Sayulita’s unique charm fascinates travelers year after year, making it one of the world’s most beloved spots. This pocket-sized village draws boho travelers with its vibrant energy where jungle, mountains, and the peaceful Pacific join.
The town takes just an hour to walk through, yet most visitors stay 3 to 7 days to experience Sayulita Mexico’s magic. Travelers can surf at Mexico’s top surf spots or relax on Sayulita Nayarit’s beautiful beaches. The weather stays perfect between November and May, with temperatures ranging from 62 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
Puerto Vallarta serves as a gateway for many visitors, thanks to its quick 2.5-hour flight from Los Angeles. Others choose Sayulita as their main destination. The town offers endless activities, from its four walkable beaches to over 100 restaurants that keep visitors entertained. Sayulita’s location makes it an ideal base to explore Mexico’s stunning region, with places like San Pancho just a 15-minute bus ride away.
Table of Contents
- 1 Where to Stay in Sayulita: Local Picks
- 2 Top Beaches to Visit in Sayulita
- 3 Best Things to Do in Sayulita Mexico
- 4 Where to Eat and Drink Like a Local
- 5 Day Trips and Hidden Gems Around Sayulita
- 6 Conclusion
- 7 Here are some FAQ s about things to do in Sayulita:
- 7.1 Is Sayulita still worth visiting?
- 7.2 What can you do in Sayulita?
- 7.3 Is Sayulita queer friendly?
- 7.4 Why is Sayulita so popular?
- 7.5 Is Sayulita safe from the cartel?
- 7.6 Is Sayulita a hippie town?
- 7.7 Is Sayulita better than Puerto Vallarta?
- 7.8 Is Sayulita cash only?
- 7.9 Is Sayulita safe to walk around?
Where to Stay in Sayulita: Local Picks
The best things to do in Sayulita start with picking the right place to stay. This charming surf town has something for everyone – you’ll find everything from luxury boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels that match your taste and budget.
Top boutique hotels for couples
Sayulita’s boutique hotels create the perfect backdrop to romantic getaways with their charm and amenities. Don Bonito stands out as the most photogenic spot in town, with a cozy pool and great early booking rates. Casa Selva gives couples a luxury tropical escape with its well-laid-out bungalows just steps from a peaceful beach.
Distrito 88 welcomes adults exclusively with bright, spacious rooms and ocean views throughout. The location hits the sweet spot – peaceful surroundings just minutes away from both Playa Sayulita and Playa Los Muertos.
Amor Boutique Hotel sits in a safe, charming seaside area of Sayulita and delivers beachfront villas with outstanding service. The hotel’s newly designed ocean view luxury villas make it truly special.
Best beachfront stays for families
Families searching for beachfront spots have excellent choices. La Esquina comes with fully equipped condos that feature kitchens, dining spaces, and stunning ocean-view balconies. The condos accommodate up to four people, making them ideal for family trips.
Hotel Vista Oceana delivers great value with its beachfront spot right in town. The central location means easy access to everything, though nearby beach bars might get lively.
Casa Loteria Sayulita ranks among the top family hotels with an impressive 4.8/5 traveler rating. Hotelito Los Sueños attracts families with its free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, and prime location just 656 feet from the beach.
Budget travelers will love Sayulita’s hostel scene. La Redonda Hostel claims the best spot among hostels – just 100 meters from the beach. The distinctive round building features dorm rooms, private palapas, and a social vibe with open hangout areas.
Viajero Sayulita Hostel brings something new with a pool that outshines other hostels nearby. Daily social activities and private room options make it versatile. ITH Sayulita Amazing Surf Hostel earns stellar reviews (9.9/10) for its location, cleanliness, and friendly atmosphere.
Female travelers can check out My Sisters House, a women-only hostel that offers donation-based rooftop yoga classes.
Hidden Airbnbs with a view
Privacy seekers will discover amazing hidden gems among Sayulita’s Airbnbs. Villa Kiwi combines three separate houses within a secure walled compound – perfect for large groups. The beach lies just three minutes away, and the plaza takes only four minutes to reach.
Ocean view rentals draw lots of attention with private pools and breathtaking vistas. Some beachfront villas even include a chef who prepares breakfast and lunch daily. Treehouse-style stays put you at eye level with local birds while providing modern comforts.
Family-friendly Airbnbs come packed with perks kids love – toys, games, and playgrounds. Parents appreciate extras like hot tubs and ocean views too.
Top Beaches to Visit in Sayulita
Sayulita’s coastline has some of the most beautiful beaches in Nayarit. Each beach has its own character and charm. Learning about these hidden gems is one of the best things to do in Sayulita Mexico if you want both relaxation and adventure.
Playa Los Muertos: A local favorite
The name might sound spooky (“Beach of the Dead”), but Playa Los Muertos is a favorite swimming spot among Sayulita locals. You’ll find this beach just a 10-15 minute walk south from the main beach. Mexican families love this protected cove because it’s safer to swim. The beach got its name from the colorful cemetery you’ll pass on your way there, which adds a unique cultural touch to your beach visit.
Big rocks protect both sides of the cove, so the waves are smaller and safer than other nearby beaches. The beach is perfect for families with kids because of its sheltered location and a roped-off area that keeps fishing boats away.
You can rent chairs and umbrellas for 300 pesos per day. Local vendors walk the beach selling everything from oysters to shrimp skewers. This beach gives you the perfect mix of convenience and natural beauty without the main beach’s crowds.
Carricitos Beach for sunset views
Carricitos Beach has the best sunset views in Sayulita. The beach sits about 2km east of town, and you’ll need to hike 20-30 minutes through beautiful jungle paths to reach it. This keeps the crowds away. Your reward is a pristine crescent of golden and volcanic black sand that creates amazing patterns.
Carricitos stands out because it faces west without any obstacles, making it the best spot to watch sunsets during winter and spring when you can’t see them from the main beach. The waves crash against impressive rocks, creating perfect photo opportunities as the day ends.
The waves and currents are strong here, so swim with extreme caution. The beach’s untouched beauty and quiet atmosphere make it great for escaping tourist crowds. Locals come here to ride boogie boards or light bonfires in the evening.
Malpaso Beach: Off the beaten path
Adventure seekers will love Malpaso Beach, a mile-long stretch of untouched coastline that runs from Sayulita’s north end to San Pancho’s southern edge. You’ll need to take a moderate jungle hike from the northern part of Sayulita’s main beach to get there.
The trail itself is part of the adventure and offers amazing coastal views before opening onto a long, wild beach with arid jungle behind it. Malpaso’s remote location means no hotels, restaurants, or beach vendors disturb its natural setting.
Pacific rip currents make swimming here dangerous. People come here to find solitude, look for shells, and connect with nature. If you explore enough, you might find a large rock with a hidden cave that leads to another cove.
Patzcuarito: The quietest escape
Patzcuarito Beach is the most peaceful of Sayulita’s beaches. This quiet cove sits just past Patzcuaro, surrounded by green jungle and natural rock formations. The water is crystal-clear, which makes it great for snorkeling, and its distance from town keeps it peaceful.
Getting to Patzcuarito takes some effort – it’s about a 40-minute walk from downtown Sayulita, or you can drive part way and hike the rest through jungle trails. The beach isn’t huge, stretching about half a mile, but its beauty makes up for its size.
Patzcuarito’s unique mix of golden and black volcanic sand creates a stunning shoreline you won’t find anywhere else nearby. The calm atmosphere makes it perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, and having a picnic by the ocean.
Each of these beaches shows a different side of the natural beauty that makes Sayulita Nayarit such an amazing place to visit.
Best Things to Do in Sayulita Mexico
Sayulita draws adventure lovers with its perfect mix of surf culture, natural beauty, and artistic charm. The things to do in Sayulita go beyond beaches and places to stay. These experiences make travelers come back again and again.
Learn to surf on Sayulita Beach
Your first wave will be one of the most memorable things to do in Sayulita Mexico. WildMex Surf School sits right by the main beach and teaches beginners on a gentle sandbar that’s perfect for learning. Their 1.5-hour group lessons keep a maximum of four students per instructor to give everyone proper attention.
WildMex makes it special for families by having just two kids (ages 5-10) per instructor. Vida Surf Sayulita runs both private one-on-one and group classes. Students get quick beach training before they hit the waves. Most people can stand and ride waves after their first lesson.
Take a boat trip to Marieta Islands
The Marieta Islands trip ranks high among the best things to do in Sayulita. ChicaLocca Tours runs full-day trips on yachts equipped with water slides. These all-in packages come with paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and water tubing.
Swimming through a cave to reach the hidden “Playa la Nopalera” amazes most visitors. The tours include meals and premium drinks all day. The 30-minute boat ride often brings sightings of dolphins, whales (in winter), and turtles.
Join a jungle ATV or horseback tour
ATV tours through Sierra Madre mountains give thrill-seekers an exciting way to see Sayulita Nayarit. These rides take you on rough dirt roads to lookout points with amazing bay views.
Rancho Mi Chula’s horseback rides give everyone a more traditional way to explore. Their guides lead you through thick jungle to white sand beaches. The sunset rides feel magical as you watch the sun sink into the ocean.
Explore Sayulita’s street art and flag street
Sayulita’s artistic soul comes alive in its colorful murals across town. You can rent a golf cart to see the distant spots or walk through the village to find striking street art. “Selfie Street” stands out with its cobblestone path and rainbow flags hanging above.
The “Sayulita Te Ama” (Sayulita Loves You) mural makes for great photos. Each piece tells its own story, from the whale at Casa de la Ballena to the new artwork at the Primary School.
Try a yoga class or wellness retreat
Round off your Sayulita MX stay with wellness activities that match the relaxed surf culture. Hotelito Los Sueños runs morning yoga classes for about 200 pesos (USD 10) per session.
Haramara Retreat takes yoga to another level with seaside classes in beautiful pavilions topped with thatched roofs. La Joya, a newer wellness spot, welcomes day visitors to use their hydrotherapy spa, beachside gym, and oceanfront restaurant.
Where to Eat and Drink Like a Local
Learning about Sayulita’s food scene shows why eating here becomes one of the most memorable things to do in Sayulita Mexico. Local food spots serve authentic flavors everywhere you look, from fresh seafood to morning coffee spots.
Best fish tacos at Mary’s
Mary’s Traditional Mexican Cuisine serves what locals call the best fish tacos around. Their famous Sayulita Taco comes loaded with grilled shrimp, cheese, avocados, and poblano pepper slices. Locals suggest trying these tacos with the black chili oil that sits on every table – it tastes almost like Sichuan-style sauce. The massive empanadas here deserve special mention too. These deep-fried treats look like folded burrito blankets and taste amazing.
Seafood molcajete at Barracuda
Barracuda Cocina del Mar stands as one of Sayulita’s best seafood spots, just a 10-minute walk from downtown. The signature seafood molcajete arrives at your table like a bubbling volcanic cauldron. It brims with giant prawns, octopus, arrachera steak, bacon-wrapped peppers, and queso in rich sauce. Sunday evenings become extra special here with El Garrobo y La Cuiza playing live music from 7-10 PM.
Brunch at Yah Yah or Anchor Cafe
Yah Yah Café serves beautiful cappuccinos with artistic designs like mandalas, flowers, and animals. This cool spot keeps laptops away so guests can relax completely. Anchor Cafe takes a different approach with its organic menu. You’ll find treats like banana bread French toast and nutrient-rich smoothie bowls. Digital nomads love this place for its strong WiFi connection during breakfast hours.
Tequila tasting and mezcal bars
CAVA shines as the go-to place for tequila and mezcal lovers. The bartenders, including Victor, know their tequilas inside out. Happy hour runs daily from 3-6 PM with 2-for-1 deals on drinks. The mezcal margaritas and tequila Palomas made with fresh grapefruit juice taste incredible.
Street food and night market snacks
Gabi’s serves perfectly crispy mahi mahi fish tacos topped with lettuce, cabbage, and pico de gallo. The Friday mercado del pueblo brings temporary food vendors selling paella and choripan (chorizo sandwiches). A small churro stand appears near the bridge around 4-5 PM each day. These fresh churros come with cinnamon or dulce de leche toppings that taste heavenly.
Day Trips and Hidden Gems Around Sayulita
Sayulita Nayarit has its own charm, but the surrounding areas offer amazing experiences that are worth the trip. These nearby spots add perfectly to your list of things to do in Sayulita.
Hike to Monkey Mountain
Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain) gives hikers stunning 360-degree views of Sayulita, Marietas Islands, Punta Mita and the coastline. The challenging 4-mile roundtrip starts from Higuera Blanca and climbs about 1,050 feet. Most of the trail stays moderate, but the last part needs you to scramble over boulders. This part isn’t safe for young kids. The best time to hike is between November and April. Start early in the morning to beat the tropical heat.
Visit San Pancho for a slower pace
San Pancho (officially San Francisco) sits just 10 minutes north of Sayulita and moves at a much slower pace. This sweet village has art galleries, restaurants and one-of-a-kind shops. The central plaza shows off bright murals that tell local stories. The beach here has bigger waves that crash hard on shore. Swimming isn’t great, but experienced surfers love the challenging conditions.
Explore Lo de Marcos and its murals
Lo de Marcos sits 11 miles (18km) from Sayulita and gives you a peaceful break from the busier beach towns. The town square features a colorful pagoda painted in bright pink, turquoise and yellow. Beautiful street murals dot the town. El Vinatero adds to the fun with wine tasting and live music every Monday and Wednesday night. The Saturday Tianguis (market) runs from 9am-2pm between December and March.
Surf at La Lancha or Stinky’s
La Lancha stands 15 minutes from Sayulita as the area’s most reliable surf spot. A 15-minute walk through the jungle leads to white sand beaches with waves for everyone. You’ll find a left break right in front and a beautiful A-frame to the right. Stinky’s in Punta Mita works best when the tide is low during big north or south swells. The reef/sand bottom makes it dangerous for beginners at low tide.
Attend a turtle release or local market
Baby sea turtles begin their ocean trip during release events from October through December. These sunset releases happen around 6:30pm and help conservation efforts. The program has helped more than 260,000 newborn turtles reach the sea. The Sayulita Farmers Market (Mercado del Pueblo) runs every Friday from November through April. Local vendors sell organic produce, artisan foods and handmade jewelry. Live music plays while the market supports local environmental projects.
Conclusion
Sayulita blends adventure, relaxation, and authentic Mexican experiences perfectly for every type of traveler. This bohemian paradise keeps its small-town charm while offering world-class attractions along its colorful streets and pristine coastlines.
Beach lovers, surfers, foodies, and adventure seekers return to this magical destination year after year. The town’s four distinct beaches create unique experiences. Los Muertos provides family-friendly protected waters, while Malpaso showcases wild, untamed beauty.
The town caters to all travel priorities. Visitors can choose between boutique luxury at places like Don Bonito or budget-friendly stays at La Redonda Hostel. The culinary scene is a highlight, with Mary’s fish tacos and Barracuda’s seafood molcajete just a taste of the amazing dishes waiting for hungry visitors.
Time flies between surfing lessons, yoga sessions, jungle excursions, and sunset beach walks. The nights come alive with street activities, tequila tastings, and freshly made churros that create memories lasting well beyond faded tan lines.
Day trips to San Pancho, Monkey Mountain, and the Marieta Islands showcase Nayarit’s coastline’s broader beauty. Visitors should plan enough time – the typical 3 to 7-day stay disappears quickly.
The town takes just an hour to walk through, but this Pacific coast gem deserves more time to experience fully. The friendly locals, delicious food, stunning natural beauty, and relaxed atmosphere create a destination that steals hearts. Visitors keep coming back to Sayulita, one of Mexico’s most enchanting coastal treasures, ready to share its magic with lucky travelers.
Here are some FAQ s about things to do in Sayulita:
Is Sayulita still worth visiting?
Sayulita remains absolutely worth visiting for its charming blend of bohemian vibes and beautiful beaches. The town offers plenty of things to do in Sayulita Mexico, from surfing lessons to exploring vibrant street art. While it has grown more popular over the years, it still maintains its authentic Mexican beach town charm that first attracted visitors.
What can you do in Sayulita?
There are countless things to do in Sayulita that cater to all types of travelers. You can take surfing lessons at the main beach, go horseback riding through the jungle, or browse the colorful artisan markets. For those looking for the best things to do in Sayulita, don’t miss the sunset paddleboarding tours or the delicious food tours through town.
Is Sayulita queer friendly?
Sayulita has developed a reputation as being quite welcoming to LGBTQ+ visitors over the years. While it’s not as openly queer as some larger destinations, you’ll find rainbow flags at many businesses and a generally accepting attitude. The things to do in Sayulita MX include several queer-friendly beach clubs and bars that host special events throughout the year.
Why is Sayulita so popular?
Sayulita’s popularity stems from its perfect combination of beautiful beaches, surf culture, and vibrant arts scene. The best things to do in Sayulita often revolve around its laid-back yet lively atmosphere that appeals to both families and young travelers. Its proximity to Puerto Vallarta airport while maintaining a small-town feel makes it an ideal getaway destination.
Is Sayulita safe from the cartel?
Sayulita has remained relatively safe from cartel activity compared to other parts of Mexico, focusing instead on tourism. When enjoying things to do in Sayulita with kids or exploring the town, visitors typically only need to practice normal travel precautions. The local economy depends heavily on tourism, which helps maintain a peaceful environment in the area.
Is Sayulita a hippie town?
Sayulita definitely retains much of its hippie roots despite recent development and tourism growth. You’ll still find organic cafes, yoga studios, and artisan markets among the things to do in Sayulita Mexico. The town’s bohemian spirit lives on through its street art, live music scene, and eco-conscious businesses that give it that hippie charm.
Is Sayulita better than Puerto Vallarta?
Whether Sayulita is better than Puerto Vallarta depends on what kind of experience you’re seeking. For those wanting things to do in Sayulita MX that are more low-key and bohemian, Sayulita wins with its smaller scale and surf-town vibe. Puerto Vallarta offers more urban amenities and nightlife options that some travelers might prefer.
Is Sayulita cash only?
While many businesses in Sayulita do accept credit cards, it’s always good to carry some cash for smaller establishments and tips. Among the things to do in Sayulita with kids, you’ll find some beach vendors and market stalls that are cash-only operations. There are several ATMs in town, but they sometimes run out of bills during peak seasons.
Is Sayulita safe to walk around?
Sayulita is generally safe to walk around, especially in the main tourist areas during daylight hours. When enjoying things to do in Sayulita at night, stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups when possible. Like any tourist destination, basic precautions about valuables and awareness of your surroundings will ensure a safe experience.