By Shannon Gomes
Sayulita is a small coastal town located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, in the state of Nayarit, just 1 hour north of Puerto Vallarta. Known for its beaches, surf culture and laid-back hippie vibe, Sayulita continues to gain popularity with visitors from all over the world. ✌️
👉 Plan to spend at least 3-5 days (or more!) in Sayulita.
🛂 Make sure your passport is up-to-date as you’ll need it for entering/exiting Mexico.
✈️ Fly in/out of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport.
🚗 Best way to get to Sayulita from the PV airport (1 hour drive north) is via taxi or Uber. No need to rent a car, unless you plan an exploring other areas in the region. You can book a driver in advance who will greet you in the airport or wait in the taxi/Uber line at the airport. Most drivers take credit card payments but it’s smart to have some pesos on hand for cash only drivers and tipping.
🏠 There are a handful of boutique hotels in Sayulita (no big chains or resorts) but I recommend booking a place to stay via SayulitaLife.com or through Airbnb/VRBO. Many locations have their own pools, and places on the hill have some spectacular views of the ocean.
🚶🏻♀️The main method of transportation in Sayulita is either by foot or golf cart. Yes, golf carts are all the rage throughout town and the easiest way to get around. You can rent them by the day or week at several locations. You’ll notice the locals love to decorate their carts with lots of festive flair!
🏄♀️ Sayulita is definitely a surf town and if you’ve never surfed before, this is the trip to try it! There are several companies that rent gear and offer surf lessons in town, but I recommend WildMex Surf & Adventure (Sayulita). The main beach, Playa Sayulita, is the perfect place to learn how to shred! 🤙
Must visit spots in Sayulita:
🔹Sayulita Plaza: The town square in the heart of town is surrounded by colorful buildings, shops, and restaurants. Sink into “chill” mode as you wander around town, enjoy the people watching & street performers, visit the boutiques, and eat delicious street food.
🔹Playa de los Muertos, located just south of the main beach in Sayulita, is a picturesque beach for those seeking a tranquil spot and more secluded beach experience. One of the unique features is the small cemetery at the southern end of the beach, a reflection of local culture and traditions. If you are into snorkeling, there are lots of vibrant corals and abundant marine diversity.
🔹 Mercado del Pueblo: Weekly farmer’s market that takes place every Friday in the main square where you can find fresh produce, local crafts and artwork.
🐴 Ready for an adventure in the jungle? Rancho MiChaparrita offers awesome 4×4 tours, zip lining and horseback riding adventures through the jungle to the beach. Fun for the entire family!
⚓️ If you are staying in Sayulita for a week, you must spend one day in a boat on the ocean. You can either spend a day of fun with Chica Locca Tours day trip or I highly recommend booking (in advance) a trip out to the incredible Marietas Islands. These uninhabited islands are known for their unique rock formations, hidden beaches, and abundant marine life. The snorkeling is phenomenal too! There are several tour companies you can book through but I recommend WildMex Surf & Adventure.
☕️ Need a great cup of coffee to start the day and a tasty breakfast? Look no further than the hip Yah-Yah Café & Friends.
🌮 Oh, the local food! Sayulita has such delicious food, and the birria tacos & churros I’ve ever had (both from nighttime street cart vendors). Restaurants not to miss include Elitacate, Mary’s , and La Rustica Pizzeria (yes, pizza!). Be sure to get street tacos from Tacos al pastor Tal Ivan, that has 2 locations and is open from 5pm-midnight and you can’t miss the Birria Patty taco stand (best ever!). And if you can find the local churro cart over the main bridge after dark, let’s just say you will have stumbled upon the best dessert ever. 🙌
🍹Sayulita is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. Here are some great bars to visit:
🔹El Patio Beach Club
🔹Cocos Beach Bar
🔹La Terrazola
🔹 Don Pato
🔹 El Break Cafe & Bar
Besides packing your swimsuit, flip flops and sunglasses, all you need upon arrival in Sayulita is a laid-back attitude so you can quickly adjust to the local pace and friendly mentality. Sayulita is the exact opposite of the all-inclusive, big hotel experience in Mexico. Once you sink into it’s incredible charm and magic, you’ll quickly see why Sayulita is a must-visit location . ✨
