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Home » Destinations » Central America » Mexico

My Day Trip to Sayulita Beach: Surf, Sand, and Serene Vibes

Modified: Jun 20, 2024 · Published: May 21, 2013 by Dave Lee |

Once I'd had a chance to explore Puerto Vallarta, Christine and Drew introduced me to Sayulita, a small beach town 20 minutes north of their house in Bucerias and about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. We took their car, but it's also accessible via a local bus. Another option is taxis, but they'd be a little expensive if traveling alone.

Approaching the beach in Sayulita, Mexico
Approaching the beach in Sayulita, Mexico
The view to the left features several hotels
The view to the left features several hotels

In addition to its beautiful beach, Sayulita is a popular surf town, especially for stand-up paddleboarding. Several surf schools lined the main beach, and people of all ages were in the water.

We camped out on the beach for a little while, enjoying the soothing sound of crashing waves. Cole, their son, enjoyed playing in the water while Stella slept under the shade of our umbrella. The scene reminded me of my visits to Jones Beach and Fire Island in New York as a kid.

Boats and bungalows
Boats and bungalows

I went for a barefoot stroll through the center of town, which was relatively empty because it was the start of the low season. No matter, I could tell Sayulita was my kind of town, and if I had the time, I'd spend at least a week there.

Hang out at the beach by day and grab beers by night. No wonder it's so popular with backpackers and expats making their way through Mexico. If Puerto Vallarta meets the needs of mass tourism, Sayulita Beach still appeals to those looking for a cheaper alternative.

Stand up paddle boarding is a popular sport in Sayulita
Stand-up paddleboarding is a popular sport in Sayulita
North of the main beach is a more residential area on a hill, with fewer surfers and sunbathers
North of the main beach is a more residential area on a hill, with fewer surfers and sunbathers

When I returned to the beach, Christine and Drew had packed up the beach stuff and were sitting in the shade of a restaurant. I re-joined them, and we hung out a little longer before packing up the kids and car and heading back to Bucerias. Sayulita became the first of several Mexican towns I could see myself living in for at least a few months.

For more info, visit Sayulitabeach.com or Sayulitalife.com.

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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