Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular vacation spots in Mexico. Maybe it’s the miles and miles of beaches, endless activities, and fine dining that attracts millions of visitors each year. Are you planning on visiting Puerto Vallarta soon? While you will never be bored in PV, you should go on a day trip to Sayulita, a quaint surfing town located north of Puerto Vallarta. Sayulita is only 45 minutes from downtown PV, and it is a small town that has charm, rich history, and lots to see and do. In fact, Sayulita was named a Pueblo Magico in 2015. If you will be visiting Puerto Vallarta soon, then make sure to schedule a time for a day trip to Sayulita. Continue to read below to learn more about this magical town. 

  • Sayulita – A Pueblo Mágico 

Approximately 40 minutes from Puerto Vallarta is a charming town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico named Sayulita. This is a popular town for surfers and sun-worshippers who love its small-town feel, hip shops, and eclectic nightlife. Sayulita was named a Puerto Magico in September 2015 during the Segunda Feria Nacional de Pueblos Mágicos. Mascota, Talpa de Allende, and 28 other towns were also named Pueblo Magico towns. In English, Pueblo Magico means “Magic Towns”, and this designation originated in 2001. At that time, the Mexico Tourism Board decided to begin bestowing the designation to special towns and villages. There are 3 requirements to become a Pueblo Magico, and they include:

  1. The town must be architecturally pleasing. For example, balconies, facades, or roofs should be painted the same color that has been approved by the National Institute of Anthropology and History. 
  2. The town has to have their own identity with their culture, so the town can focus on their handicrafts. 
  3. The town must have a village square that is beautiful, and have at least one main attraction for tourists. 

In addition, once a town has been named a Pueblo Magico, they will start receiving financial support to help promote tourism. 

  • Sayulita’s Top Beaches 

Guests that are on a PV day trip to Sayulita can start off by strolling along the beach. Many surfers come to Sayulita to catch the best breaks in Mexico, as its shoreline is on the Pacific Coast’s open ocean just north of Banderas Bay. There, you can rent a surfboard or paddleboard right on the beach. The beach has plenty of restaurant options, so you can enjoy delicious foods and drinks as you sip your toes in the warm sand.  Sayulita Beach is a crowded beach, but it is perfect for people watching. Later, you can do some shopping in town as there are plenty of shops selling handicrafts, sunglasses, jewelry, and so much more. If you want to get away from it all, you can go to a secluded beach to avoid the crowds. Walk past the Villa Amor Hotel and head up the hill past the local cemetery to reach the magnificent Los Muertos Beach. This beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing for the day. However, there are no restaurants, so make sure you plan ahead and bring a picnic before you head to this beach. 

  • Shopping, Dining, and Bars

There is incredible shopping, dining, and bars in Sayulita. The centrally located main plaza with the vibrantly decorated gazebo is a great place to start your day.  From there, you will be able to visit different art galleries where you can buy Huichol handicrafts that have been made locally. You can also find a restaurant to meet any craving you have. If you love shopping, you will love the numerous hip stores and boutiques that sell a wide variety of clothes, jewelry, handbags, and more.  In the evening, the town will come alive and you should bar hop around town as you enjoy a few cocktails. Plus, everything is within walk distance so there is no need to rent a car. Some tourists rent ATV’s to drive around and have a little fun, too. 

It is easy to see that a PV day trip to Sayulita is a great thing to do when you are on vacation in Puerto Vallarta. Need help finding a place to stay? Contact Today Getaway at 1-866-435-8007 or 619-558-0432 if you are ready to enjoy a well-deserved getaway to paradise. If you will be vacationing in Puerto Vallarta soon, then make sure you go on a day trip to Sayulita. You won’t regret it!