Best Things to Do on the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

When most travelers think of the Mexican Riviera, they immediately think of the Caribbean-facing Riviera Maya just north of Cancun. But to those in the know — largely surfers and West Coasters — the Pacific-facing Riviera Nayarit is an intimate, rustic and more authentic Mexico for U.S. visitors.

Riviera Nayarit stretches across 200 miles from the historic port of San Blas in the north to the bustling Nuevo Vallarta in the south, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre Mountains. This lesser-known destination is a sanctuary where families can discover an unspoiled paradise, combining vast, serene beaches with the vibrant culture of small coastal towns and lush mountain escapes. But hurry: Developers are becoming aware, and growth is imminent.

Best Things to Do on the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, for Families

The charm of Riviera Nayarit is that it is tailored to relaxation and outdoor adventure. You won’t find waterparks and roadside attractions here. Instead, you’ll find secluded beaches and hidden hiking trails, as well as artisans selling handmade crafts and fresh Mexican cuisine featuring seafood sourced right from the same water you’re swimming in.

It’s a breath of fresh air to visit Riviera Nayarit. Here’s what you can expect.

Nuevo Vallarta

Just 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, this is the beginning of Riviera Nayarit, albeit an area that is less secluded, very commercial and very Americanized. Still, it’s a good introduction to the region as it is an expansive resort area featuring miles of uninterrupted golden sand.

Nuevo Vallarta’s seas are a playground for water sports, such as high-speed jet skiing across the bay and parasailing for bird’s-eye views of the ocean and mountains. Or for a more relaxed pace, guided kayak tours in nearby estuaries provide quieter waters rich with wildlife, and it’s not uncommon to spot exotic birds in the mangroves or a crocodile enjoying the sun.

One excellent adventure for kids who are good swimmers is a boat excursion to the nearby Marietas Islands. This uninhabited archipelago is famous for its hidden beach, Playa del Armor (Lover’s Beach), which can only be reached by swimming through a water tunnel.

Similar boat tours also take families to areas where whale sharks migrate, allowing you to swim beside the gentle giants as they feed on plankton. Both excursions are limited as the islands and the sharks are protected. In fact, only two people at a time are allowed to enter the water so as not to disturb the sharks as they swim. These experiences are like no other and will leave memories that last a lifetime.

Bucerías

Next up as you travel north along the coast of Riviera Nayarit is the area’s largest town, Bucerías. This cultural hub offers families an enriching experience through its bustling markets, colorful art galleries and interactive workshops. (It’s also home to the biggest shopping centers and makes a good stop to load up on groceries and supplies before heading to the smaller destinations.)

Strolling through Bucerías’ cobblestone streets, visitors can explore numerous galleries filled with intricate beadwork and paintings made with yarn that reflect the spiritual and artistic practices of the Huichol people. For a hands-on cultural experience, many local artisans offer workshops so families can learn and create their own pieces.

Beyond the workshops, Bucerías’ weekly market is a must-visit. This lively market, held every Sunday, offers everything from handmade pottery and textiles to traditional jewelry and regional culinary treats. Wandering through the market, families can chat with local vendors, sample regional foods and purchase souvenirs.

The town’s beachfront is another great attraction, with a long, sandy shore just perfect for unwinding. Here, you’ll find numerous oceanside cafes for sampling fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the Pacific. (Our favorite? Karen’s Place, right on the beach.)

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, or simply La Cruz, offers a charming blend of traditional Mexican village life and modern amenities in a seaside town. It’s known for its scenic marina and relaxed atmosphere, and you’ll spot visitors and locals alike here on Sundays, when the Mercado del Mar takes place. This exciting market offers an assortment of goods that include fresh organic produce, handmade crafts, jewelry and clothing. It’s a great place to sample local cuisine; stalls offer everything from freshly made tamales and ceviche to yummy fruit smoothies.

La Cruz’s beaches are quieter and more secluded than those in nearby tourist hotspots, offering a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to relax and unwind. Playa La Cruz, with its gentle waves and soft sand, is ideal for families. Its clear waters also make it a good spot for snorkeling.

Punta Mita

As you drive up the coast, you can take the highway that avoids the northern tip of Banderas Bay known as Punta Mita, but why would you? It is here that you’ll find the most prestigious resorts and accommodations, such as the Four Seasons. This prestigious peninsula is synonymous with upscale living, all behind security-staffed gates that make it a preferred retreat for celebrities and discerning travelers alike.

Many of the resorts here have carved into the rocky shoreline to provide groomed sands and calmer waters that are great for younger children. That said, there are still plenty of surfing spots, including El Anclote, which has conditions perfect for beginners as well as paddleboarding and kayaking. The peninsula is also a golfer’s paradise featuring two championship golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Culinary experiences in Punta Mita are as exclusive and diverse as the location itself. The resorts are home to several fine dining restaurants that feature international cuisine alongside traditional Mexican dishes, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Just outside the gates, however, the small town also offers a host of welcoming and delicious open-air restaurants overlooking the bay, with tables right in the sand and unobstructed views of the sunset.

Litibú

En route to Sayulita, visitors to the Riviera Nayarit often bypass the small village of Litibú, an emerging and secluded hideaway. This relatively new development is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for those looking to escape the more popular tourist spots in the region.

Litibú boasts a magnificent stretch of half sand/half rock beach, which is a favorite with locals. You’ll have to travel down a dusty dirt road to reach it, passing roosters, chickens and donkeys that make you question your GPS. The tradeoff is that you won’t find stretches of beach clubs filled with lounge chairs and umbrellas or the many peddlers selling their wares who stroll the busier playas further north.

Instead, you will be able to carve out a private spot for your family. There is one very small beach restaurant, Litibu Sunsets, where you can grab lunch, snacks and drinks, but bring your own picnic and some wine and be sure to stay for the sunset, toasting to the end of a beautiful day while the kids seek shells and try to catch ghost crabs.

Sayulita

Considered the crown jewel of Nayarit, Sayulita is a vibrant surf town — Pueblo Magico, as they call it — bustling with activity. The community here is largely made up of expats, and every turn down a hilly, winding street is a jolt to the senses. Golf carts filled with families fight for space with ATVs loaded with surfboards and an array of friendly dogs, cats and livestock.

You can wander through Sayulita’s lively streets and shop the artisan boutiques featuring handcrafted jewelry and handwoven textiles. Music pours out of the shops and restaurants that dot the roads, cobbled in places and draped with colorful flags; the beach is loaded with clubs, and their umbrellas of every hue seem to stretch endlessly.

The entire shoreline is filled with an array of surf shops, where experienced instructors provide lessons tailored specifically for children and beginners. For those looking for softer adventure, paddleboarding and kayaking are also popular here and equipment is readily available for rent along the beach.

San Pancho (San Francisco)

Farther north, locals will tell you San Pancho, formally known as San Francisco, is actually better than Sayulita, being somewhat less crowded yet also blending small-town charm with rich cultural flair. This village provides a more tranquil beach experience that’s still complete with beachfront cafes and beach clubs). As you wander through the quaint streets, you’ll find colorful murals and street art, as well as galleries and local craft shops offering handmade goods ranging from pottery to intricate textiles.

San Pancho is also renowned for its sustainability. The town is home to several nonprofit organizations focusing on education and ecological preservation. Families can visit the community garden or participate in conservation workshops at the local turtle sanctuary, where they can learn about and contribute to the preservation of marine life.

Each year, San Pancho celebrates its cultural richness with vibrant festivals, including music festivals, art exhibitions and culinary events, that showcase the diversity and talent of its residents.

San Blas

Nearly three hours from Puerto Vallarta is Riviera Nayarit’s northernmost hotspot, San Blas. Its distance makes it less visited than other destinations, providing a more authentic experience for families who want to delve deeper into the local culture.

This picturesque port town serves as a gateway to the past with its colonial ruins but also is filled with tranquil beaches and surf breaks, such as Playa El Borrego, and charming eateries where seafood is the star of the show. The town’s historic sites, like the remnants of an 18th-century fort at the Contaduría, offer panoramic views over the bay, while the nearby old customs house further narrates the tale of this once bustling seaport.

The expansive mangroves of La Tovara National Park, accessible through guided boat tours, surround the area. These excursions take visitors deep into lush green tunnels where the air is filled with the calls of tropical birds and the waters hide secretive crocodiles.

Where to Stay

Riviera Nayarit is home to some of the most luxurious accommodations in Mexico, with a collection of 5-star hotels that offer exquisite services, breathtaking views and world-class amenities. Ciao Bambino’s Travel Advisors can book these properties for you with special amenities and perks in many cases, like breakfast credits, complimentary upgrades and early check-in/late-check out. Reach out to us for more details.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Located on the northern tip of Bahía de Banderas, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita offers a slice of paradise with stunning ocean views, two private beaches, and world-class golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. Rooms and suites are a blend of luxury and traditional Mexican design, featuring plunge pools, garden showers and custom furnishings. Guests can indulge in the resort’s multiple gourmet dining options, the opulent spa and the range of activities tailored to both adults and children, making it a perfect getaway for families and couples alike.

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort also promises a luxurious escape, set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and lush landscapes. This resort epitomizes elegance with beautifully appointed rooms, each offering spectacular sea views, and butler service that attends to every detail. Dining at the St. Regis is an epicurean adventure, with several restaurants serving everything from contemporary Mexican dishes to Mediterranean cuisine. The resort also features three infinity pools, the Remède Spa and a seaside golf club.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

This all-inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta redefines the luxury experience with its expansive suites, each with private terraces and some with personal plunge pools. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit prides itself on its exceptional culinary offerings at several onsite restaurants, where guests can savor gourmet dishes prepared by renowned chefs. The resort’s spa, recognized as one of the best in the area, offers innovative treatments inspired by native traditions, and the kids’ club ensures that younger guests are just as entertained as the adults.

 Villa del Oso, Sayulita

Directly overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Villa del Oso is a jewel in Sayulita, located at the quiet northern end of town where it claims a prime spot along a stretch of beach. The 20,000-square-foot villa with a private pool boasts seven sun-filled bedrooms, each with ocean views, and expansive indoor/outdoor living areas that blend fully into its massive 105,000 square feet of land. Five bedrooms are located in the main house, with two more in a private, self-contained two-story guesthouse — ideal for multigenerational families.

Where to Eat

KM 5 Surf Bar & Restaurant, Higuera Blanca

Located on the road to Punta de Mita (but tucked back into the foliage), KM 5 Surf Bar & Restaurant offers a chill surf-themed ambiance, ideal for relaxing after a day in the waves. The menu includes fresh seafood, burgers and Mexican favorites, along with craft beers and cocktails, all served in an open-air setting with occasional live music.

MINA Restaurant, Punta Mita

Situated directly on the beach, MINA allows families to enjoy their meals accompanied by the sounds of the ocean and breathtaking views of Banderas Bay. The restaurant’s décor features handcrafted furnishings and rustic touches, while the menu is an array of authentic Mexican dishes and seafood so fresh waiters carry still-dripping-wet fish to your table for selection. Live music is a regular occurrence, with mariachi bands serenading your family.

Mary’s, Sayulita

A staple for authentic Mexican cuisine, Mary’s is a family-run spot in Sayulita where guests can enjoy traditional dishes such as enchiladas and chiles rellenos in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t let the long lines sway you; nabbing one of the few tables in Mary’s is worth the wait, even if it doesn’t feature beachfront views or live music.

Litibu Sunsets, Litibú

Perfectly placed on the beach, Litibu Sunsets is an excellent choice for dining as the sun goes down, as its name implies. The menu features a variety of seafood, including grilled fish and shrimp tacos, in a relaxed beachside environment. You’ll need to travel down an unlit dirt road to find this intimate spot, so be sure to call ahead and make sure it’s open when you want to visit, as it often closes after the sun sets.

Makai, La Lancha

Located in a strip plaza on the main road, just across the street from a major surf break, Makai blends Mexican flair with the exotic tastes of the Pacific Islands. This unique eatery serves dishes such as poke bowls and grilled fish, crafted with local, sustainable ingredients. Its casual yet sophisticated atmosphere makes it a great spot for a laid-back meal.

Karen’s Place, Bucerías

Situated right on the sands of Bucerías Beach, Karen’s Place serves a diverse menu of international and local cuisine, from fresh seafood to a variety of salads, steaks and pasta dishes. The open-air restaurant is also perfect for brunch or sunset happy hours.

Getting Around

Reaching Riviera Nayarit is straightforward whether you’re traveling from within Mexico or internationally. The primary gateway is Puerto Vallarta’s Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), just south of the Nayarit state border in Jalisco. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi or arrange for a shuttle service to your specific destination within Riviera Nayarit.

The area is well-connected by road. Federal Highway 200 runs along the coast from Nuevo Vallarta to San Blas, offering both convenience and scenic beauty along the way. However, navigating through Riviera Nayarit can vary from town to town, with some areas accessible by standard vehicles and others where a four-wheel drive or even a golf cart might be preferable (both options are readily available to rent). The roads can become rough, and during the rainy season, some areas might require the additional capability that a four-wheel drive vehicle offers. Oh yes, and there are massive speed bumps everywhere that can do some serious damage to a low car’s undercarriage.

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Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.