Nayarit is a Pacific Coast destination that blends spectacular beaches, untouched nature, and a vibrant culture. From surfing in Sayulita to the laid-back pace of San Blas or adventure in the Sierra de Vallejo, this state has something for every kind of traveler. The food scene, anchored by the famous pescado zarandeado, and the incredible natural diversity make it one of Mexico’s most rewarding places to visit.
Nayarit is one of those places that gets you right away. While most tourists head straight for Cancún or Los Cabos, this Pacific Coast state is still something of a hidden gem that has managed to hold onto its authentic character. What I love most about traveling through Nayarit is how much range it offers: you can go from a lively beach town to a stretch of completely wild coastline where you’re basically alone with the ocean.
After making my way through the state’s towns, beaches, and mountains, I can honestly say this is one of the best destinations in Mexico for anyone looking for a real mix of adventure, culture, and rest.
A lot of travelers reduce Nayarit to the Riviera Nayarit, which is the most touristy strip of the coast, but in this post I want to give you a bigger picture of the whole state. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip, from how to get there to the best places to visit.
Where is Nayarit and how do you get there?
Nayarit sits on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, right between Jalisco to the south and Sinaloa to the north. It’s a relatively small state, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in natural variety. Most visitors focus on the Riviera Nayarit, a coastal stretch that runs from Nuevo Vallarta up to San Blas, where you’ll find the most well-known beaches.
The easiest way to get there is to fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport, which is technically in Jalisco but only about ten minutes from the Riviera Nayarit. From there, you can grab a taxi, take an Uber, or rent a car. There are also buses connecting Nayarit with cities like Guadalajara and Mazatlan, though if you’re planning to move between several towns, having your own wheels makes everything a lot easier.
If you’re doing a road trip, it’s about three and a half hours from Guadalajara and around nine hours from Mexico City.
The best of visiting Nayarit
What genuinely surprised me about Nayarit was how much variety it packs in. One day you can be in Sayulita soaking up the surf culture, and the next you’re drifting through the mangroves of La Tovara in complete silence. It’s the kind of place that balances beach tourism, ecotourism, and local culture without feeling forced.
The beaches are an obvious draw, but there are also mountains, jungle, lagoons, and communities with deep-rooted traditions. The food is another strong point, with ultra-fresh seafood and local specialties like pescado zarandeado. And unlike some other destinations in Mexico, it hasn’t been overrun yet, which makes it ideal for travelers who want something a bit more real.
Places you can’t miss in Nayarit
Part of what makes Nayarit special is just how many worthwhile places there are to visit. Whether you’re into beaches, nature, or culture, this state delivers. Here are some of the spots I think you genuinely shouldn’t skip.
San Blas
One of my personal favorites is San Blas, a historic port town with a vibe that’s completely different from the rest of the Riviera Nayarit. Unlike Sayulita or Punta Mirta, there are no luxury resorts or big crowds here, which gives it a much more genuine feel. The beach is long and quiet, but the highlight for me was visiting San Basilio´s Fort, an old Spanish fortification with sweeping views of the sea. The dock area is also great for watching the sunset while local fishermen bring in their catch.
La Tovara
La Tovara is a mangrove nature reserve just outside of San Blas. Taking a boat through these waterways is a genuinely memorable experience: you see crocodiles, turtles, herons, and all kinds of exotic birds in their natural habitat. I loved the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature, far from any city noise. At the end of the tour there’s a freshwater spring where you can swim in crystal-clear water.
Compostela
If you’re looking for somewhere with history and culture, Compostela is worth a stop. This small town has a colonial atmosphere that’s a real contrast to Nayarit’s beach destinations. The main square is lovely and unhurried, surrounded by cobblestone streets and old buildings. I had some of the best coffee of the whole trip here, since the area produces a highland-grown coffee that’s earned a solid reputation across Mexico.
Playa Las Tortugas
If you want a truly untouched beach, Las Tortugas Beach won’t disappoint. It’s up in the northern part of the Riviera Nayarit, and as the name suggests, it’s a nesting site for sea turtles. There are no hotels or restaurants nearby, which makes it perfect if you want to completely disconnect. Spending a day there was one of the most relaxing moments of my trip, just the ocean, the sand, and total silence.
Mexcaltitán
Mexcaltitán is a small island that some consider the mythical ancestral home of the Mexica people. What makes it especially interesting is that during rainy season, the streets flood and residents get around by canoe, which is why it’s nicknamed “the Mexican Venice.” It’s a charming place, with colorful houses and a quiet, unhurried pace that you feel the moment you arrive.
Cerro del Mono
To visit Cerro del Mono, you’ll hike through the jungle near Sayulita to reach this lookout point with sweeping views of the Pacific. Getting to the top takes about an hour and a half, but the payoff is worth every step. From up there, you can see the jungle rolling all the way down to the sea, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot whales offshore.
The best beaches in Nayarit
If there’s one thing that defines Nayarit, it’s the beaches. There’s something for every taste: lively and social, completely wild, good for relaxing, ideal for surfing. You just have to figure out which one fits and go from there.
Sayulita
Sayulita is hands down the most famous beach town in Nayarit, and the beach and the town share the same name. It’s a lively, colorful place full of Huichol craft shops, great street food, and a surf culture that draws visitors from all over the world. If you’ve never surfed, this is a great place to take your first lesson. It can get pretty packed in high season, but if you walk a little further along the coast you can always find quieter spots.
San Pancho
A bit further north is San Pancho, a much more laid-back town with an equally beautiful beach. The vibe here is more bohemian, with cultural projects and a community that actively works to preserve the town’s character. I really enjoyed walking through its cobblestone streets and seeing how tourism coexists with local life without taking over.
Punta Mita
If you’re after luxury and exclusivity, Punta Mita is your best bet. This is where some of Mexico’s most upscale resorts are located, with private beaches and golf courses overlooking the ocean. It’s considerably more expensive than the rest of Nayarit, but if you want to splurge, it’s the place to do it.
Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands are one of Nayarit’s most jaw-dropping spots. This protected archipelago is known for its famous Love Beach, a hidden beach inside a cave. To get there, you swim through a short underwater tunnel, which is part of the experience. It’s also a great snorkeling destination, with extraordinary marine biodiversity all around.
Adventures and activities in Nayarit
Nayarit isn’t just about beach days. Its geography, which combines mountains, jungle, rivers, and ocean, makes it a great base for outdoor adventures. If you like being active or want experiences that go beyond lying in the sun, here are some of the best options.
The already-mentioned Cerro del Mono near Sayulita is one of the top hiking spots. The trail isn’t too demanding, though the humidity and heat will make you work for it. Once you reach the lookout, the panoramic views of the ocean and jungle make it all worth it. It’s also a great spot for sunset, and in the right season you might catch whales in the distance.
If you want to get in the water, surfing in Nayarit is basically non-negotiable. Sayulita is the most famous spot, but if you want less crowded waves, San Pancho and Punta Burros are solid alternatives. There are breaks for all levels, beginner to advanced. I’m no expert myself, though I can hold my own. I rented a board in Sayulita while my friends took a lesson, and we all had a great time.
For something with more adrenaline, there’s rappelling and canyoneering in Jaguar Canyon, which is one of those experiences most tourists never find out about. This canyon hidden in the Nayarit jungle has waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and rock walls ideal for climbing and rappelling. It’s a full-on adventure that combines hiking, swimming, and descent, perfect for anyone who wants a physical challenge in a wild setting.
Whale watching is another experience not to miss in Nayarit. Between December and March, these animals migrate to the warm Pacific waters to breed, and there are various tours along the Riviera Nayarit that take you out to see them. Watching a whale breach the surface is something that genuinely stops you in your tracks. If you go, pick a tour operator that follows responsible viewing guidelines so the animals aren’t disturbed.
Paddleboarding at the Marietas Islands is a great way to combine sport, scenery, and close contact with nature. You can paddle along the island coastline, explore sea caves, and enjoy the crystal-clear water around you. If you prefer being underwater, snorkeling and diving are also popular here, with manta rays and tropical fish being common sightings.
For a mix of adventure and culture, consider mountain biking in the Sierra de Vallejo, a protected area home to jaguars, scarlet macaws, and a ton of other wildlife. The routes pass through jungle, river crossings, and small rural communities where you get a real sense of what life in the Nayarit countryside looks like.
Nayarit food
The food in Nayarit is some of the best I’ve had anywhere in Mexico. The star dish is pescado zarandeado, grilled over coals with a spice blend that gives it an incredible smoky depth.
Another one I absolutely loved was the aguachile, a shrimp preparation with chile, lime, and cucumber that’s super fresh and punchy. Along the coast you’ll also find seafood tacos, ceviches, and shrimp done every way imaginable.
One thing to keep in mind: in tourist-heavy areas like Punta Mita, prices can be noticeably high compared to the rest of the state. If you want to eat well without spending a lot, head to the markets or family-run restaurants in smaller towns.
Responsible tourism in Nayarit
Something I noticed on my last trip is that some areas are starting to feel the pressure of growing tourism. Sayulita, for instance, has changed a lot in recent years, and while it’s still a great destination, the surge in visitors has brought some real downsides: rising prices, more waste, and more strain on the environment.
So it’s worth traveling thoughtfully. Small things like not leaving trash on the beach, choosing tour operators that respect the natural environment, and supporting local businesses add up. Whenever we travel, keeping our footprint as small as possible matters.
Tips for visiting Nayarit
The best time to visit is between November and May, when the weather is drier and there’s a good chance of seeing whales. In summer, the heat and humidity can be intense, and it’s also rainy season.
If you’re planning to move between several towns and beaches, renting a car is the way to go. Public transport exists but isn’t always reliable, especially for more out-of-the-way spots.
For accommodation, there’s something for every budget, from hostels in Sayulita to resorts in Punta Mita. There are also plenty of mid-range options, like small boutique hotels and Airbnbs in towns like San Pancho and Bucerías.
Nayarit has it all: great beaches, incredible nature, culture, and food. If you’re looking for a destination that combines adventure and relaxation without the crowds of other Mexican tourist hotspots, this is it. And the best time to go is now, before it gets too popular.
