Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Beyond

For many tourists, enjoying the beach here in Puerto Vallarta is a top priority, particularly for those visiting from cooler places, or places where going to the beach is simply not as colorful as it is here. Going to the beach in Puerto Vallarta includes a medley of amenities that range from waiter service while you enjoy your deckchair under a shady palapa, to a gentle foot massage while you nurture your senses.

There is a lot to take in, from the possibility of making new friends to the cacophony of musicians and vendors struggling to get your attention and earn a few pesos. From spectacular sunsets to the natural wonder of witnessing sea turtles journeying to our beaches from cooler waters to bury their eggs in the sand, late summer to early fall.

Los Muertos Beach

When birds of a feather want to flock together, Los Muertos Beach is king (or queen!) with private beach clubs (Mantamar, Sapphire Ocean Club) and other venues such as The Blue Chairs or Ritmos Beach Cafe (also known as the Green Chairs). These spots, located on the southernmost stretch of Los Muertos Beach, have been a magnet for the LGBTQ+ community for decades, and while this is the ideal experience for many, there are other options to consider beyond what we commonly refer to as ‘the gay beach.’

WITHIN PUERTO VALLARTA

If you are staying at a beachfront hotel in town, definitely explore what your hotel has to offer. Beyond that, you may want to consider:

Conchas Chinas Beach

Conchas Chinas. Just south of Los Muertos, a short walk will take you to the more relaxed Conchas Chinas beach, a collection of tiny coves and inlets where peace and tranquility makes up for the lack of amenities. It is mostly frequented by home or condo owners in the area. Bring a picnic and your own umbrella.

Holi Beach

Holi Beach. Sandwiched between two shopping centers (La Isla and Plaza Península) and adjacent to the Pitillal River, this beach offers an unexpected view of the southern side of the city. And while you can enjoy it without amenities, El Oasis del Holi, a traditional beachfront restaurant, will keep you well fed.

Marina Vallarta Beach

Marina Vallarta. Here you can enjoy all the amenities offered by hotels as an overnight guest or by way of a day-pass. A short hike north along the beach and past the airport will lead you to a local turtle camp, and a little further, you can be rewarded with a cold beverage and sarandeado-style fresh catch at a variety of beachfront rustic restaurants.

BEYOND PUERTO VALLARTA

Sayulita. Located slightly over an hour north, the boho-chic town of Sayulita is more of a daytrip experience that also features an impressive beach experience including the option to learn surfing and paddle-boarding. There is the beach in town with restaurants and amenities and the peaceful and secluded Los Muertos Beach (a coincidence) just a short hike south.

Boca de Tomatlán. Located half an hour south, the beachgoing experience is completely ordinary, and that is what makes it special. Situated in a small cove, it’s an ideal place for locals to drive or take the city bus to and spend the day enjoying basic amenities. Boca is also the point of departure for water taxis (small motorboats called pangas) to take you to more remote beaches further sound within the Bay.

Las Ánimas. This idyllic beach—and my personal favorite favorite—can only be reached by boat (from Los Muertos Pier or Boca de Tomatlán) or by hiking from Boca (approximately 1.5 hours). Once there, you can unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe while still enjoying the amenities offered by a row of palapa restaurants that feature staple Mexican food essentials. The surf is gentle, perfect for a comfortable splash.

Boca de Tomatlán Beach

Las Ánimas Beach

Sayulita Beach

KEEP IN MIND

While Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant and gay-friendly town, remember it’s still part of a conservative country. So, while soaking up the sun on the beach, keep an eye on the locals’ vibe to avoid becoming the unexpected star of a drama for which you didn’t audition!

Catch up with Paco Ojeda live Monday – Saturday at 10:30 am local time on his talk show, “Coffee & Headlines,” where he shares headlines and stories for Puerto Vallarta’s local English-speaking community. facebook.com/pacoojedalive