Places to explore in…
Nayarit
Cobblestone Surf Cities
Sayulita is where surf culture meets boho chic. This colorful beach town is full of character—narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant murals, artisan markets, and a seemingly endless lineup of taco spots, smoothie bars, and mezcalerías. Whether you're catching a wave, browsing handmade jewelry, or dancing barefoot to live music, Sayulita is a vibe. Stay for the sunset on the main beach and soak in the mix of locals, expats, and travelers from all walks of life.
Just south of the Nayarit border in Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a perfect day trip or base for exploring both states. Its charming old town (Zona Romántica) is packed with cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and a buzzing malecón (boardwalk) with ocean views and street performers. Puerto Vallarta offers the best of both worlds: cultural depth and modern comfort. Take time to explore its art galleries, eat at a seaside café, or hop on a boat to nearby beaches like Yelapa or Las Animas.
With its wide, soft-sand beaches and gentle waves, Nuevo Nayarit (formerly known as Nuevo Vallarta) is the perfect spot for a chill beach day. Lined with resorts and private condos, it’s quieter and less commercial than neighboring tourist hubs, but still offers great beach clubs, kayaking, jet skiing, and long walks by the water.
Land & Sea
Long before it became a tourist destination, Punta de Mita was sacred ground for the Huichol people, who believed the peninsula marked a spiritual gateway between land and sea. Today, remnants of this history still echo through the region’s quiet fishing villages and jungle-covered hills. The area is home to lush tropical forests filled with iguanas, coatis, and colorful birds, and you’ll often see fishermen casting nets from the shore at dawn.
Just offshore from Punta de Mita lies the Marietas Islands, a national park best known for the surreal Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor), a collapsed cave with a secret beach inside. You’ll need to book a guided tour but even if you don’t enter the cave, snorkeling around the island is spectacular — teeming with marine life, volcanic rock formations, and tropical birds.