I first fell in love with Sayulita during a spontaneous getaway. It involved me, a backpack, a dating app match, and a small red scooter ride up the coast from Puerto Vallarta to spend a weekend in a simple bungalow. During the day, we enjoyed watching surfers ride the waves offshore while snacking on fresh fish tacos. As evening approached, we admired the vibrant sunset painting the sky with fiery colors, followed by a visit to the main square for live music. For me, Sayulita has always evoked a sense of romance, faraway places, and fleeting moments.
This small beachfront town in Mexico looks quite different today, having experienced significant growth. Evolving from its roots as a fishing and ranching community to a hidden surfing gem and now a lively bohemian haven, Sayulita is no longer a sleepy village.
“The bohemian, expat surfer atmosphere is liberating and enjoyable. The local community is constantly evolving from fishermen and ranchers to expat artists, surfers, and digital nomads,” explains Zach Rabinor, CEO of Journey Mexico and a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor. “Locals are laid-back, friendly, and welcoming. The food is fantastic and authentic. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed bohemian chic, flip-flop, surf environment.”
While Sayulita’s aesthetic now leans towards high-end minimalist chic, you can still find remnants of its carefree, backpacker vibe, as well as its fishing village heritage.
Top 5 Must-Experience Activities in Sayulita
- Aurinko Bungalows: Experience Sayulita’s classic surf culture with an unbeatable location and on-site yoga.
- Surfing: Surfing is central to Sayulita’s identity, as are the sea and sand. With waves for all skill levels, everyone can find their perfect ride.
- Bichos Tacos: Don’t miss the brisket tacos at Bichos before enjoying salsa night at Don Pedro’s Restaurant & Bar.
- Evoke the Spirit: Take home a unique yarn-painted skull from Evoke the Spirit.
- Whale Watching: Visit between December and April for the chance to witness magnificent humpback whales.
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Courtesy of Playa Escondida Sayulita
Best Hotels and Resorts in Sayulita
Playa Escondida
Playa Escondida is a secluded, eco-friendly resort nestled on a tranquil, jungle-covered beach, just a short walk from Sayulita’s bustling center. This relaxed hotel prioritizes wellness, gastronomy, and outdoor activities. “Secluded, yet conveniently located to access Sayulita’s restaurants, shops, and nightlife,” notes Rabinor. And yes, if it seems familiar, it’s the hotel featured in Bachelor in Paradise.
Villa Amor
Villa Amor offers a collection of one, two, and three-bedroom villas overlooking Sayulita’s beach and the Pacific Ocean. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, a yoga studio, and a two-tiered swimming pool. “Villa Amor is located on the edge of town, offering relative tranquility and panoramic views of the bay, village, and the northern Nayarit coast,” says Rabinor.
El Pueblito Sayulita
The enchantment of Sayulita often makes visitors want to stay indefinitely. Fortunately, El Pueblito Sayulita is perfectly suited for extended stays, with rooms designed like homes, featuring comfortable living areas and kitchenettes. This colorful, Mexican-owned boutique hotel is equipped with everything travelers need for a wonderful stay: an on-site restaurant, a pool, and a prime location in front of one of Sayulita’s best surfing beaches.
Casablanca Sayulita Hotel
Thatched palapa roofs, Jacuzzis, and lush tropical foliage define the ambiance of this 14-villa boutique hotel. Casablanca Sayulita is situated on the north end of Sayulita, within walking distance of town, offering a beachfront location and a peaceful atmosphere. Guests appreciate the heated pool, rooftop terrace, and charcoal grills.
Aurinko Bungalows
Perhaps the best value you’ll find in Sayulita is Aurinko Bungalows. Here, a collection of charming rooms with outdoor kitchens and patios is located just a block from the beach. This has been my preferred surfer-style accommodation in Sayulita for the past decade, thanks to its excellent location, thoughtful design, and affordable rates. (Rooms start at $90 in high season, a remarkable deal.)
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Nik West/Getty Images
Best Things to Do in Sayulita
Surfing Adventures
Sayulita’s origins are deeply rooted in sea culture — its first inhabitants were fishermen, followed by adventurous surfers seeking untouched shores. Surf culture remains integral to Sayulita’s identity, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner. Sandbar is an excellent surf break for beginners and is likely the spot that put Sayulita on the map. For a greater challenge, The Cove, the most ocean-facing break of Punta Mita, is recommended for experienced surfers only.
Beach Relaxation
Of course, a tranquil Mexican beach town boasts incredible stretches of sand, and Sayulita is no exception. The village is nestled behind Playa Sayulita, also known as the “main beach.” While convenient, it can be crowded. For a quieter experience, I recommend Playa de Los Muertos, located at the end of the main beach, and Playa San Pancho, just up the coast in the neighboring village of San Pancho.
Yoga and Wellness
Sayulita’s blend of jungle and ocean scenery makes it a bohemian haven for yogis and wellness enthusiasts. Some of the best yoga retreats in Mexico are found in Sayulita, such as Haramara Retreat and Blue Sayulita. The town also offers studios for daily classes and beachfront yoga sessions, perfect for shorter wellness experiences.
Outdoor Adventures
Surrounded by mountains and jungle, Sayulita is a prime destination in Mexico for adventure tourism. Hiking trails wind through the landscape, leading to stunning ocean vistas, while adventurous travelers can opt for ATV tours, zip-lining, and mountain biking.
Whale Watching Tours
The waters off Sayulita’s coast, as well as the nearby Bay of Banderas, are important stops for humpback whales during their annual migration. Whale season runs from December to April, when whale activity is abundant. La Orca de Sayulita offers biologist-led, three-hour whale-watching tours that are both educational and visually breathtaking, providing a deeply humbling experience. They offer three daily departures with a maximum of eight passengers.
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Sollina Images/Getty Images
Best Shopping in Sayulita
Evoke the Spirit
Evoke the Spirit is known for its signature yarn-painted skulls, local crafts deeply rooted in the Wixarika culture native to this region of Mexico. The shop also features ceramics and textiles, making for wonderfully meaningful souvenirs.
Pinche Mexico Te Amo
Founded by a French couple who relocated to Sayulita, Pinche Mexico Te Amo is a unique shop famous for its T-shirts, hats, bags, and other accessories. “Formerly Revolución del Sueño, this store embodies Sayulita’s ethos with upscale beach bags, clothing, art, and more,” says Rabinor.
Pacha Mama
Rabinor describes Pacha Mama as part gallery, part boutique, featuring hand-embroidered clothing and other crafts. “It’s not strictly Mexican,” he notes, “but it offers a very tasteful and unique selection curated by French/Mexican sisters who grew up in Sayulita.”
Manyana
Minimalist and contemporary, Manyana focuses on locally sourced and small-batch products. The clothing is ethically made in a small workshop in Nayarit, with designs reflecting a relaxed, beach aesthetic. Manyana also sells copper products, sunglasses, vases, and ceramics.
Project Artefakto
Rabinor also recommends Project Artefakto for its curated collection of high-quality handicrafts and ceramics. The shop offers a range of items from earthy stoneware and pottery to handblown glass and woodwork.
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Best Nightlife in Sayulita
Escondido Bar
With minimalist decor and a desert-meets-industrial vibe, Escondido Bar is a top Sayulita spot for craft cocktails, relaxed music, and views of the main plaza. This cozy bar specializes in cocktails made with local ingredients, from perfect margaritas to the Penicillin #2, made with mezcal, tequila, fresh ginger, lime, and honey.
Don Pedro’s Restaurant & Bar
The spirit of old Sayulita lives on at Don Pedro’s. This beachfront institution is one of the town’s oldest establishments, offering the best views of Playa Sayulita. Rabinor suggests visiting Don Pedro’s on Mondays between October and June for their famous salsa nights.
El Tiburón Sayulita
El Tiburón sets the mood with stylish cocktails, a modern, minimalist aesthetic, and an extensive tequila and mezcal menu. More than just a great bar, El Tiburón also serves some of the best food in town. Tasty lunch specials with drink combos make it a popular daytime drinking destination as well.
Hula Sayula
Strong drinks, small bites, and live DJ music — Hula Sayula offers the quintessential modern beach bar experience. Located on the rooftop of La Rustica Sayulita, Hula Sayula is all about the atmosphere, yet it maintains that desirable barefoot casual vibe.
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Linda Raymond/Getty Images
Best Restaurants in Sayulita
Tacos Al Pastor Diaz
For the best al pastor tacos in the area, look no further. “Head to this unassuming street-side stand for the best tacos in town (and beyond), especially the al pastor options. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water,” says Rabinor.
Burrito Revolution
Burrito enthusiasts speak of Burrito Revolution with reverence. A visit to Sayulita isn’t complete without stopping here. Completely casual, with a few tables spilling onto the street, the burritos are generous, affordable, and perfect after a day at the beach.
La Rustica Sayulita
Sayulita has become such an international town that you can find almost any cuisine. One of my favorites is La Rustica, known for its wood-fired pizzas. Ahead of its time in design, it was one of the first restaurants in town to embrace the minimalist, industrial aesthetic. Its enduring success lies in its consistently delicious menu of pizzas, pastas, fresh salads, and seafood.
Bichos
Bichos is the top spot for creative tacos, served in a charming garden setting. “This is a great casual dinner spot with delicious tacos and interesting cocktails,” says Rabinor. “Our favorites are the suadero and adobada tacos paired with a Sea Breeze margarita. They also offer seafood options for non-meat eaters and remarkably tasty mushroom tacos for vegetarians.”
Tukari
Elegant and chic, Tukari brings the sustainable and organic concept to Sayulita. This tranquil space is tucked away behind white walls. Diners enter through a bamboo gate into the beachy dining room, where the menu is heavily influenced by Mediterranean flavors. “Visit for Mexi-Mediterranean [food] in a lovely garden. Chef Sebastián is creative and innovative, emphasizing local ingredients,” says Rabinor.
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Linda Raymond/Getty Images
Best Time to Visit Sayulita
The best time to visit Sayulita Nayarit Mexico is between November and April, offering warm, sunny days and cooler nights. This period is also peak whale-watching season.
Summers offer lower prices and ideal diving conditions, along with fewer crowds, but temperatures and humidity are much higher. Rain is also common during the summer and early fall, and many smaller restaurants and shops close for the season.
Rabinor recommends avoiding peak seasons like Christmas, New Year’s, Semana Santa, and Easter, as well as semi-peak periods including long weekends for Mexican and West Coast U.S. schools.
“The town is small and quaint, but it can become overwhelmed with traffic, noise, and tourists,” he adds.
How to Get to Sayulita
Sayulita is easily accessible from the U.S. and Canada. Travelers fly into Puerto Vallarta’s airport (PVR) and travel about an hour north to Sayulita. Taxis and transfer services are readily available and familiar with Sayulita. It’s also an easy drive if you choose to rent a car.
Tip: I always rent a car from Gecko Car Rental, which has offices in Puerto Vallarta and Bucerías. Their cars are well-maintained, and their rates include all necessary insurance with no hidden fees.
How to Get Around Sayulita
Sayulita is a very walkable town, with bars, restaurants, and beaches all within easy walking distance. For exploring further afield, taxis or Uber are readily available. The bus system is also a safe and affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.
