6 Best Places to Visit in the Riviera Nayarit

For travelers seeking the beauty of nature and the vibrant culture of Mexico, Riviera Nayarit is truly paradise, and this stretch of coastline is dotted with luxury resorts and surfing villages. Whether you’re wanting to pamper yourself in style or wander cobblestone streets, you’ll find plenty to explore in the towns of Riviera Nayarit Mexico. Since they’re all within an easy drive, you can experience each of these top places to visit in Mexico on your next vacation.

1. Nuevo Vallarta

Most travelers make Nuevo Vallarta Mexico their home base for exploring Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta. It’s just twenty minutes from the international airport that services both destinations, and it’s home to luxury family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts. With the seemingly endless expanse of the Nuevo Vallarta beach, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out. There’s also a long bike path, tropical golf courses, and a number of delicious restaurants to try. From here, you can easily hop on a bus or grab a taxi to see more of the top places to visit in Mexico and experience the best things to do in Riviera Nayarit.

2. Bucerias

Some of the best Mexico tourist attractions are their smaller towns, and the bike path in Nuevo Vallarta Mexico connects to the charming city of Bucerias, where you’ll find a local market, seafood restaurants, and colorful homes. Because it’s so close to Nuevo Vallarta, you can even walk along the beach to this small town. When you do, be sure to check out the local plaza and try the city’s famous oysters, and if you’re there in the spring, you’ll see kiteboarders enjoying the windy weather.

3. Punta Mita

When celebrities come to Riviera Nayarit Mexico, Punta Mita is often their destination. Known for its expensive resorts and secluded beaches, it’s a place to visit if you want to travel like a star. While most of the area is exclusive, you can spend a day in Punta Mita relaxing at a trendy beach club or grabbing a table at a gourmet restaurant.

4. Sayulita

Sayulita Mexico is an official Pueblo Magico, a Magical Town, a title given by the government to cities that retain their traditional culture, and walking its cobblestone streets lined with bright artwork is truly enchanting. It’s a very eco-friendly community, an eclectic mix of Bohemian style and modern elegance. Some of the popular Mexico tourist attractions here include boutique shops, the gardens in the plaza, and the colorful cemetery. For surfers, it’s one of the top places to visit in Mexico, and local surf schools will rent you a board or give you a lesson on how to hang ten, one of the best things to do in Riviera Nayarit.

5. San Pancho

Just a short drive up the road from Sayulita Mexico, San Pancho is another charming surfing village, and even though it’s another Pueblo Magico, it’s typically less visited than Sayulita, which makes it better for those wanting a quiet and relaxing day. While it doesn’t have as many shops and restaurants, San Pancho feels like a true escape in paradise, yet it’s still close to Nuevo Vallarta Mexico, making it an easy destination for a day trip.

6. Rincon de Guayabitos

Few travelers venture further north in Riviera Nayarit Mexico than San Pancho, but beyond it, you’ll discover the best places off the beaten path, like Rincon de Guayabitos. This lively town is a popular destination for those traveling from the northern capital of Nayarit, and its beach is over a mile long. Here, bungalows and budget-friendly hotels are colorfully painted, and palapa roofs cover delicious seafood restaurants. Some of the best things to do in Riviera Nayarit include sailing out to Isla Coral off the coast of Rincon de Guayabitos and hiking to the breathtaking lookout point at Playa del Toro.

From the luxuries of Punta Mita to the hippie culture of Sayulita Mexico, Riviera Nayarit is a coastal destination that offers something for every traveler, and since each town has its own unique Mexico tourist attractions, there’s always something new to explore.