Things to Do in Sayulita: First-Timer’s Guide to Mexico’s Bohemian Beach Paradise

I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect to fall head over heels for this bohemian beach town in Mexico. I personally don’t prefer Puerto Vallarta and I would instead travel to nearby Yelapa. I lean towards more off-the-beaten path destinations and I often saw Sayulita all over social media so I wasn’t sure if it was going to be my vibe. My first trip there was actually a quick stop on the way to neighboring San Pancho and, dare I say, I ended up liking Sayulita more!

Located about 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Sayulita is an authentic Mexican beach town and even considered a “Pueblo Mágico,” which means “Magical Town” in English and refers to a designated town in Mexico that the Mexican government recognizes for its unique charm and dedication to tradition, culture and history.

And even though it is more well-known now, it still retains its small bohemian charm. Below are some of my favorite things to do in Sayulita for first-timers.

Your adventure starts at Puerto Vallarta Airport. You should rent a car if you can. Taxis and Uber will run you around $40-60 USD for the 45-60 minute journey, but having wheels gives you the freedom to explore some hidden beach towns I’m about to tell you about.

Budget travelers, don’t worry—local buses are incredibly cheap at just $2-3 USD total, though it’ll take about 1-2 hours. From Puerto Vallarta city, buses run hourly to Sayulita for around $3-4 USD. The shared colectivo vans from the Walmart area are faster (45 minutes) and only cost about $5 USD.

The coastal drive along Highway 200 is absolutely stunning. If you do rent a car, take your time and stop at random beach viewpoints.

Once you’re in Sayulita, ditch the car keys. The town center is perfectly walkable, though I had a blast renting a golf cart for easy beach access and I can’t recommend this enough!

Sayulita’s main beach is the heart of everything. The surf breaks are perfect for beginners and intermediates and beach clubs line the shore creating this incredible energy that somehow never feels overwhelming.

Playa de los Muertos lies south of town, accessible by a gorgeous walking trail that’ll have you stopping every few minutes for photos. This more secluded spot offers calmer waters perfect for swimming.

La Lancha Beach, just north of the main beach, became my go-to spot when I needed to decompress. It’s quieter, family-friendly and still close enough that you can grab a cold drink from town when needed.

The real gem is Playa Carricitos. Getting there requires either a short hike or boat access, but the pristine conditions and fewer crowds make it worth every step. I spent an entire afternoon here with nothing but my book and a cooler, feeling like I’d discovered my own private paradise.

The main break is incredibly forgiving for beginners. More experienced surfers rave about La Izquierda, a left-hand point break that offers longer rides. And Carricitos is where the locals go when they want waves without the crowd.

Surf lessons run $40-60 USD and board rentals are available everywhere for about $15-25 daily. I recommend starting with Lunazul Surf School or Surf’n Sayulita—both have patient instructors who’ll have you standing up in no time.

Best conditions happen in the morning, and here’s something I love about Sayulita: no wetsuit needed, ever. The water temperature is perfect year-round.

Sayulita’s laid-back vibe naturally lends itself to wellness activities. The town has embraced yoga culture with several studios offering classes that range from sunrise beach sessions to candlelit evening flows.

Yoga Los Sueños offers daily classes in a beautiful open-air studio surrounded by jungle. Their morning sessions start around 8 AM and provide the perfect way to center yourself before a day of exploration. Drop-in classes cost around $15 USD.

The Selina hostel also offers open air yoga classes. Many beachfront hotels and hostels also offer yoga classes. There’s something magical about practicing sun salutations with actual ocean waves as your background music.

Every Friday, the town square turns into this incredible explosion of color and culture. You’ll find everything from intricate Huichol yarn paintings to handcrafted silver jewelry, plus some seriously amazing street food. Come hungry and bring cash.

Horseback adventures are pure magic here—ride along the beach at sunset with your horse’s hooves splashing through the surf. The jungle trail rides give you a completely different perspective of how diverse this landscape really is.

ATV tours are your ticket to seeing the real Mexico beyond the tourist bubble. You’ll zip through local villages, stop at family farms and maybe discover some hidden cenotes that aren’t on Instagram yet.

Zip lining through the jungle canopy gets your heart pumping while you’re flying over this incredible biodiversity. Most tours throw in suspension bridges too, so you get that full Tarzan experience.

Cultural immersion opportunities let you dive deep into Huichol indigenous traditions. Local guides don’t just show you the colorful artwork around town. They’ll share the stories and spiritual significance behind those beautiful yarn paintings.

Cooking classes are a must if you want to bring a piece of Sayulita home with you. You’ll master authentic salsas and perfect your guacamole game.

San Pancho (15 minutes north) offers a more relaxed alternative with a gorgeous beach, excellent restaurants and a thriving arts scene. The town feels like Sayulita’s sophisticated older sibling.

The Marietas Islands provide exceptional snorkeling, including access to the famous hidden beach Playa del Amor. Book in advance—this UNESCO site limits daily visitors to protect the delicate ecosystem.

Punta Mita (30 minutes south) shows you Mexico’s ultra-luxury side with world-class golf courses and stunning beaches that feel like private resorts. Perfect for a fancy dinner or spa day.

Lo de Marcos remains wonderfully undiscovered, offering authentic Mexican beach town vibes without the crowds. The beach stretches for miles and local restaurants serve incredibly fresh seafood at unbeatable prices.

For budget travelers, you’ve got some solid options that won’t break the bank. Petit Hotel Hafa still delivers that boutique feel without the boutique price tag and you’re literally a two-minute walk from the beach. 

If you’re looking for the hostel scene, La Redonda Hostel has the best location in town and takes a minute to walk to the beach, making it a go-to recommendation for backpackers. Surf N Roll House is currently the most affordable hostel to stay in Sayulita, perfect if you’re watching every peso. If you want something with a pool, there’s the newly opened Viajero Sayulita Hostel that organizes group outings, has salsa classes and live music, plus insider tips on the best places to dance and drink.

For the sweet middle ground, Hotel Sayulita Central nails the location game—you’re right in the heart of everything without the chaos (and it’s a great co-working spot!)

If you’re ready to splurge and live the dream, Villa Amor perches up on the hillside like some romantic movie set and those sunrise views will absolutely ruin regular sunrises for you forever.

Sayulita’s food scene perfectly captures the town’s bohemian spirit. Mary’s Restaurant became my regular spot for authentic Mexican cuisine. Their tacos are legendary among locals and the family-run atmosphere makes every meal feel like a homecoming. Don’t miss their fresh fish tacos paired with their house-made salsa verde.

For breakfast, YAH YAH serves the best espresso in town alongside hearty breakfast options that fuel perfect beach days. The Australian owners have created a space that feels like a neighborhood coffee shop, complete with local artwork and killer Wi-Fi for digital nomads.

ChocoBanana satisfies every sweet tooth craving. Their chocolate-covered bananas are Instagram-worthy, but honestly, everything here is crafted with love. Perfect for an afternoon treat or late-night dessert.

When I needed a break from Mexican food (rare, but it happens), Achara delivered incredible Thai cuisine in a stunning setting. The green curry rivals some of the best I’ve tried and the ambiance—complete with twinkling lights and tropical plants—creates the perfect romantic dinner spot.

This is when Sayulita puts on her best dress. Minimal rain, temperatures between 75-85°F and surf conditions that’ll make you want to learn to surf even if you’ve never been on a board. The downside is everyone else knows this too. Prices peak, crowds swell and you’ll need to book everything in advance.

These are my secret weapons. You get fantastic weather with only occasional afternoon showers, smaller crowds and prices that won’t make you wince. I scored a beachfront casita for half the high-season price during my May visit.

This is when Sayulita reveals her authentic self. Yes, it’s humid and there are daily afternoon showers, but prices plummet and the town belongs to locals and adventurous travelers. Plus, the afternoon rain is actually refreshing in the insane humidity.

Most places accept both pesos and US dollars, but paying in pesos usually gets you better rates. ATMs can run out of money during busy periods (learned this the hard way), so bring sufficient cash.

Sayulita is incredibly safe. I’m a solo female traveler and I never felt uncomfortable walking around town, even late at night. Just use common sense with valuables and respect ocean currents.

Pack reef-safe sunscreen (the coral reefs will thank you), lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes and insect repellent for evenings. While many locals speak English, learning basic Spanish phrases made my experience so much richer and earned genuine smiles from everyone I met.

Sayulita proves that some places live up to their social media hype—but for all the right reasons. This bohemian beach paradise offers the perfect blend of authentic Mexican culture, natural beauty and laid-back vibes that’ll have you planning your return visit before you’ve even left.