Sayulita

A laid-back bohemian beach village north of Puerto Vallarta with excellent surfing, colorful street art, and a thriving community of artists and expats. It perfectly balances accessible tourism infrastructure with authentic local character and a relaxed Pacific coast vibe.

Things to do

• Surf at Sayulita Beach — The main break offers consistent Pacific swells suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, with numerous shops renting boards and offering lessons along the shore.
• Explore the Plaza Principal — The heart of the village features colorful colonial architecture, local art galleries, boutique shops, and is the gathering spot for evening strolls and community events.
• Visit local artist studios — Walk through the village's winding streets to discover working galleries and studios where painters, sculptors, and craftspeople create and sell their work directly to visitors.
• Hike to Sayulita Waterfall — A short jungle trek inland leads to a refreshing freshwater waterfall pool, popular with locals for swimming and cooling off during hot days.
• Stand-up paddleboard at sunset — Rent a paddleboard and glide across the calm lagoon areas north of the main beach during late afternoon for wildlife spotting and golden-hour views.
• Shop at the Saturday Tianguis — A weekly farmers and crafts market showcases local produce, handmade goods, textiles, and prepared foods from regional vendors and artisans.

Food to try

• Fresh ceviche — Local restaurants prepare ceviches daily with freshly caught Pacific fish, lime juice, cilantro, and onion, often served with tostadas and fresh avocado.
• Grilled fish tacos — Street vendors and casual restaurants serve warm corn tortillas filled with chargrilled local catch, topped with cabbage slaw, crema, and fresh lime.
• Agua fresca de jamaica — A refreshing cold beverage made from steeped hibiscus flowers sweetened with sugar, commonly sold by vendors and served at local eateries.
• Huevos rancheros breakfast — A traditional morning dish of fried eggs served with beans, warm corn tortillas, and a homemade salsa roja, available at beachfront cafés.
• Empanadas de camarón — Crispy pastry pockets filled with seasoned shrimp, often served as an appetizer or snack from casual beachfront stands.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the bohemian pace — Sayulita operates on slower Mexican time; businesses may open late or close mid-afternoon for siesta, and the village prioritizes community and relaxation over rush.
• Learn basic Spanish — While English is spoken among expats and tourism workers, locals appreciate visitors who make an effort with simple Spanish phrases and greetings.
• Support local artisans — The village's cultural identity depends on its artist community; buying directly from creators and small galleries helps sustain the authentic bohemian character.
• Dress casually and modestly away from beach — While the beach scene is relaxed, locals in town dress more conservatively; avoid very revealing clothing when exploring the village and visiting local shops or restaurants.