One of Mexico’s premier beach destinations is the stunning Riviera Nayarit. The 200-mile stretch of coastline from Puerto Vallarta in northern Jalisco to San Blas is the perfect place for your first foray into Mexican road trips. Designed for the quintessential beach bum, this road trip in Mexico chases fun in the sun from one stunning Rivieria Nayarit beach town to the next.
Your first stop on this Mexico road trip is none other than Puerto Vallarta. A hub for tourism on Mexico’s west coast, Puerto Vallarta is a popular destination for national and international tourism, particularly LGBTQ+ tourism. With a bustling nightlife, beautiful beaches in Jalisco only minutes away, and, in my opinion, some of the best al pastor tacos outside of Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta is a great place to relax for a night or two before continuing onward.
From Puerto Vallarta, continue north to the quintessential beach towns for which the Riviera Nayarit is known. Stop first is Sayulita. This seaside village is a popular destination for trendy, international tourists. The small beach town caters to all the whims and desires of millennials with trendy cafes and restaurants, hip bars, and yoga classes. Sayulita also has one of the best waves on the Riviera Nayarit to learn how to surf.
A little further north from Sayulita, you will find our favorite hideaway along the Riviera Nayarit, San Fransisco (also referred to locally as San Pancho). Just like Sayulita, San Pancho has all of the same amenities with a fraction of the tourists. This beach is the perfect place to relax and unwind with a beer in hand as you watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
As you continue even further north you will find the beautiful beach towns of Lo de Marco, Chacala, and San Blas. Each beach offers a laid-back atmosphere expected in a traditional Mexican beach town. The further north you travel along the Riviera Nayarit, the quieter it gets with fewer modern amenities and crowds.
Popular activities when visiting this area include hiking to secluded beaches, surfing, fishing, and simply enjoying the warm Mexican sun.
On your way back to Puerto Vallarta, stop off in Punta Mita for some of the Riviera Nayarit’s best surfing!