Sayulita: A Colorful Escape on Mexico's Pacific Coast
For my 30th birthday, 6 and a half years ago now, I wanted something simple: good weather, minimal planning, mexcal, and a beach where I could actually relax. Sayulita delivered on all four.
Getting There
From the West Coast, Sayulita is delightfully accessible. A direct flight into Puerto Vallarta, then an easy 45-minute cab ride north along the coastal highway, and you've traded your everyday routine for a town that seems to exist in perpetual golden hour. No complicated logistics, no overthinking; just the kind of straightforward travel that lets you actually relax.
Where We Stayed
We booked a boutique home rental that immediately set the tone for the trip. These independently owned properties have something the big resorts can't replicate: character. Ours had hand-painted talavera tiles, an open-air kitchen that caught the breeze, and that particular attention to detail that comes from hosts who genuinely care about the experience they're creating.
Having worked in hospitality, I'm admittedly particular about where I stay. But there's something about a well-curated vacation rental—especially in a place like Sayulita—that hits differently. You're not just passing through; you're living there, even if only for a few days.
The Town
Sayulita is built into the hillside, streets tumbling down toward the beach in a maze of colorful storefronts and flowering vines. It's smaller and scrappier than Puerto Vallarta, which is precisely the appeal. Everything is walkable: surf shops with boards stacked like popsicles, galleries showcasing Huichol beadwork, restaurants where the menu is whatever came off the boat that morning.
The walkability can't be overstated. As someone who spends a lot of time thinking about user experience and customer journey (occupational hazard), I love a town where discovery doesn't require a car service or careful planning. You just... wander. Follow the smell of grilling fish. Duck into a shop selling hand-embroidered textiles. End up at a palapa bar as the sun goes down because you heard music and followed it.
The Beach
The main beach curves in a gentle arc, backed by palm trees and always dotted with surfers. It's not precious or overly curated—there's a bit of that well-worn charm that comes from a place locals actually use. You can take a surf lesson in the morning, post up with a book and a michelada by noon, and watch the sunset with your feet in the sand by evening.
The surf here is forgiving enough for beginners but still fun for those who actually know what they're doing (I fall somewhere in between). And unlike some surf towns that take themselves very seriously, Sayulita keeps it light. Wipe out? Try again. Or don't. Get tacos instead.
Why It Works
Looking back, what made Sayulita special wasn't any single moment but rather how effortless the whole trip felt. No agenda to stick to, no FOMO about missing the "must-see" attractions. Just a rhythm: wake up, coffee, beach, eat, explore, repeat.
It's the kind of trip I'd recommend to anyone feeling overscheduled and under-rested. Close enough to make it a long weekend. Small enough to feel manageable. Charming enough to make you want to come back.
And honestly? In an era of over-Instagrammed destinations and influencer itineraries, there's something quietly radical about a place that's just... nice. Unpretentious. Walkable. Warm.
Sometimes that's exactly what you need.
Travel Notes:
Best for: Long weekends, digital nomads, anyone seeking a low-key beach town vibe
Getting around: Your feet (seriously, that's it)
Don't miss: Fresh ceviche from the beach vendors, sunrise surf sessions, wandering the side streets
Pro tip: Book your accommodations early if traveling during high season (December-April)