic shores and happy memories for others who have already laid witness to its incredible beauty. It’s a great place for day trips from Puerto Vallarta and even better for longer stays. Those who are familiar with the Mexican Pacific Coast may already know the hidden gems we are about to go over. Those who haven’t yet enjoyed Riviera Nayarit travel will love these idyllic towns just north of PV.
Exploring the Riviera Nayarit
Leaving Puerto Vallarta behind and entering the state of Nayarit, you’ll witness a much slower pace of life where the breaks in the rugged coastline open up to incredibly scenic beaches, some with small towns and villages. It’s a coastline known for its near-perfect surf breaks and is one of the best surfing spots in Mexico.
How to Get to Nayarit
Getting to Riviera Nayarit is relatively easy, and in fact, as soon as you leave the Puerto Vallarta airport and head north, you will technically cross over into the state of Nayarit. Most of these towns are within a 30- to 75-minute drive from the PV airport. You can easily take a bus or taxi via Highway 200, right from the airport. To take an Uber, you will need to exit the airport and walk out to the street.
The most budget-friendly way to travel to Nayarit is by taking the bus, but that will also take the longest. If money isn’t as much of an issue, then the quickest way is to arrange a taxi or Uber. Do some research online ahead of time to find out the more up-to-date prices and what you should actually be paying. Don’t arrange a taxi within the airport when you exit security, as they will charge you more than the ride is worth. Again, exit the airport and head out to the street to get the best deal.
1. Bucerías: The Town of Divers
Aside from Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias is the first town you will reach when you enter the state of Nayarit. It’s a great town with all the conveniences of Puerto Vallarta, but with a calmer atmosphere and a thriving expat community to go along with it. It is arguably the best family-friendly beach near Puerto Vallarta, and even though this once small town is growing fast, it still maintains a sense of that authentic Mexican charm.
While in Bucerias, don’t forget to check out one of the town’s most famous areas, ‘The Golden Zone.’ It’s popular for its art galleries and, in particular, the ‘Thursday Night Art Walk.’
Aside from the family-friendly experience, Bucerias is also known as one of the best spots in Mexico for wind sports, including kiteboarding.
Bucerias Hotels
2. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: The Sailor's Hub
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is just 10 minutes from Bucerias and is known as having the best seafood and Sunday markets in Nayarit. It is a nautical village that is completely centered around the world-class Marina Nayarit, where you will find the Fish Market (Mercado del Mar). Here you will find the catch of the morning, or "catch of the day," if you will.
Aside from fishing, the town is also home to one of the best beaches in Nayarit, Playa La Manzanilla, where you can rent tables and chairs for the day and buy fresh seafood dishes and beers.
On weekends, they host the La Cruz Sunday Market, where you can shop for organic food and handmade crafts.
Playa Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico
3. Punta Mita: Luxury & World-Class Surf
Though the two don’t typically mix, luxury travel and surfing in Punta de Mita is the ‘order of the day.’ The vibes? Think High-end gated resorts like the Four Seasons meet a dusty, surf village (Corral del Risco).
Playa Punta Mita is known for being the best beach in Nayarit, not only for its excellent swimming but also for its perfect surfing conditions, particularly for beginner surfers. There are surf lessons and board rentals directly at the beach if you care to try your hand at the sport. The beach also has a restaurant where you can order cold cervezas and fresh ceviche. There are vendors on the beach who will rent you tables, chairs, and umbrellas if you need them.
Another nearby beach is Playa La Lancha, but to reach it, you will need to drive or take a bus and then do the adventurous hike through a section of jungle and swamp where there are, in fact, crocodiles. This beach is also great for beginners, and it offers consistent longboarding waves.
Punta Mita is also a jump-off point for the Marietas Island tour to what might be the best beach in Mexico, if not the world, Playa del Amor. Here you will find a rocky island with a giant hole right in the centre, and inside is a pristine beach and swimming area.
Playa Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico
4. Sayulita: The Bohemian Heart
Sayulita is most certainly Mexico’s most famous "Pueblo Mágico" surf town, bringing in surfers from around the globe. It is a place that is known for its high energy, neon-colored flags, boutique shopping, and a world-famous surf culture
Of course, the main attraction is Playa Sayulita, but a short, scenic walk will take you to a more "relaxed" beach called Playa de los Muertos, where you can rent loungers and drink cocktails. Even more off the beaten path would be a hike through the jungle to one of several different beaches, including Playa Carricitos, Playa Malpaso, or Playa Patzcuarito.
Sayulita is also known for its art scene and its bohemian swagger. As such, it boasts many high-end boutiques with handmade clothing and Huichol art.
5. San Pancho (San Francisco): The Cultural Capital
San Pancho is a mere 10-minute drive from Sayulita and is the quieter, artsy alternative to Sayulita. With that, the town heavily focuses on a sense of community and emphasizes sustainability. Much like Sayulita, San Pancho is an artsy and colorful town, and walking its quaint streets, one will quickly see that this seaside escape is a fantastic place to spend your days.
While Sayulita is typically geared towards the younger crowd, San Pancho is quite the opposite and is home to plenty of retired expats looking for similar vibes but not quite so hectic. As such, there are many great restaurants and coffee shops to sit and watch the world go by.
Playa Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, México
6. Lo de Marcos: The "Old Mexico" Escape
Heading even further north, another 15 minutes brings you back in time to a place that is the epitome of ‘old Mexico’. It has been called the best hidden gem beach town north of Puerto Vallarta and is seemingly what Puerto Vallarta felt like 50 years ago. It has no high-rises, just cobblestone streets and a calm atmosphere.
Its beach, Playa Lo de Marcos, is quite scenic and features wide, golden sands and is often nearly empty. There is also a large lagoon where you can sometimes spot crocodiles.
