The Best Beaches to Discover in Mexico's Nayarit

Nayarit’s stunning Pacific coastline, rich culture and lifestyle, seafood and traditional Mexican cuisine and charming towns have made it a magnet for beach vacation lovers. But which is the best beach for a holiday of lounging, swimming, snorkeling, diving and wildlife watching?

One of the most popular areas is the Riviera Nayarit, a 200-mile stretch of coastline that includes the luxurious resort town of Punta Mita, the surf-friendly Sayulita, and the tranquil beaches of San Blas.

· St. Regis Punta Mita

· Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

· Conrad Punta de Mita

· The adults-only Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa

· Dreams Bahia Mita Surf & Spa

· Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

· Occidental Nuevo Vallarta

· Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta

This western Mexico state offers some of the most spectacular, sunset-kissed beaches in the country. No matter where you stay in Naryarit, here are eight must-visit beaches:

Playa Novillero, located on the Riviera Nayarit coast, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is the longest beach in Mexico and the second-longest in Latin America, stretching some 56 miles!

You can can walk over 300 feet offshore without the water getting over 5 feet deep. Novillero’s safe waves make it an ideal destination where families, children, and inexperienced swimmers all can enjoy calm and warm waters. The vast expanse of Novillero also invites you to take long, romantic walks to enjoy its breathtaking sunsets.

With its 3-mile stretch of sand, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a paradise for seashore lovers. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of water-based activities, such as snorkeling, diving, surfing, and deep-sea fishing of tuna, marlin and dorado. Follow your marine adventures in this charming fishing village with a dinner of its famously fresh seafood cuisine.

This is where you’ll find the largest marina on the Mexican Pacific coast. Marina Riviera Nayarit marina offers comprehensive services for boats and a variety of facilities, including a yacht club, a sky bar, and a seafood market.

A hidden treasure on the Riviera Nayarit, the 1-mile beach of Rincón de Guayabitos is mostly visited for its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and year-round tropical weather, making it perfect for surfing, boat rides, birdwatching, and observing sea turtle nesting sites.

In addition, Guayabitos is famous for its vibrant nightlife and also hosts special events such as Vocho Fest, the Artistic and Cultural Festival, and the International Powered Paragliding Festival.

Surrounded by mountains, Riviera Nayarit’s Litibú feels liks a seaside deserted island oasis. This exclusive destination seamlessly combines luxury and nature with high-end resorts and a world-class 18-hole, Greg Norman golf course. You can also enjoy horseback rides along the beach, explore natural trails, and go whale watching.

Nayarit’s Pueblo Mágico, or “Magical Town,” is a destination that uniquely combines virgin beaches, lush jungle, and vibrant artistic and cultural scenes with colorful streets and a relaxed atmosphere. It is the heart of surfing in Mexico, attracting surfboarders from all over the world with its perfect waves and subtropical climate.

In addition to its natural attractions, Sayulita is a culinary destination, with small eateries and cafes selling delicious traditional dishes to elegant, beachfront restaurants dishing outworld-class cuisine.

Located on a peninsula with over 6 miles of virgin beaches and green hills, Punta de Mita has evolved into one of the most sophisticated destinations in Nayarit, boasting a world-class lineup of luxury resorts and hotels.

Its two renowned, Jack Nicklaus golf courses, are on many golfers’ bucket lists: Punta Mita Pacífico, famous for its “Whale Tail” hole, located on a natural island, and Punta Mita Bahía, with its 18 holes on undulating terrain.

Bucerías is a charming typical Mexican town, known for its cobbled streets, colorful facades, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can ride a bicycle, explore the ejidal market — an open-air marketplace where local artisans and vendors sell their wares — and enjoy local cuisine in restaurants and bars in the main plaza.

The friendliness of the people, impressive sunsets, and the traditional Mexican atmosphere make Bucerías an incredibly appealing destination for both international visitors and locals tourists looking to relax on its fine sands and enjoy activities such as sailing, kayaking, and jet skiing.

One of the most exclusive beach destinations in Mexico, this coastal paradise offers luxurious hotels and resorts, world-class golf courses, and gourmet restaurants. Its golden beaches stretch over 3 miles, providing plenty of space for both water activities and relaxation.

With its exceptional collection of hotels and resorts, Nuevo Nayarit is perfect for weddings and honeymoons. Visitors can enjoy sophisticated spas, mangrove tours, and flora and fauna viewing, including the area’s beloved sea turtle population.

Don’t wait til winter to escape to this beach paradise with its natural beauty, rich culture, delicious gastronomy, impressive landscapes, and charming Magical Towns. Nayarit is a year-round destination that makes a perfect summer beach getaway for families or couples.