Sayulita is a little over an hour away from Puerto Vallarta.  It makes a great day trip to an area that is very different than Puerto Vallarta.  It’s a fabulous place for kids or beginners to learn to surf!

To get there:
By bus: there are bus lines that run from PV to Sayulita at relatively low cost
By car: drive north of PV past the airport and continue on the main highway.  After
About 45 minutes you will come to a large turnoff to Punta Mita.  DO NOT take this turnoff—just continue on the main highway.  After another 20 minutes or so on a highway that has now become a beautiful two lane road, you will see a sign on the left that says Sayulita.  Turn left and follow this road into town.

Sayulita is a laid back little town with a population of 3000 that resembles a small version of Santa Cruz, California.  The main beach is one of the best spots to learn to surf in Mexico.  There are lots of continuous gentle waves and you can rent surfboards right along the beach as well as get inexpensive surfing lessons.  The town is full of small shops and places to eat, all very close to the main beach.

Places to eat: 

There are many places right along the beach, but Don Pedro’s  Restaurant  is a good place to go for a snack, drinks, or lunch.Under a giant thatched palapa surrounded by panoramic views of ocean and forest, Don Pedro’s offers expertly prepared Mediterranean-style cuisine with a Mexican influence. Calle Marlin #2

Villa de Amor Restaurant: For a very special place to have lunch or dinner, go to the Villa de Amor Hotel which is on the waterfront about ½ mile south of the main beach.  They have a small stone patio where they serve food overlooking the water with a view that is just incredible.  The food here is very good.

El Costeno. Sayulita's oldest eating establishment. On the beach, great seafood, traditional Mexican dishes & breakfasts. Great for hanging out watching the beach action!

Sayulita Fish Tacos. Opposite the town square, on the uphill side. This is a favorite of many visitors, at least those who love fish tacos.

Choco Banana. Adjacent to town square, coffee, muffins, breakfasts, shakes & burgers at lunch, along with newspapers.                                                                            
Panino’s Bakery. European style baked goods, tea, coffee. Brooke thinks they have the best bagels she has ever had!. Tiny with a few tables outside. Calle Delfin #1

Other Beaches:
Los Muertos Beach:  If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main beach, drive south from the main beach to the Villa de Amor Hotel.  From the main beach you will pass through city streets briefly, then will be on the dirt road next to water.  Continue on this into the Villa de Amor Hotel and you will see a dirt road which you turn on to the left.  You will immediately pass through a very old quaint cemetery and when you come out you will be on a very small quiet beach called Los Muertos Beach.

Los Carricitos Beach:  Try this one is you want a beach that is larger but that very few people go to.  This beach has big rocks in the water, and a very energetic feeling about it.  It is  similar to an Inverness, California beach and is quite lovely.  To get to it, follow the dirt road that leads out of the Los Muertos Beach parking lot.  Stay to the right on this road as much as possible since Los Carricitos is just a little south of Los Muerto on the water.  If you get lost, just ask a local where Los Carricitos is.  Once you are to the sign on the road that says Los Carricitos, just take the 5 minute path down the hill to the beach.

Activities

Water Sports. Sayulita is a great place to start surfing as a beginner and draws advanced surfers as well. Lessons are given by all the local outfitters.  One of the easiest ways to find Sayulita's more secluded beaches is by kayak. From the main beach, it is easy to kayak to around the rocky point to Playa de Los Muertos and beyond to Las Cargadas.
Papas Palapas on the beach rents kayaks and surfboards by the hour and day. Prices start at $9 an hour. Santa Crucesita on Revolucion rents surfboards, boogie boards, bicycles and wet suits by the hour and day.

Fishing.  Ask at El Costeño for a local fisherman who'll take you out on a boat to fish for snapper, mahi mahi, manarays and small sharks.

Horseback riding.  Horses are rented at Villa Amor and by Don Pancho who lives a block past the town square on Ave. Revolucion across from the hardware store.

Zipline Tour.  The Sayulita zip lines offer an interesting view of the local jungle from a unique advantage.  Can also be combined with horseback ride.