Top 25 Things to Do in Sayulita, Mexico

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Surfing, slow-crashing waves, golden sand, spicy margaritas, colorful streets, art galleries, and boho-chic vibes… Does that sound like somewhere you want to go?! If so, then you might want to pay a visit to the lovely Riviera Nayarit.

Here, you’ll find the magic town of Sayulita—Pacific Mexico’s ultimate surf spot overflowing with trendy restaurants, boutique hotels, boho shops, and open-air markets! There is so much to see and do in Sayulita that we are constantly adding new items to our Sayulita bucket list!

We have lived on the coast of Nayarit for over 2 years now and visit Sayulita often. And without fail, every time, I fall a little more in love with this magic town! It has its downsides, that’s for sure, but it does have a special charm that keeps people coming back.

Of all the things to do here, surfing is one of the main reasons you should visit Sayulita. In fact, it’s the prime reason why this town eventually became famous as a popular surfer and backpacker’s destination in Mexico!

But beyond surfing, there’s plenty more to do in Sayulita on vacation!From eating at upscale restaurants to sipping on lime margaritas at the swing bar and basking in the sun on one of Sayulita’s sandy beaches… Here is my guide for all the top things to do in Sayulita, Mexico!

20 Best Things to Do in Sayulita Mexico

✈️ Find affordable flights to Mexico on KAYAK from $99+

🚗 Rent a car from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita on Discovercars.com

🏠 Stay at one of my favorite hotels in Sayulita 

🎒 Pack water, a cute day backpack, and wear comfy walking shoes (psst… they’re sustainable!)

📸 Bring your SonyA7iii and all-around 24-70mm travel lens for epic shots!

🛡 Insure your Mexico adventures with SafetyWing, the global travel medical insurance for nomads ($40/4 weeks)

🖼 Book with GetYourGuide for fun activities in Nayarit and airport transfers!🏄‍♀️ Reserve a surfing lesson with WildMex!

Where to Stay in Sayulita

Budget-friendly finds ($0-50)

• Viajero Hostel – A vibrant hostel that’s well-maintained, has a rooftop pool, and is a great spot for meeting other travelers. You’ll find bunks and private rooms.
• La Redonda Sayulita Hostel – A colorful, backpacker-friendly hostel with a community lounge and garden.
• Hotel Vista Oceana – Oceanfront budget-friendly hotel overlooking Sayulita Beach.

Best boutique hotels ($50-150+)

• Petit Hotel Hafa – A vibrant Mexican-Moroccan style boutique hotel with a boho rooftop terrace in the heart of Sayulita.
• Aurinko Bungalows – Rustic, airy bungalows in the center of town with discounted surf equipment and an on-site yoga studio.
• Siete Lunas – A luxurious jungly hotel with an outdoor pool perched atop a hill overlooking Sayulita Beach.

The Ultimate Sayulita Bucket List!

1. Taste cacao in the heart of Sayulita

The jungles that surround Sayulita are lush and you’ll get to explore some of its most tasty offerings (hint: cacao!) on a tour of this seaside town’s delicious cuisine.

Kick off this food tour at the Cacao Garden Museum where you’ll learn about the history of the cacao plant and its benefits, before sampling organic chocolates and a cacao drink.

Your knowledgeable guide knows all the best foodie spots in town. You’ll try local specialties like seafood empanadas and classic Mexican favorites like birria beef tacos while traipsing around beautiful downtown Sayulita. 

Click here to see times for this guided food tour through Sayulita!

2. Take a yoga class

Imagine starting your day with a calming yoga session on the sand with ocean views and the sound of lapping waves. You’ll find that and more in Sayulita!

Whether you want to continue your daily practice or take your first yoga class, there are several different yoga studios in Sayulita to choose from. A few of the most popular options are Yoga Los Suenos and The Rose Room.

If you want a more unique experience than simply showing up to the yoga studio for a stretch, sign up for this hike and yoga class ahead of your trip! You’ll leave the busier beaches behind, hiking through the jungle to a more remote location with a small group of other yogi’s. 

All of your equipment (i.e. yoga mats) are provided and both beginners and old pros are welcome to join! Even better, you’ll take a different trail back to Sayulita which means double the amount of time spent in nature.

You can check out times and book your hike and yoga session here!

3. Go horseback riding on the beach

The pristine beaches and jungles of Sayulita are the perfect backdrop for a horseback riding adventure! 

A local guide will lead you and a small group through the Sierra Madre mountains, admiring jungle flora and fauna, before heading down to a beautiful beach to gallop in the surf. 

You can choose from a morning or sunset ride, although watching the sun dip into the Pacific is pure magic. Both end with a tequila tasting and free transportation back to your hotel (and pick up!). 

Whether it’s your very first time or your 20th, this is a memorable experience that you’ll never forget. 

Book your sunset horseback riding adventure here!

4. Zoom through the jungle on a zipline

Looking for a fun adventure in Sayulita that will get your heart pumping? Head into the jungle for a ziplining canopy tour!

You’ll get the chance to see panoramic ocean views, colorful birds, and other animals up close while zooming down 13 different ziplines and tramping across suspension bridges. 

This zipline experience is on a 19-acre ranch in the hills above Sayulita. On top of getting the thrill of a lifetime in the tree canopy, you’ll also have access to their pool for a dip and tequila tasting afterwards to celebrate conquering your fears!

5. Learn more about the Wixarika people

Sayulita is home to several indigenous populations, including the Huichol and Wixarika peoples. Learning more about their heritage is an unforgettable addition to your trip and you can do so by joining locals for a sacred ritual. 

Follow a spirit guide into the jungle where you’ll participate in a Wixarika blessing ceremony, walking between holy places in the forest. Discover what makes each spot special and more about the connection between man and the natural environment along the way.

Endorsed by the National Institute of Anthropology and History, this is a one-of-a-kind experience in Sayulita and a unique window into the heritage of Nayarit.  

Book your Wixarika blessing ceremony here!

6. Take photos at the colorful Flag Street (“Slap Street”)

Arguably, the busiest and cutest street in Sayulita is Calle Delfines, or what’s locally dubbed as “Slap Street.” But I just call it Flag Street! It is a cute restaurant-lined road with hundreds of colorful flags (known as papel picado) strung between palm trees.

Coming here to walk under the flags is a popular thing to do in Sayulita for first-time visitors. Everyone has to get their picture taken under the flags — but make sure you get here early! After 10 am, it will start getting pretty busy as the tourists arrive for a day of sightseeing and surfing.

So, why is this street called “Slap Street” anyway?

According to the locals, this street was once the focal point of a hot debate between two gentlemen who wanted to redesign the street.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t agree, and tensions rose until one man, in the heat of the moment, raised his hand and slapped the other guy in the face. On-lookers stepped in and managed to calm the two men down. The street would then become popularly known as “Slap Street.” There is a sign at the end of the street that explains the story!

Travel Tip: If you can’t beat the crowds, know that there are other colorful, flag-filled streets to take pictures of in Sayulita.

7. Eat a yummy breakfast at Miscelánea Cafe

Sayulita is home to dozens of boho-chic breakfast cafes and lunch spots, but none are as cute and soul-satisfying as Miscelánea Cafe.

We LOVE this cafe so much and can’t help but come here multiple times on any trip to Sayulita!

While most people find breakfast at ChocoBanana (a popular place to eat—it’s just in front of flag street), for us there is no better cafe than Miscelanea to kickstart our day in Sayulita.

Miscelánea Cafe whips up fresh, wholesome breakfast dishes and lunch plates using local and organic ingredients. Not to mention, their drinks, like their Oaxacan hot chocolate or beet lavender latte, are both super tasty, nutritious, and eye-pleasing.

As I said, there are dozens of (good!) breakfast places to eat in Sayulita, but for us, Miscelánea is a top-notch spot to grab food and coffee and is emblematic of the chic Sayulita style!Miscelánea Cafe opening hours and address: Open from 8 am — 3 pm daily. Location: Ave. Revolucion 34 A (on the right side of the street hidden in a little backyard area).

8. Hit up Sayulita’s sandy beaches

One beach, two beaches, three beaches, four? Of all the things to do in Sayulita, going to the beach is an obvious one! But did you know there are several beaches in Sayulita aside from the main, Sayulita Beach? 

Yep! There are several beaches to discover in Sayulita and they all offer something a little different.

The best easy-to-reach beaches in Sayulita are:

Sayulita Beach: The main beach and directly accessible from downtown Sayulita. It is often crowded, lined with colorful beach loungers, and packed with vendors eager to sell their products. It’s also where everyone goes surfing!.

Playa de Los Muertos: The “beach of the dead” is aptly named as it sits right off the town’s local cemetery. This beach is a short 10-minute walk from downtown. Just follow the road lining Sayulita’s main beach all the way to the left, past the shorefront hotels and villas. Soon, you’ll reach the cemetery, and down the dirt hill lies the semi-secluded Playa de Los Muertos. There are parking and restrooms for a small fee, along with one food shack for shrimp, drinks, and snacks.

Playa Carricitos: If you were to walk further along this dirt path through the jungle from Playa de Los Muertos, you’d be on track to reach Playa Carricitos. It is a secluded beach, nice for relaxing off-grid with no amenities!

Playa Escondida: Ever watched The Bachelorette? Well, you know the private beach where they film all the juicy drama? This is Playa Escondida in Sayulita. It is not a public-access beach. I contacted them and asked if they do Day Passes, which they do for a $100 USD entrance fee. The pass gives you access to the beach, pools, spa, restaurant, and bars, but all food/spa costs are separate.

North Beach: If you head right from Sayulita Beach instead of left, then you’ll be on your way to North Beach. It’s the long stretch of sand you see on the right of Sayulita and it’s here where you can take a long stroll or a hike through the jungle to reach the neighboring pueblo of San Pancho. We often hike to Sayulita from San Pancho, and it takes about 1.5 hours. We really enjoy North Beach for its clear waters and quiet stretch of sand (there’s hardly anyone).

9. Surf’s up! Ride some waves (The most popular thing to do in Sayulita!)

Surfing is what Sayulita is most famous for, so obviously, it is one of the best things to do here. 

As soon as you walk out onto the main beach, you’ll find a sea of surfers at all skill levels riding the waves. There are just as many surf shops in Sayulita where you can rent a board or even sign up for surf lessons!

Lots of surf guides and shops have set up their own cabanas on the beach, so surfing in Sayulita couldn’t come any easier. The prices will vary by shop, but you can expect to pay around $25-$30 per day for a standard surfboard rental and $80-100 for a surf lesson.

Here are some good surf shops in Sayulita to rent/take lessons from. 

• WildMex Surf and Adventure
• Lunazul (on the beach),
• Patricia’s Surf School
• Sayulita Surf School, among others.

If you really love surfing, you should also check out the popular beach of La Lancha.

5. Visit the cemetery & Playa de Los Muertos

The town’s local cemetery and the beach connected to it are a sight to see! One of our favorite things to do in Sayulita is to take a leisurely walk from downtown to the Sayulita cemetery.

Here, it’s common to see tombstones colorfully decorated with remnants from Day of the Dead festivities—flags, flowers, candles, and memorabilia of the loved one’s favorite things. One grave is even marked with a surfboard.

Just down the hill, off to the right, sits a tranquil beach, the aptly named Playa de Los Muertos.

Here you can enjoy a section of the beach with calm waves, which is ideal for families with kids or for swimming. Sayulita is generally good for swimming now that the sewage conditions have improved with the new waste facility.

There are lounge chairs for rent on the beach, plus paid parking and bathrooms, along with a small food shack for snacks and drinks.

6. Shop Sayulita’s boho shops & art galleries

Though I’m not a big shopper, shopping is a popular thing to do in Sayulita because of the boho scene here. I know a lot of people enjoy shopping on vacation and if that’s you, then you’ll love shopping in Sayulita!

Tons of cute boho stores filled with crochet swim tops, dreamcatchers, and flowy beach skirts line Sayulita’s colorful streets. 

My favorite shops to visit all have this type of earthy, boho vibes; they are Evoke the Spirit, R2 Fashion, Artefakto, Rosemary, Manantial (just to name a few!), and the open-air shops down the street on the way to the beach are so cute too!

You’ll also notice the plethora of stunning art galleries in and around Sayulita. Most of the art galleries feature Huichol art, beaded work, sculptures, paintings, and jewelry, among other crafts. The Laughing Jaguar is kind of a mix between a shop and a gallery, featuring Mexican artwork and home decor. They even have pet collars stitched with native Huichol designs and colors!

12. Sip a margarita in style at the Atico Swing Bar

There’s no place that makes me feel like I’m in Sayulita more than the hip Atico Hookah/Swing Bar. It’s here where you can test your balance on a swing while juggling a drink in your hand. (It’s harder than it seems!) I really enjoy coming to Atico’s simply for the atmosphere.

Atico is set in the heart of Sayulita amid one of the busiest streets. During the day, it’s quite relaxing. At night, the place comes alive with music and even a little dancing. It’s all open-air, so you’re immersed in the vibrant night scene that’s typical of Sayulita.

You can also smoke hookah here, but we always just come for drinks and music! The margaritas are all good, strong, and rimmed nicely with either salt or a spicy mixture.

13. Stroll through the open-air Hippie Market

The Sayulita Hippie Market is more touristy than local now, but it is the place to go to get a decent deal on Mexican handicrafts. It is an outdoor market found just before the bridge going into downtown Sayulita.

Walking around the market is a fun thing to do in Sayulita, and a good way to see the art and crafts of the region. It is open every day so be sure to take a stroll around the neighborhood!

Tip: Other markets in Sayulita include the Mercado del Pueblo, also known as the Sayulita Farmer’s Market, (Friday mornings) which feature artisanal goods and crafts, and the Sunday-only Tianguis (meaning open-air) market near the beach (Calle Gaviotas) which features handmade artwork and handicrafts from local Huichol residents.

9. Grab an icy treat at Wakika or Mexicolate

Most people visit Sayulita for the sun and the beach, and nothing pairs better with a beachy vacation than ice cream! There are two delicious places to go for icy treats in Sayulita: Wakika or Mexicolate.

Wakika Heladeria serves up homemade ice pops and ice cream in all flavors and colors. It’s on the right side of the plaza, just next to the La Rustica pizzeria.

Mexicolate features icy smoothies made with native cacao, banana, organic peanut butter, and dates. No extra sugar is added, just pure goodness and wholesome ingredients! You can find this tiny, hole-in-the-wall shop on the opposite end of La Plaza Principal, just in front of the church.

15. Hang out in Sayulita’s colorful Plaza Principal

Speaking of La Plaza Principal, it’s here at the heart of the town where lots of events and things to do in Sayulita occur daily. You can find native Huichol art stands, food stalls, a ton of restaurants lining the plaza, and art galleries… You name it!

There are lots to do and see in Sayulita, and at the center of it all sits this Plaza. For instance, you can take your photo with the Sayulita colorful sign, hang out under the gazebo, or even join the local Millenials on their skateboards under the trees.

16. Go whale watching (seasonal)

Whale watching in Banderas Bay off the coast of Nayarit is one of the best things to do in Sayulita, Puerto Vallarta, and beyond! Large whales travel thousands of miles from the icy waters up north down to the warmer temperatures in the Bahia de Banderas.

There are many tours available, in all the cities around, so you can also take the opportunity to go whale watching in Sayulita!

The whale watching season in Nayarit is from mid-December to the end of March/beginning of April. Tours typically last a whole morning or afternoon, or around 4 hours. You can get the chance to see Blue Whales, Humpbacks, Grey and Sperm Whales, and not to mention lots of dolphins!

Make sure to book with a company that respects wildlife and the environment by using low-impact boat vessels and following the best safety and protection procedures. La Orca de Sayulita is one such company that puts conservation first.

17. See live iguanas in The Iguana Tree

Also known as El Arbol del Iguana, the iguana tree in Sayulita is one of the best free things to do in town. All it takes is meandering your way to the tree to witness large, live iguanas hang out in their natural habitat.

They thrive in the tree tops and are often seen scaling power lines, buildings, and tree branches. Sometimes they jump from one branch to another like a squirrel! Watch your head! These guys are a sight to see.

You’ll find the Iguana Tree one block away from both Sayulita Beach and the plaza, on the corner of Manuel N. Navarrete and Calle Marlin.

If you visit the tree, please don’t encroach on their space. Take photos from a distance, and don’t feed or approach these beasts. Just let them do their thing!

18. Learn the macrame craft with a macrame workshop

Macrame is a popular handicraft in this region of Mexico. You’ll see tons of macrame wall hangers, planters, dream catchers, rugs, pillows, and even bags and clothes. Macrame is so much fun to learn and Sayulita offers a workshop in town!

I have personally worked and learned from Eva, the macrame workshop leader, before. Learning how to make macrame is an incredibly fun thing to do in Sayulita beyond just lounging at the beach or slugging down tacos and beer.

19. Go salsa dancing at Don Pato’s

While Sayulita seems like a calm, sleepy pueblo in the early mornings, Sayulita heats up at night, coming alive with music and sprawling bars and clubs.

One of my favorite things to do at night in Sayulita is head to Don Pato’s for dancing, drinks, and music.

It’s also here where you can go salsa dancing on weekends and Monday nights! If Don Pato’s is full, it isn’t difficult to find another bar or club close by.

20. Grab dinner at Kabuki

Eating out in Sayulita is one of our favorite things to do, especially since we spend most of our time eating in San Pancho. The restaurants in San Pancho are delicious, but since we lived here the restaurants and bars in Sayulita help us change it up a bit.

With that said, we love to seek out the hidden gems of places to eat whenever we travel. Oftentimes, what you see on Tripadvisor doesn’t best represent what is actually the BEST in town.

One of the more unique places to eat in Sayulita is Kabuki, a Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant that specializes in inventive sushi.

It’s a bit of a hole-in-the-wall and one of Sayulita’s up-and-coming restaurants, which makes it even more fun to seek out. 

While their sushi menu isn’t extensive, each roll is perfectly curated. Kick off your meal with their crispy, tempura green beans before moving on to the star of the show—the sushi! The banana roll and dragon roll are favorites. 

You’ll also find nigiri, sashimi, and other classic Japanese dishes like gyoza and miso soup, all made with fresh, Mexican ingredients.

Most of their rolls go for around $8-$10, not too bad!

21. Go deep sea fishing off the coast

Although we haven’t tried it ourselves (yet), apparently fishing in Sayulita is one of the best outdoor activities. There are TONS of local fishing boats and fishermen taking their boats out and visitors can join in the fun on fishing tours!

You can also cast your line in from the west side of the beach near the rocks. The fishing in Sayulita is good and that’s where lots of the fresh catch of the days come in at.

I’ve seen local fishermen carry a line full of fish back from the beach a few times in Sayulita and loads of times from the beaches of San Pancho.

22. Take a day trip to Puerto Vallarta

If you made it to Sayulita, it’s likely because you flew into the international airport at Puerto Vallarta and took an Uber or bus from there. But don’t overlook Puerto Vallarta as a tropical destination!

Sure, it’s not as small and quaint as the magic town of Sayulita, but Puerto Vallarta offers so many things to do in the way of food, hotels, daytime activities, adventures, and nightlife.

We went ziplining in Puerto Vallarta and had a blast. We always go watch movies in the amazing cinema theater with reclining seats and dinner service. The Zona Romantica is another of our favorite haunts for fast wifi and good coffee.

There’s also a hike we did up the hill behind downtown that completely took our breath away! We could see the entire PV coastline from up there. So, with all that said, why not consider going back to Puerto Vallarta for a day trip from Sayulita?

Tip: You could combine your day trip to PV either at the beginning or end of your stay; that way it coincides with your arrival and departure dates. 

Plus, I always like being in Puerto Vallarta early whenever I have an outgoing flight. Traffic between Sayulita and PV can get really dense, so it’s best to give yourself plenty of time. (Especially during the holidays — so keep that in mind.)

23. Explore the charming pueblo of San Pancho

If you are completely Sayulita’d out — then I have the perfect mini-getaway for you. Take a day trip from the crowded streets of Sayulita and go relax next door for a golden sunset in the charming pueblo of San Pancho. 

San Pancho was my home for years, so it’s hard for me to share as a travel blogger. But people are finding it, and I want them to find it through me so I can relay the strong sense of community and eco-warrior values that hold this town together.

So here it is: San Pancho is not Sayulita. At least, we all hope it’s not! San Pancho isn’t the place to party, stay out late, litter, or be careless about your environmental impact as a traveler.

San Pancho is a community-driven, sustainably-minded town full of artists, yogis, healers, teachers, painters, dancers, musicians, protestors, chefs, writers, and photographers…the list goes on. <3

This town has a loving, talented community with an authentic, homegrown, organic hippie vibe. You can tell the community here holds deep love and respect for the local Mexican culture. 

If that sounds like something you could be into, then please come visit and support our local businesses!

24. Tour the picturesque Islas Marietas

Las Islas Marietas is one of the most popular things to do in Sayulita and in all of the Riviera Nayarit. This rocky archipelago, set adrift in Banderas Bay, is the perfect place to spot wildlife!

While photos and videos of this place are certainly inspiring, over-tourism has made it expensive to visit. I haven’t yet been, because each time I check the tours are full.

Only ~100 people are allowed to visit the National Park per day. So, if visiting the Islas Marietas is a must-do adventure on your bucket list, it’s wise to book well in advance!

25. Celebrate the Day of the Dead

Last but not least on this ultimate list of things to do in Sayulita is to celebrate a holiday or festival! Sayulita has the infrastructure to host amazing events and the town comes alive with colorful flags and Ojos de Dios strung across all the streets for Day of the Dead.

In 2018, we were extremely lucky to have been here to celebrate the Mexican holiday of Dia de Los Muertos otherwise known as the Day of the Dead.

This colorful, exceptionally emotional, and vibrant holiday was so special to experience in Sayulita. While many people say, “Go to Mexico City for the Day of the Dead!” we thought spending and celebrating in a small town such as Sayulita was definitely the way to go. It was super intimate, raw, and just breathtaking.

You can read all about our Day of the Dead experience in Sayulita to learn more about this holiday and see if it’s something you would like to plan your vacation around.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Sayulita, Mexico

There is no shortage of things to do in Sayulita for short or long-term stays! Every time we get to visit Sayulita we always end up doing another activity or finding another hidden gem.

So, here’s my last piece of advice: When planning your trip to Sayulita, join a Facebook group or check out local events happening at restaurants or around town! There are some great festivals like the Boho Fest that happen after the holidays, around mid-January to mid-February.

Are you adding the colorful pueblo of Sayulita, Mexico, to your bucket list?! If you’ve already been, what was your favorite thing to do and see here? 

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