From world-class resorts to secret surf spots, here’s your insider guide to the best things to do in Punta Mita, Mexico.
Punta Mita—or Punta de Mita, as it’s sometimes called—is one of those rare corners of Mexico that manages to feel both exclusive and completely laid-back. Set along the Riviera Nayarit, just an hour from Puerto Vallarta, this small peninsula has become a magnet for travelers seeking luxury, sunshine, and a more refined side of the Pacific coast.
While it’s best known for its world-class resorts and private beaches, Punta Mita offers so much more once you step beyond the sun lounger. There’s surfing, day trips to Sayulita and San Pancho, snorkeling at the Marietas Islands, and whale watching in winter. There’s also a thriving food scene, a few great shops, and some of the best sunsets you’ll see anywhere in Mexico.
As someone who lives in Puerto Vallarta, I make the trip up to Punta Mita several times a year—sometimes for work, sometimes just to unwind. Over time, I’ve come to know the rhythm of the place: the best beaches for swimming, the beach clubs worth the hype, and the hidden corners where you can still have a quiet moment to yourself.
Here’s my insider guide to the very best things to do in Punta Mita, Mexico.
How to Get to Punta Mita
Located along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, Punta Mita is a small, upscale peninsula about an hour northwest of Puerto Vallarta. But where is Punta Mita exactly? It sits at the far northern edge of Banderas Bay, about an hour northwest of Puerto Vallarta—a secluded peninsula that manages to feel both wild and polished at once.
Reaching Punta Mita is fairly easy. You’ll want to fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), the nearest major airport and a gateway for direct flights from across the U.S., Canada, and even parts of Europe.
From there, it’s roughly an hour’s drive to Punta Mita. The best ways to get there are to hop into an authorized taxi or call an Uber, though it’s worth knowing that Uber drivers can’t enter the airport grounds. You’ll need to meet your driver outside on the main highway—a quick walk, and far cheaper than most airport taxis.
Of course, it’s also possible to book a private transfer through your hotel or book one ahead of time.
Read more: What You Need to Know about Uber in Puerto Vallarta
14 Best Things to Do in Punta Mita, Nayarit
1. Enjoy your Luxury Resort
Let’s be honest—one of the best things to do in Punta Mita is to do absolutely nothing, preferably while sprawled out on a private terrace overlooking the Pacific. This isn’t the kind of destination where you rush from sight to sight; it’s where you let your resort take center stage.
Punta Mita is home to some of Mexico’s most exclusive properties, from the legendary Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita—a long-time favorite —to the sleek, design-forward Susurros del Corazón by Auberge Resorts Collection, which blends barefoot luxury with a distinctly Mexican soul.
The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is another top contender, known for its butler service, oceanfront golf, and an enviable stretch of beach.
Many of the resorts here are tucked within the private Punta Mita development, giving you access to exclusive beach clubs, world-class golf courses, and yacht charters. Whether you’re sipping mezcal at sunset or snorkeling right off your resort’s private beach, the point is—this is a place to stay put and soak it all in.
Read more: The Best Luxury Hotels in Punta Mita, Mexico
2. Explore Punta Mita Town
While the resorts tend to steal the spotlight, it’s worth stepping beyond the gates to explore Punta Mita’s laid-back little town. There are both casual and more upscale beachside restaurants, a few boutiques selling locally made jewelry and beachwear – AURAH boutique is one of my favorites-, and an atmosphere that’s refreshingly unpolished compared to its glossy resort neighbors.
Grab a coffee at El Cafecito de Mita, wander down to the public beach where local families swim, or watch the fishermen bring in their catch as the sun starts to dip.
It’s not a big town—you can easily explore it in an hour—but that’s part of its charm. Punta Mita town offers a glimpse of everyday coastal life in Nayarit, and a nice counterbalance to all that poolside luxury.
3. Go Surfing
Punta Mita is one of Mexico’s most underrated surf spots, with gentle beach breaks and year-round warm water that make it irresistible to anyone chasing waves. The go-to spot is La Lancha Beach (Playa La Lancha), a beautiful, unspoiled stretch of sand just a short drive from town.
La Lancha is known for its consistent waves and relaxed atmosphere, making it a favorite among both locals and visiting surfers. You’ll find board rentals and surf schools near the jungle path that leads down to the beach—a quick five-minute walk through lush greenery before the ocean opens up in front of you.
If you want to mix things up, head to Punta Mita’s main beach for long, rolling waves perfect for beginners. Stinky’s is a great surf school here for easy access to board rental and lessons.
Read more: The Complete Guide to Surfing in Punta Mita
4. Go Whale Watching
From December to March, the waters around Punta Mita transform into a playground for humpback whales migrating down from Alaska. Watching these giants breach and tail-slap against the blue Pacific is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have here.
Several local operators run whale-watching tours from Punta Mita and nearby Sayulita, often led by marine biologists who can help you spot not just whales, but dolphins, sea turtles, and even manta rays along the way.
For the best experience, head out early in the morning when the ocean is calm and the light is still golden—ideal for both sightings and photos. Just don’t forget your camera (and maybe a motion-sickness tablet, just in case).
5. Take a Trip to the Marietas Islands
Just a short boat ride from Punta Mita, the Marietas Islands, or Islas Marietas are one of Riviera Nayarit’s natural showstoppers. This pair of uninhabited islands is a protected marine reserve, famous for its crystal-clear waters, hidden beaches, and rich marine life.
Most come here to see the Playa del Amor (Hidden Beach)—a sun-drenched crater of sand completely enclosed by rock, accessible only by swimming through a tunnel at low tide. But even if you don’t make it into the Hidden Beach (permits are limited), the surrounding area is perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and spotting blue-footed boobies—yes, the same quirky birds also found in the Galápagos.
Tours to the islands leave daily from Punta Mita’s marina and typically include snorkeling gear, a guide, and a front-row seat to one of Mexico’s most unique natural wonders.
You’ll also find plenty of tours departing from Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita, but since the islands are closest to Punta Mita, it makes the most sense to go from here—it’s a shorter, smoother boat ride and you’ll have more time to actually enjoy the islands instead of getting there.
6. Have a Spa Afternoon
If there’s ever a place that practically insists you book a spa day, it’s Punta Mita. Between the ocean breeze, the sound of palm leaves rustling, and the general lack of urgency, it’s the perfect setting to switch off completely.
The Four Seasons Punta Mita Spa is a local legend with open-air treatment rooms, volcanic stone massages, and post-spa dips in an ocean-view plunge pool. Over at the St. Regis Remède Spa, you’ll find a more classic take on indulgence, with hydrotherapy pools, locally inspired treatments, and impeccable service that makes you feel like royalty.
For something a little more low-key but equally blissful, head to Navi Spa at Kupuri Beach Club, which pairs sea views with a serene, minimalist vibe. Wherever you choose, clear your afternoon calendar—this is not a “quick massage and go” situation.
7. Go Boutique Shopping
Punta Mita’s shopping scene may be small, but it’s effortlessly stylish—much like the town itself. You won’t find endless rows of chain stores here; instead, there’s a curated collection of boutiques that champion Mexican design, craftsmanship, and coastal chic.
Some of my favorites include Velia Sierra Design Store, a beautifully curated space filled with local fashion, art, and handmade home décor, and M.8 Gallery, which feels more like an art experience than a shop, showcasing bold contemporary pieces and accessories.
Un Pueblo is perfect for picking up bohemian-style resort wear and artisanal goods, while Belén del Mar offers elegant, beach-ready clothing and jewelry that feels right at home on the Riviera Nayarit.
If you’re looking to take a little Punta Mita style home, these boutiques are the place to start—authentic, refined, and chic.
8. Play Golf
For golfers, Punta Mita is pure paradise. The peninsula is home to some of Mexico’s most scenic and exclusive golf courses, designed to impress both casual players and seasoned pros.
The crown jewels are the Pacifico and Bahia courses, both designed by Jack Nicklaus and exclusive to guests staying within the Punta Mita development (think Four Seasons, St. Regis, and select villas). The Pacifico Course is especially famous for its “Tail of the Whale” hole—the world’s only natural island green—reachable only at low tide or by amphibious golf cart.
The Bahia Course, meanwhile, winds through rolling hills and offers sweeping views of Banderas Bay with more challenging terrain.
Beyond Punta Mita, you’ll also find excellent nearby courses like the Litibu Golf Course, another Nicklaus design open to the public, which offers ocean views and a slightly wilder, more natural setting.
9. Summit Monkey Mountain
If you’re craving a bit of adventure to balance out all that resort relaxation, hiking Monkey Mountain (Cerro del Mono) is a must. This local favorite trail, just outside Punta Mita near Higuera Blanca, rewards you with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Sayulita, and the lush Riviera Nayarit coastline.
The hike takes about 2–3 hours round trip, depending on your pace, and while it’s not overly difficult, the final stretch is a steep scramble—so wear good shoes and bring plenty of water. You can go solo if you’re confident with directions (download the AllTrails route beforehand), but joining a guided hike means you’ll get insider tips on the local flora, fauna, and a safe route to the summit.
At the top, it’s all worth it. You’ll be standing high above the jungle canopy with the Pacific shimmering below—a moment that feels worlds away from the beach clubs and infinity pools below.
10. Visit Sayulita
Just a 25-minute drive from Punta Mita, the vibrant surf town of Sayulita makes for an easy and unforgettable day trip. It’s the kind of place where flip-flops count as formalwear and there’s always music floating through the streets.
Spend the day surfing the main beach, browsing boutiques and art galleries, or wandering through the town’s colorful streets lined with cafés, taco stands, and handmade jewelry stalls. When hunger hits, there’s no shortage of great restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood and wood-fired pizza to smoothie bowls and mezcal cocktails.
You could easily make a weekend of it, too—Sayulita has a range of boutique hotels tucked into the jungle or perched above the beach, each with its own effortlessly cool vibe. Whether you come for the surf, the shopping, or the energy, Sayulita is the perfect bohemian escape from Punta Mita’s polished calm.
11. Visit San Pancho
A short drive north of Punta Mita, San Pancho—officially known as San Francisco—is a small coastal town with a calm, creative edge. The streets are lined with murals, surfboards lean against palm trees, and the air hums with local life.
Days here unfold easily: morning swims or yoga on the beach, lazy lunches in open-air cafés, and evenings that begin with live music drifting from a corner bar. The town has a strong artistic pulse, shaped by local galleries, cultural spaces, and community projects that keep its bohemian spirit alive.
Restaurants serve simple but thoughtful food (there are a few elevated options too), and the boutique hotels tucked into the jungle or along the beach offer just the right balance of style and stillness. San Pancho is relaxed and grounded—a slice of Riviera Nayarit that invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
12. Relax at a Punta Mita Beach Club
If you’re not the kind to sit still for long at your resort, Punta Mita’s private beach clubs are the next best thing. Each has its own personality, from barefoot-casual to sleek and scene-y, and spending a day at one is practically a local pastime.
Kupuri Beach Club is my go-to when I want a livelier atmosphere—think upbeat music, families and groups mingling over long lunches, and water sports right off the sand. It’s stylish but never stuffy, with excellent food and even better people-watching.
For a more low-key escape, El Surf Beach Club is a spot I return to often. It’s quieter, tucked into a peaceful stretch of coastline, and perfect for a lazy afternoon of cocktails, ceviche, and sea breeze.
Other standout spots include Sufi Ocean Club, Sea Breeze Beach Club, and Pacifico Beach Club, each offering its own version of Punta Mita’s signature luxury-meets-laid-back charm. Wherever you land, it’s the kind of day that effortlessly slides from morning swim to sunset margarita without ever checking the time.
Read more: The Complete Guide to Punta Mita’s Beach Clubs
13. Catch the Sunset
Few places do sunsets quite like Punta Mita. With its west-facing coastline, the sky here regularly turns into a cinematic wash of orange, pink, and gold that feels almost too perfect to be real. The best part is that you don’t even have to leave your resort to experience it.
Most of Punta Mita’s luxury resorts are perfectly positioned for sunset views, whether you’re lounging by an infinity pool, sipping a mezcal margarita at the bar, or watching the last light reflect off the Pacific from your terrace.
It’s the daily ritual that never gets old—simple, quiet, and a little magical. In Punta Mita, catching the sunset isn’t just something to do; it’s the moment the whole day seems to slow down for.
14. Go Scuba Diving
The waters around Punta Mita are teeming with marine life, from colorful reef fish to sea turtles and manta rays. Several dive operators offer trips to nearby sites, including the Marietas Islands, where underwater caves and volcanic rock formations make for unforgettable dives.
If you’re planning to explore beneath the surface, check out my full guide to diving in Punta Mita for dive sites, tips, and the best local operators.
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