Since I’ve lived in Mexico, I’ve visited Sayulita several times. What was once a sleepy surfing town is now a popular tourist destination – and for good reason. It’s a pleasant pueblo (at least when it’s not too busy) but there aren’t endless things to do in Sayulita town… The real appeal lies in its surroundings.
Empty beaches (when you know where to go), surfable waves, and picturesque towns along the Riviera Nayarit… For me, these are the things that make Sayulita special.
Some travelers will visit to stay somewhere nice, eat at the restaurants in Sayulita central, and not move too far from the main beach. And, depending on what type of trip you want, there’s nothing wrong with that.
But then there are the travelers – like myself – who escape the chaotic main beach for hidden playas that require a walk through the jungle to reach. Who jump on a Compostela bus to explore the sleepy pueblos of San Pancho and Lo de Marcos.
Ultimately, Sayulita is what you make it. It can be a lazy beach holiday or an adventure along the hidden spots of the Riviera Nayarit. Only you can decide!
Where to stay in Sayulita
Hostel – I only have good things to say about the Viajero Hostel. Not only is it the cleanest hostel I have EVER stayed in, but there’s a rooftop pool, co-working area, free daily yoga classes, a restaurant for when you can’t be bothered to go out, and regular social events. In the dorms, each bunk has its own curtain, locker, and charger. Book from $28.
For a similar style of hostel, try the Selina. For a hostel to meet other young travelers and party, try La Redonda (a cheaper option from $17 a night).
Getting to Sayulita
Most travelers will arrive by flying into Puerto Vallarta airport which is well connected with direct flights to and from other destinations in Mexico, the US, and Canada. I even flew direct from London once!
From the airport, it couldn’t be easier to reach Sayulita. Airport taxis are pricey so I recommend you exit the airport, turn left, and cross the bridge across the highway. From the road here, you can easily call an Uber (around 600 pesos) or board a local bus for 55 pesos, dropping at the main bus terminal.
If you need mobile data to call an Uber, there’s an OXXO in the airport parking lot where you can purchase a Telcel or OXXO SIM card from 50 pesos. I usually get the 150 pesos package that lasts me 2-3 weeks.
How long to spend in Sayulita?
While you could explore the town in an hour, most travelers stay between 3 and 7 days. Places to visit in Sayulita include the various beaches (during my last trip, I spent a day between Playa de los Muertos and Playa Carricitos, another day visiting Malpaso, and a third at Playa Patzcuarito) and that’s before getting to surfing!
I can also recommend spending a day in nearby San Pancho town and another in Lo de Marcos. To summarize, I think you’ll want at least 5 days in Sayulita to enjoy the beaches, surrounding towns, and surf opportunities.
Things to do in Sayulita
Here are the top tourist attractions and places not to miss during your trip (in no particular order).
Shop at the hippie market
Mercado Artesanal, more commonly known as Sayulita Hippie Market, is the best place to browse and shop for handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, and general souvenirs. There’s a great mix of traditional Mexican items and wonderful artisanal things like silver jewelry that aren’t Mexico-specific.
Prices are lower than in the local boutiques (more about these to come), plus you can always try to negotiate on the price, especially if you’re buying a few items.
I like this market because the vendors aren’t too pushy. Yes, they’ll say hello and tell you about their products (for example where the gemstones at the jewelry stalls are sourced from) but you never feel pushed to buy.
Find the markets on the banks of the river, close to the bridge. Location pinned here.
Mercado del Pueblo (Fridays only)
For a fun, foodie thing to do in Sayulita on Fridays, visit the fantastic Farmer’s Market between 10am and 2pm (November-April). From fresh fruit and vegetables to cheese, sourdough, salsas, kombucha, kimchi, coffee, and other organic products, the list goes on!
Even if you’re not planning on cooking so don’t need fresh produce, there are lots of snacky items like baked goods. Also, the free samples are generous so I suggest you go wild. I did!
Find this lively market on Avenue Revolucion, just after the bridge and before the bus station.
Sunday tianguis
The word tianguis dates back to a Nahuatl word meaning open-air market. Centuries have passed but these casual markets remain as popular as ever, found all over Mexico.
On Sundays, Calle Gaviotas (a street connecting the beach with the town) comes alive with everything from knockoff designer goods and mass-produced electronics to more desirable handicrafts like jewelry and pottery.
Actually, my favorite bit of the market was the part I found extending onto Calle Pelícanos (close to Hamsa Falafel) selling second-hand clothes. Not all were to my tastes but I managed to have a rummage and find some gorgeous tops… for around 80 pesos (less than $5) each.
Snap photos at the colourful flag street
This colorful street lined with papel picado flags is nothing but a photo stop… and a cute one at that!
Right in the heart of town, this street connecting the main plaza with the beach is impossible to miss. But if for any reason you do, follow the Google pin for Paseo de los Colores. It’s just a small place so it can be tricky to get a photo with no one in the background. I almost did…
Also, find the jellyfish street!
This is another cute place to visit in Sayulita with hanging decorations that look like jellyfish. When the wind blows, it’s like their tentacles are moving. Find them on Calle el Zarquito.
Go surfing (the most famous thing to do in Sayulita)
We can’t forget surfing! This keeps visitors coming from far and wide. Sayulita makes every list of the top surf destinations in Mexico thanks to its variety of beaches that suit levels from beginner to intermediate.
Swells are consistent throughout the year (although December-April is optimum) and there are plenty of lefts and rights. The main beach is protected from the open ocean, making it an optimum beginner’s spot. Just go early because it gets very busy!
More advanced spots for surfing near Sayulita include San Pancho (the charming next town along), the Cove at La Bahia (take a tour including a boat ride out to the morning swell), while La Lancha (Punta Mita) is suitable for all levels including beginners. This is the most popular beach for surf schools to visit, and it makes for a fun day out on a beautiful beach.
Relax and browse markets at Sayulita Plaza
The Central Plaza is somewhere you’ll naturally stroll through when moving between the different attractions in Sayulita. In October, I found it pretty and peaceful during the day, but during my recent Christmas and New Year trip, it was filled with pop-up markets and food stands.
For street food in the evenings, grab churros and marquesitas (waffle batter rolled like a crepe with various fillings) here.
Shop at beautiful boutiques and galleries
Once you’ve ticked off the more energetic things to do in Sayulita, browse for a few souvenirs at one of the many lovely boutiques.
Sadly, there are few bargains to be found. The boutiques are expensive! Hopefully, that’s because the artisans are fairly paid, rather than the stores simply know they can get away with charging such high prices.
Regardless of price, there are some gorgeous items to browse and buy. Leather bags, woven rugs, dreamcatchers, homeware, clothes, bikinis, jewelry, notebooks, wall art… Shall I go on?
Some of the best boutique stores are:
- Amo Amo – boutique clothes and swimwear
- Blue Bamboo – a mix of clothes and Mexican trinkets like painted skulls and decorative metal hearts
- Sal de Mar – gorgeous swimsuits with lots of choice, as well as beach clothes and sports bras
- Tienda Hola – cute, colorful items like bags, jewelry, and shoes. If you like brightly colored trinkets, this is the shop for you!
- Projecto Artefakto – artisan items with a Mexican focus like decorative candles, clay pottery, and jade jewelry.
Galleries in Sayulita:
- Laughing Jaguar – this is one of my faves! All the arty products here are gorgeous with prints on bags and accessories.
- Cori Jacobs Gallery – wonderful art in a beautiful building painted blue and decorated with stars and waves!
Learn about Huichol art and support their work
Huichol or Wirrárrica people are a Mexican ethnic group descending from the Aztecs who have managed to retain their culture despite Spanish colonization and the ever-modernizing world.
Originating from the mountains of Nayarit and Jalisco, there’s a sizeable community in the Sierra Madre Mountain range near Sayulita to this day.
Huichol people are known for their incredible art, expressing their gratitude to nature and the elements. Much of their art – including jewelry – is made from colorful, intricate beadwork. Browse these in reputable stores like Tierra Huichol Galería.
Making a purchase is a great way to support the communities who rely on their art for survival. I got a beautiful hanging hummingbird for my bedroom.
Take rescue pups for a walk
Continuing the theme of things to do in Sayulita with a community mindset, you could consider taking adorable rescue pups for a walk. Wet Noses is a dog rescue center based just down the coast in Punta Mita.
Ways to support them also include donating via Venmo, adopting one into a ‘forever home’, or volunteering as a ‘flight angel’ and helping transfer the pets to their new adoptive homes via flights from Puerto Vallarta.
I filled out the form to volunteer during my recent trip and unfortunately heard nothing back. As it was over the busy Christmas period, they perhaps had enough volunteers. It’s worth applying if you have spare time during your trip!
They also have a restaurant in San Pancho, Casa Chucho, if you want to do the world’s easiest good deed of eating Mexican food while knowing the proceeds go to the rescue center!
Relax and surf at Sayulita Beach
I’ll be honest, the main beach isn’t my favorite place in Sayulita because it gets extremely crowded and vendors constantly hassle you to buy. Also, there’s not much shade so you have little choice but to pay for sun loungers.
However, it’s a decent place to surf AND there are some fab beach clubs. If you want a relaxed beach break nearby, rather than walking 15+ minutes to the next beach along, you can easily spend a day at the main beach.
If more remote beaches are your thing, never fear. I have visited many beaches during multiple trips and I’m confident I know the best ones. For beaches, here are the best places to visit in Sayulita…
Swim at Playa de Los Muertos
The best swimming beach is located a 10-minute walk from the main town. Visiting is a no-brainer in my opinion because there’s natural shade on the left (no need to pay for loungers), gentle waves that make swimming easy, and it’s never as crowded as the main beach (although blogs like mine don’t help… sorry).
Playa de Los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) is named as such because of the small, colorful graveyard beside it. You can forget about fancy beach clubs: there’s not much here in the way of facilities, just a bathroom that charges 10 pesos entry and a couple of shacks selling guac, chips, and soft drinks.
When I visited in October 2022, it was almost empty, but when I visited between Christmas and New Year in 2023, it was pretty packed. So I can’t promise how you’ll find it, but outside of the festive period, it shouldn’t be too busy.
There are lots of vendors who try to sell you things which can be irritating, but be patient and remember it’s their job. You can just say no.
Distance from Sayulita: 10 minutes on foot.
See sunset at Playa Carricitos
Due to its position around the headland, Playa Carricitos faces west. Easily one of the best things to do in Sayulita in the early evening is head here for a stunning sunset (cloud-dependent).
You can also visit Playa Carricitos in the daytime but you’ll want to note that 1) you can’t swim because of the big waves and 2) there are no facilities whatsoever: not even a drinks stand or bathroom. So, for that reason, I suggest you visit an hour or so before sunset but don’t spend all day here.
Distance from Sayulita: 25 minutes on foot.
Getting there and tips for visiting: from town, take Ninos Heroes and follow the path to the beach. From Playa de Los Muertos, it’s just under 15 minutes on foot. Both routes require a steep but short uphill climb followed by a scramble down to the sand.
Walking back along the jungle path in the dark feels eerie so I’d recommend heading back promptly after the sun has set, especially if you’re alone.
Hike to Malpaso Beach
South of the main beach, this is another of my favorite places in Sayulita. Just look at it!
Malpaso Beach requires an adventurous scramble over the rocks at the end of the town’s main beach, followed by a short walk through the forest. I’d describe it as just the right level of adventure and exercise (work off those fish tacos!) without being too strenuous.
Like Carricitos, there are absolutely no facilities here and the waves are too heavy to swim. But it’s a beautiful, rugged place to relax and read on the sand, sin crowds. There’s plenty of shade near the trees at the back.
By walking to this beach, you’re halfway to the nearby village of San Pancho (San Francisco) so one option is to continue the whole way. More on this place – and the hike there – to come…
Escape the crowds at Playa Patzcuarito
A final beach I can’t forget to mention is Playa Patzcuarito: I love it because it’s even quieter than the beaches mentioned above, accessed via an enchanting jungle walk. This takes around 40 minutes and makes for a wonderful thing to do in Sayulita in its own right. The forest is so peaceful with beautiful flora and fauna.
There are a few big dogs who call the beach home; you can even see them on the Google pin. As someone who is nervous of stray dogs, I was initially worried but they were very friendly and just wanted to play. If you don’t want to throw the sticks they bring to you, I’d suggest standing up and walking away ’til then go find someone else.
Getting there: You can largely just follow the track there on Google Maps but it wasn’t too accurate towards the end and we had to take a guess and follow a few random jungle paths. But we made it!
We walked from the north of town, taking the path beginning near Playa de Los Muertos, but a quicker way would be to walk on the main road (Punta de Mita) for a short section, however I think this isn’t so atmospheric.
Note – there’s no phone signal at the beach. Be sure to leave with plenty of time before it gets dark; you wouldn’t want to get lost in the jungle!
Take a day trip to San Pancho (San Francisco) town
If you find Sayulita too busy for your liking (with its small city center, I don’t find it handles crowds particularly well), you only have to take a trip to San Pancho up the coast. It has a creative arty buzz without being half as busy.
It’s not as polished as Sayulita in terms of tourism, and I mean that in the best way possible. San Pancho hasn’t really been a hidden gem for a few years now, but foreigners tend to visit for the community vibe and slow travel, rather than beach clubs and parties.
Things to do in San Pancho
- Relax on San Pancho beach to watch surfers and see sunset. I have even spotted humpback whales from this beach during the winter months! Don’t miss the famous beach swing.
- Try surfing – if you have experience! This beach is not best suited to beginners
- Sample craft beers at La Cerveceria San Pancho
- Spot street art murals at Plaza del Sol
- Browse the beautiful jewelry stands – I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many lovely items in one place
- Try all the coffee shops – there are so many good ones! My favorite is Prieta. For brunch, I’m a big fan of Chido Greens and Cafe Floresta.
Note – all the cafes and coffee shops seem to close at 2pm so I would recommend visiting in the morning, then going to the beach in the afternoon.
Getting to San Pancho: the cheapest option is to catch a Compostela bus for 27 pesos from Sayulita bus station, which drops you on the corner of the highway and San Pancho main road. The more convenient option is a taxi for 200 pesos (find one on the street or try Uber).
Bonus option – hike to San Pancho
The easiest way to arrive in San Pancho is obviously by road. However, there is a more adventurous route that involves hiking between the two pleasant pueblos.
The 4-mile hike to San Pancho (taking approx 2.5 hours) is mainly flat and travels through lush green jungle and past beautiful beaches, but there IS a caveat. You have to pass through private property including a gate where you may have to tip a security guide to pass. Having a 20 or 50 peso note with you is a very good idea.
There’s also a short stint on the highway. Ultimately, this hike isn’t a casual stroll that will suit everyone. But for adventurous types, it’s a cool thing to do from Sayulita… And means you deserve a good lunch when you arrive! If you’d prefer to go with a local guide, WildMex charge $85pp and all profits go to maintaining trails in the area.
This article about the hike to San Pancho details the route well (but they found the gate closed and had to climb it; but I hear as of 2024, the gate is manned).
Go further to Lo de Marcos town (my favorite thing to do in Sayulita)
If you’ve ticked off the attractions of Sayulita, there’s plenty more to do along the Riviera Nayarit. My favorite day during my recent trip was spent visiting the sleepy village of Lo de Marcos (the next step on the bus after San Pancho).
Read next: visiting Lo de Marcos, Mexico
Along with the climate and beaches that the Nayarit Riviera is known for, Lo de Marcos benefits from a quaint town center that retains traditional Mexican charm. Specialty coffee shops and cute boutiques are starting to pop up, but in no way does the town feel overrun by tourism.
If San Pancho is the new Sayulita, then Lo de Marcos is the new San Pancho. Confused? Best visit all three to find out!
There’s not much to ‘do’ in Lo de Marcos but it’s such a pleasant place to be. The beach is one of the nicest nearby with just enough facilities and an uncrowded feel. You can do a long walk along it; I was lucky enough to spot humpback whales breaching during my walk!
I also loved all the street art in Lo de Marcos. Many murals show the local sea life. Take a wander and you’ll spot it all over the place.
There are some great local eateries: I can personally vouch for Water Man Cafe for brunch, El Cafe for coffee, and La Seafood for amazing Mexican seafood like tuna tostadas (they also do sushi but I only tried the local dishes).
Getting there: from Sayulita bus station, journies cost 42 pesos. The bus drops you on the highway so keep an eye on Google Maps so you know where to get off. Board it back from where you get off.
Take a boat trip to the Marieta Islands (and Hidden Beach)
One of the most popular things to do in Sayulita is take a trip to the Marieta Islands. Boat trips tour the crystal-clear waters of its coast spotting marine life often including dolphins and, from December to March, sometimes humpback whales!
Although boat trips visit the Marieta islands daily, the idyllic Hidden Beach requires a little preplanning. To protect it from over-tourism, it’s open from Wednesday to Sunday for up to 116 daily visitors who have booked a boat tour at least a few days in advance.
It’s worth getting your act together because Playa Escondida (also known as Playa Amor/Love Beach) is exquisite! An extra fee of around $25 is charged to enter the beach; some tours will include this on booking.
Book a Marietas trip (not inc Hidden Beach) with Viator with 200 five-star reviews
To include Hidden Beach for an extra fee, check out Sayulita Entourage.
Hike Monkey Mountain
Feeling energetic? For a more active thing to do in Sayulita than basking on the beach, take a hike up Monkey Mountain with fantastic coastal views of the Riviera Nayarit, Punta Mita, and Banderas Bay. Despite the name, the hike translating as Cerro del Mono is a monkey-free zone!
Dedicate around 4 hours to the round-trip hike, depending how often you stop and how long you spend at the top. It’s a medium-difficulty hike of around 7 kilometers (4 miles) requiring some scrambling over boulders toward the end. The total elevation is just over 300 meters (1000 ft).
Remember to bring sun protection (hat, sunglasses, suncream), insect repellent, plenty of water, and a few snacks.
Getting there: the start and end point of the trailhead is the village of Higuera Blanca (from the main plaza, follow Juan Escutia street to start the hike). Get there by car or taxi; for the latter, I would recommend asking the driver to wait or taking their number (and having mobile data) to contact them since it may be tricky to get a ride back otherwise.
Alternatively, book a tour to handle the logistics and guide you on the hike. WildMex charge $85pp and all profits go to maintaining trails in the area.
Take a guided jungle hike
If you’d prefer an easier hike with less uphill than the Monkey Mountain trail, there are plenty of local guides who will be glad to show you their favorite places to visit in Sayulita from hidden beaches to virgin forests, mountains, and caves.
Several people I met have done this Airbnb Experience tour with Alejo (just $30) with over 600 five-star reviews. You’ll be taken to a hidden bay for a swim and explore the forest, spotting untouched flora and fauna and (hopefully) some local animals. By all accounts, Alejo and Deva are fountains of knowledge, offering unique insights into the area and ecosystem.
Go whale watching (in season)
I was so lucky during my recent trip to spot whales from the beach not once but FOUR days in a row! On one occasion, I even had my camera with me so used the zoom to capture pictures of one breaching.
After that stroke of luck (and the fact I had a Grey Whale-watching tour and a trip swimming with whale sharks in La Paz, Baja California, coming up in two weeks), I decided not to shell out $100 for a whale-watching tour but I have no doubt these are fantastic and let you get much closer to the gentle giants.
La Orca is one of the top-rated companies in town offering 3-hour tours for 1,600 pesos. Humpbacks are the most common whales seen in the area but luck may bring you Bryde’s Whales, Grey Whales, orcas, and different types of dolphins.
Note – I don’t have any specific advice about the best beaches to spot whales from. I’ve seen them from Patzcuarito, Carricitos, Malpaso, and Lo de Marcos Beach. It’s more about luck than location!
Try your hand at fishing
Even if fishing isn’t your usual hobby, it’s a fun thing to do in Sayulita with a reward at the end: delicious seafood to last you for days! I haven’t done this myself but a girl in my hostel did and had a great time. She also had so much yummy seafood in the fridge and didn’t have to buy dinner for several days.
Types of fish you may catch include mahi-mahi, marlin, tuna, and red snapper. Most fishing tours depart on a modest panga boat, offering an insight into how local fishermen work. It doubles up as a Sayulita sightseeing opportunity with fantastic views and occasional dolphin and even whale sightings!
Help with a baby sea turtle release (an ethical thing to do in Sayulita)
From the Oaxaca coast to Quintana Roo and the Riviera Nayarit, there are turtle nesting areas all over Mexico and, sadly, most of them face the same threats from poachers and plastic in the oceans. Statistically, only one in 1000 turtle hatchlings make it to adulthood.
Sayulita nonprofit, Campamento Tortuguero, is dedicated to saving sea turtles. You can help their efforts by participating in ethical releases, particularly between August and November, the key reason for hatchlings (however I’ve witnessed them happening into December and January).
Having spoken to the non-profit in early 2024, I’ve learned that they are currently in a state of flux as they sort out administration issues, but they’re hoping to be running again soon. You can message them on Facebook for an update.
Ethical note – while releasing baby sea turtles is a cute thing to do in Sayulita, I promise that what’s far MORE important if you truly care about the species is to reduce your single-use plastic consumption while visiting the coast and refuse plastic cups and straws, especially at beach bars.
Do some yoga
Sayulita has long attracted spiritual types and there’s always a class going on somewhere.
My favorite place to do yoga is My Sister’s House. Although it’s an all-female hostel, the yoga classes are open to everyone. Better yet, they are donation-based so you can give whatever you feel appropriate. I would suggest 100-150 pesos.
See the schedule on their website for the monthly activities. Some days, there are gentle flow classes and others there are more advanced types of yoga like hatha. The black boxes on the schedule are donation-based and the blue boxes show the prices for other activities like cacao ceremonies.
It was during shavasana (the lying down pose at the end of a yoga class) here that I spotted a huge iguana crawling in the trees above us. Wonderful! Unfortunately, all the construction in Sayulita doesn’t make for the most peaceful soundtrack, but that’s not the fault of the class.
Note – if you’re a woman interested in staying in the hostel, you can book My Sister’s House on Hostelworld. They have great reviews and an overall ‘fabulous’ rating requiring 8/10 stars or more.
Try other wellness activities in Sayulita
From massages to exercise classes and more unusual activities, there are plenty of new experiences (and old favorites) to try, where the waves and surrounding nature are sure to leave you feeling more grounded than when you arrived.
A few options include:
- Experience weightlessness in the warm, Epsom salt-infused waters of The Joy of Floating Spa
- Participate in a cacao ceremony, sacred to the Mayans, at My Sister’s House
- Have a massage at the top-rated spa on TripAdvisor (5 stars based on nearly 200 reviews), Nirvanna Spa.
Other adrenaline activities in Sayulita – biking, ziplining ATV, or horse riding
If tranquil things to do in Sayulita like basking on the beach don’t appeal, there are adventures in abundance in the surrounding forests, mountains, and skies. A few activities to check out are…
- AV tour – take an off-road adventure through rugged terrain with an experienced guide. Combining striking scenery (and a stop at a mountain viewpoint) with a healthy dose of adrenaline, this is a fun activity you can book in advance.
- Ziplining – soar above the Riviera Nayarit on a series of 10 ziplines taking in views of the coast and rainforest. Book ziplining with GetYourGuide.
- Horse riding on the beach – these excursions travel to tranquil beaches like Malpaso and Patzcuarito to escape the crowds. Book with GetYourGuide.
Find the street art
For me, one of the attractions of Sayulita is the incredible street art. One of my favorite murals is this huge whale on Nino Heroes (just past Yah Yah Cafe) pinned here.
You don’t need a guide to find the street art; the murals are easy to spot as you wander around the town and its backstreets.
Have a beach club day
While the Main Beach might not be my favorite in the world, you can’t deny it has some stellar beach clubs!
Some of the best beach clubs in Sayulita include:
- Las Sirenas – if you want to ditch the crowds without traveling far, visit this beach club at the north end of the main beach for cocktails with tequila and mezcal. Prices aren’t bad, either.
- Frente al Punto – if it’s a beautiful venue you’re after, you can’t do better than this place that doubles up as a luxurious wedding venue. The food is next level, especially the ceviche and guac.
- Bar La Isla – with swings and hammocks right in the middle of the main beach, this is your ultimate, easy beach bar with a range of Mexican and international eats, plus veggie options.
Things to do in Sayulita for foodies
If you have read some of the restaurant guides on this website, you’ll know how much I live to eat rather than eat to live! Sayulita is a great place for foodies with various cuisines on offer, but some specific food experiences I recommend include…
Read next: 30 best restaurants in Sayulita for every type of food
Eat the best fish tacos at Mary’s
I have researched the topic of the best fish tacos in Sayulita in-depth, so I’ll spare you the effort with an easy answer: Mary’s!
This restaurant is an old favorite that’s been serving delicious fish and shrimp tacos. The best bit is the prices have barely increased despite how touristic Sayulita has become in the last few years.
Fish tacos still cost 40 pesos, only 10 pesos more than street food fish tacos. They also do a mean margarita!
Indulge in the brunch scene
Get ready for brunch heaven! Given there aren’t loads of things to do in Sayulita, there’s rarely any rush in the mornings. So start your day slowly at one of the many great brunch cafes.
Two of the best places to visit in Sayulita for brunch are Miscelánea and Anchor Cafe. I love the chilaquiles at Miscelánea and the grilled cheese sandwich at Anchor. Both have fantastic smoothies.
For the best specialty coffee in town and great bagels, try Yah Yah.
Try Mexican chocolate at Mexicolate
Being Mexican in origin, chocolate is a must for your trip! It was originally drunk as a bitter, water-based beverage by the Aztecs. Nowadays you can try it in this style, or in the modern way with milk and sugar.
Located by the main plaza, Mexicolate is a fantastic little cafe serving various cacao-infused snacks and beverages like brownies, smoothies, truffles, and agua frescas. You can even shop for cacao beauty products to take home.
Best ice pops
On a hot day, don’t miss Wakika Ice Cream Shop serving paletas. These refreshing ice pops are made with fresh juice and chunks of real fruit. You can’t beat the strawberry kiwi one for only 30 pesos!
Experience the nightlife
Finally, once the day is done, you can experience the fun nightlife if you have energy remaining. YamBak is the best place for craft beer (open ’til 3am), while Attico has live music and cheap cocktails. Then, Selina’s (also an upscale hostel) hosts fun evening events like salsa dancing nights.
Some local beverages you shouldn’t miss are tequila (obviously!), mezcal (a Oaxaca favorite now popular across the country and abroad), and raicilla (an agave-based spirit from nearby Jalisco state). At Kahlo Restaurant & Bar, you can try drinks with all three. This is more of a restaurant than a bar but it’s one of my favorite places in Sayulita.
FAQs about Sayulita
Is Sayulita, Mexico, worth visiting? Absolutely! This is a fantastic place to visit for surfing, beaches, and access to other destinations on the Riviera Nayarit. However, if you’re looking for a hidden gem in Mexico, or expecting the chilled hippie town it once was, manage your expectations. It’s really touristy now and has lost a lot of its original charm.
Why is Sayulita famous? Originally for surfing. It’s one of the best things to do in Sayulita which is one of the best surf destinations in Mexico for all abilities.
Is Sayulita a party town? Yes, it’s a lively place at night. But there are just a few bars so it doesn’t have the same reputation as Puerto Vallarta.
Is Sayulita or Puerto Vallarta better? They’re completely different! Puerto Vallarta is a big city and better for restaurants, clubs, and the LGBT scene. Sayulita is better for surfing with cute towns nearby that feel more ‘Mexican’ than the cosmopolitan city of PV.
Is Sayulita expensive? Yes, it’s one of the more expensive and touristic places in Mexico these days… Although not as bad as Tulum, Cancun, or Playa del Carmen. And probably a lot cheaper than wherever you live at home!
Is Sayulita safe? Yes, Sayulita is a very safe and chilled town. There’s nothing to worry about here.
Can you drink the tap water in Sayulita? No, you should buy bottled water or (better) bring a reusable water bottle. Many accommodations have big filtered units, or you can ask cafes to fill your bottle with ‘agua filtrado’. Alternatively, bring a filtering bottle that makes any water safe to drink.
Can you swim in the ocean in Sayulita? Yes, but not at every beach. The best beach swimming beach is Playa de los Muertos. I found the waves too big to swim at Malpaso, Patzcuarito, and Carricitos.
Is English spoken in Sayulita? Yes, locals working in tourism speak English. I’d urge you to be polite and learn the basics although this may be a losing battle as most tourists don’t…
Best season to visit Sayulita
High season is November to March because the temperatures are pleasant but not unbearably high (and it’s not humid). Daytime temperatures generally rest in the low 80s (25 degrees Celcius). However, I’d note that Christmas and New Year are busy and expensive… It was hard to even get a seat in a restaurant during my last trip in late 2023!
The summer months are hot and humid so I’d think twice about visiting between May and September. August and Septemeber are the wettest months and the most humid, which also brings out mosquitos (and there is dengue in this zone).
But if you can handle the heat (and wear plenty of bug spray), you get better deals on accommodation… and you can always get a seat at Mary’s restaurant!
Final thoughts on what to do in Sayulita
I’ve had several great trips now and always find something to do I’ve not done before whether it’s a new hike, beach, or a town further up the coast. Ultimately, the main activity in Sayulita is always going to be surfing. You can’t beat it!
But for a chilled vacation with loads of cool cafes, bars, brunches, and year-round good weather, you don’t NEED to do much. It’s a great place to have some downtime.
