Find Surfer-Chic Towns, Adventure Sports and More on a Punta de Mita Day Trip

Punta de Mita is incredibly beautiful, and with so many activities to enjoy, you may never want to leave. However, the nearby towns are well worth exploring too, full of interesting restaurants, beautiful shops, and local culture.

Here, we’ve put together a list of our favorites.

Sayulita

Sayulita is a laid-back and vibrant town visited mainly by surfers and trend-setting travelers. Its water and waves make it the perfect place to learn to surf. It has a lot of excellent shops too, from Revolución del Sueño (whose owners were responsible for many of the W Hotel interiors in Punta Mita), to Gypsy Galleria, which sells handicrafts from all over the country.

And don’t miss Evoke the Spirit, a design store filled with stylish homewares. Follow up your shopping spree with a trip to Naty’s Kitchen for some delicious tacos, then cool off with a fruity Wakika ice pop.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a popular place, attracting visitors from all over the world. It has a wide variety of restaurants and bars, both in the village and along its extensive coastline. Stroll along the boardwalk, people watch, and enjoy the ocean views, popping into some interesting shops along the way.

There’s a lot to do in Puerto Vallarta. Adventure-lovers can enjoy zip-lining or quad biking nearby, while those who prefer to relax can sink into a chaise lounge and peruse a cocktail menu. If you’re into nightlife, dine at Café Des Artistes and dance until dawn in one of the several nightclubs this town has to offer.

Bucerías

With its relaxed and calm barefoot vibe, Bucerías is the place to go for a slower pace of life. Walk all five miles of beach, or go for a dip in the calm waters (which are also great for paddleboarding), then do as the locals do and take a moment to sit and watch the world go by in the beautiful central square.

Art aficionados should also take the time to explore the galleries and shops in town, such as Galería Monarca and Soñe.

San Francisco (San Pancho)

Located a 30-minute drive from Punta de Mita, San Pancho is definitely worth visiting. The town feels as relaxed as a siesta, but there’s a lot going on. Visit on a Sunday to enjoy brunch at La Patrona Polo Club. Watch a couple of games while you’re there and enjoy the live music and excellent food.

A visit to La Patrona Beach Club in San Pancho is also a must. It won the Silver Medal at the National and International Biennial of Mexican Architecture 2018 for its design, and the sunsets are really something special. As the day draws to a close, take a trip to Mexicolate to try some wonderful chocolate delicacies, all made with homegrown Mexican cocoa.