Okay, real talk: if you’re dreaming of a laid-back escape where jungle-covered mountains meet boho beach towns and the margaritas somehow taste better with sand in your shoes, Riviera Nayarit is that girl. Stretching along Mexico’s Pacific coast for nearly 200 miles, it’s got surf spots, sleepy fishing villages, swanky resorts, and wild, can’t-make-this-up sunsets that make you pull out your phone—even though no photo will do it justice. So whether you’re chasing waves, whales, or just tacos on the beach, here’s how to absolutely crush your first trip to this underrated gem.
Start in Nuevo Vallarta: The Beginner’s Beach Base
Nuevo Vallarta is kinda like training wheels for the rest of Riviera Nayarit. It’s clean, safe, resort-heavy, and just a 20-minute ride from the Puerto Vallarta airport (thank the travel gods). My first night here? I faceplanted in a plate of ceviche and lost my flip-flop in the surf at midnight—10/10 would do again. The vibe here is chill but polished: think yacht marinas, dolphin sanctuaries, and long, walkable beaches. Pro tip: The sunsets from the beach clubs? Literal fire. Order a michelada, sit your butt in the sand, and let the ocean do the rest.
Head North to Bucerías: Tacos, Art, and Unexpected Dance Battles
Now Bucerías… oof, this place stole my heart. It’s like Nuevo Vallarta’s artsy, slightly scruffier cousin. Cobblestone streets, rainbow-colored murals, and taco joints that will haunt your dreams in a good way. I walked into a tiny gallery here and somehow got roped into a salsa lesson with an 80-year-old abuela named Lola (she led, obviously). Bucerías is walkable, wildly friendly, and feels more “local” than touristy. Don’t miss the Thursday night art walk, where tequila flows like water and people just randomly burst into mariachi.
Surf’s Up in Sayulita: Boho Chaos with a Side of Waves
Ah, Sayulita. Where to even begin? It’s chaotic, colorful, completely unhinged—and absolutely magical. Picture dreadlocked surfers, crystal shops, taco stands that also sell mezcal shots, and the occasional rooster strutting through a café. The waves here are beginner-friendly, and yes, I got up on my board… for like three seconds before wiping out so hard I lost my bikini top. Anyway. There’s something magnetic about this place. Grab a hammock at Playa de los Muertos (yes, “Beach of the Dead,” and yes, it’s beautiful), buy overpriced but irresistible handmade bracelets, and embrace the beautiful mess.
Find Serenity in San Pancho: Sayulita’s Sleepier Sister
If Sayulita’s too much (and tbh, sometimes it is), scoot 10 minutes north to San Pancho, aka San Francisco, Nayarit. This town is pure vibes—less crowd, more soul. I swear I had the best mole of my life here from a food truck that only opens “when they feel like it.” You’ll find yoga studios, turtle sanctuaries, and a beach so wide and golden it feels like a movie set. Locals will greet you with a knowing smile, like, “Yeah, you get it now.” My tip? Hit the beach at golden hour with a cold Tecate and watch the pelicans do their low-flying swoop thing. Healing.
Take a Boat to the Marietas Islands: Hidden Beaches and Bird Drama
The Marietas Islands are those viral Instagram spots that actually live up to the hype. The infamous “Hidden Beach” is tucked inside a crater and only accessible by swimming through a tunnel—sounds sketchy, feels surreal. I definitely swallowed half the Pacific trying to get in, but the reward? A private beach that feels like Atlantis. Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies (yes, they’re real, and yes, they’re adorable), and pack biodegradable sunscreen. These islands are protected AF, and rightfully so.
Chill Out in Lo de Marcos: Peace, Palapas, and Zero Plans
Lo de Marcos is for when your soul says, “No more group tours, Karen.” There’s basically one main road, a sleepy beach, and a whole lot of nothing to do—which is the point. I stayed in a $25/night bungalow with no Wi-Fi and ended up having a deeply philosophical conversation with a stray dog. Lo de Marcos is pure small-town Mexico. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a local rodeo or an impromptu music night in the plaza. Otherwise, just grab a coconut from the guy with the machete and vibe.
Whale Watching in Punta Mita: Bougie but Worth It
Okay, I was fully ready to hate on Punta Mita. It’s bougie, gated, and full of golf carts and people who say “ex-pat” a lot. But I’ll admit it—it won me over. Especially if you’re here between December and March, when the humpback whales show up like clockwork. I saw a mama whale breach like 30 feet from our boat and sobbed into my complimentary coconut water. Even if you’re not staying in a five-star resort, you can still get a taste: the public beach at El Anclote is lovely, and the fish tacos there? Sinful.
Day Trip to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: Marina Chic Meets Fish Market Grit
La Cruz, as locals call it, is kind of a shape-shifter. On one hand, it’s got a sleek marina and rooftop bars with champagne sangria (tried it, weirdly amazing). On the other, it’s home to one of the best damn fish markets I’ve ever wandered into. I once ordered grilled octopus from a beach shack that didn’t even have a menu and almost proposed to the chef. Sundays bring the big organic market where you can buy goat cheese, local honey, and maybe a hand-carved ukulele if the mood strikes. Good mix of gringo energy and old-school charm.
The Jungle Calls: Alta Vista Petroglyphs
Time to go Indiana Jones. The Altavista petroglyphs are an ancient collection of carvings scattered throughout the jungle near Las Varas. It’s a hot, sweaty hike through thick greenery, but the moment you spot those spirals and animal shapes etched into stone by the Tecoxquin people? Chills. Actual, spiritual chills. I got lost for 45 minutes and befriended a machete-wielding local who guided me back to the trail. Bring bug spray. Bring snacks. Bring respect—this place is sacred.
Catch Sunset in Chacala: Hidden Gem Status = Confirmed
Chacala is where you go when you want Riviera Nayarit all to yourself. It’s small, quiet, and feels a bit like the Mexico your grandma talks about. I arrived here on a whim, rented a kayak from a teen named Diego, and paddled into a glowing sunset that made me believe in reincarnation. The beach is curved like a hug, the seafood is ridiculously fresh, and there’s a tiny beachfront library where you can swap books. Tell no one. Or tell everyone. I’m conflicted.
Final Tips from a Very Sunburned Traveler:
- Pack everything you think you’ll need—then remove half. You’ll live in swimsuits, flip-flops, and a tank top you’ll spill salsa on, I promise.
- Say “buen provecho” when you walk by someone eating. It’s local slang for “enjoy your meal,” and it’ll make you instant friends.
- Skip the fancy tours. Just take the collectivo (those wild shared vans) and chat with locals—they’ll point you toward the good stuff.
- Don’t over-plan. This isn’t Europe. The magic here is in the slow, in the wandering, in the weird.
So yeah, if Riviera Nayarit isn’t on your list, fix that. Pack light. Stay curious. And never turn down a taco.
And if you lose your flip-flop in the surf? Congrats, you’re doing it right.
