Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful destination on Mexico’s west coast. The vibrant coastal town offers mouthwatering cuisine, streetside markets, luxury resorts, and opportunities for whale watching. However, one of the best things to do while visiting is simply relaxing on one of the many idyllic beaches in and around the city. When planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta this winter, be sure to leave enough time for day trips to at least a couple of these gorgeous spots.
10 Playa Los Muertos
Playa Los Muertos is the most popular beach in Puerto Vallarta because it’s accessible right near the city center. Los Muertos Beach is near Zona Romantica, a lively neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta where many of the best restaurants in town are located. The beach is sandy and sunny and overlooks the main pier. Much of the beach also runs parallel to the Malecon, a scenic boardwalk overlooking the ocean. It’s busy here due to its convenient location, so to claim a lounger, it’s best to get to the beach before noon.
9 Mismaloya Beach
Travelers who want a slightly more secluded beach experience near Puerto Vallarta can travel down the coast for about 20 minutes by bus, taxi, or Uber to the former fishing village of Mismaloya. The charming village centers around its beach, which is surrounded by open-air restaurants.
8 Boca De Tomatlan
Drive another 10 minutes down the coast to Boca De Tomatlan for a chance to experience a rural village and friendly locals. Boca De Tomatlan is a hub for transportation to many of the other beaches on this list, so parts of the beach here are quite busy with boats. However, the beach itself is picturesque and overlooks a stunning cove of blue water. The beach is surrounded by patios and restaurants playing lively music. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family. Be aware that there are no ATMs or banks in Boca, so bring cash for food and drinks.
7 Caballo Beach
Caballo Beach is a hidden oasis that travelers can take a boat to or hike to from Boca de Tomatlan. From Boca, there are hiking trails through the jungle connecting the village to many scenic beaches that are otherwise only accessible by water. Hiking from Boca to Caballo Beach requires travelers to take virtually the same route as the more famous hike to Playa Las Animas, but Caballo Beach is a great stop along the way. There are no restaurants, toilets, or infrastructure at Caballo Beach, so travelers should pack snacks and water and prepare to relax in total isolation.
6 Playa Las Animas
Playa Las Animas is truly a slice of paradise near Puerto Vallarta. The sandy beaches seem never-ending and are surrounded by swaying palm trees. Restaurants line the beach, and there are vendors walking up and down the shoreline selling homemade slices of pie and other treats. To get to Playa Las Animas, travelers can hike approximately 2 hours through the jungle from Boca de Tomatlan or take a boat or water taxi from the village.
5 Yelapa
Yelapa is another small beach town south of Puerto Vallarta that has incredible sandy beaches and inviting blue waters to enjoy. It’s about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta and is only reachable by boat. Travelers can first take a bus or taxi to Boca de Tomatlan and then hop on a boat or water taxi from the pier. In Yelapa, there is plenty to do besides sunbathing and swimming. One of the popular activities is hiking to the local waterfall.
4 Playa Las Caletas
Travelers who want a more exclusive beach experience can visit Playa Las Caletas, a beach that once was home to film director John Huston. Today, the property is operated by Vallarta Adventures, requiring guests to book a tour to gain access. For around $150, a 7-hour tour includes kayak rental and opportunities for snorkeling and paddle boarding.
3 Playa Camarones
Los Muertos Beach can be extremely busy during peak hours of the day, especially during the height of the tourist season (December to March). Travelers who want to remain close to the city center but find a more secluded beach to enjoy can head to Playa Camarones. This beach is north of Playa Los Muertos, close to the five de Diciembre zone of the city.
2 Quimixto
Located after Playa Las Animas and before Las Caletas Beach is the small fishing village of Quimixto. This town also has a quaint, inviting beach area that is only accessible by boat from Boca de Tomatlan. It’s a great choice for travelers who want to escape the crowds without going as far from Boca as Yelapa. There are some local restaurants to enjoy, like Wikari, and boutique hotels close to the beach for visitors who want to stay overnight.
1 Isla Marietas (Hidden Beach)
For one of the most pristine and best-kept secret beaches in Puerto Vallarta, travelers should book an excursion to Isla Marietas. Boat tours to the island typically depart from the pier at Los Muertos Beach and take visitors on an incredible adventure where they’ll have a chance to explore the island and even spend time on the secluded beach. It’s important to do research before booking because each tour is different; some excursions may not allow travelers to spend time on the land, simply observing the islands from the boat.