From secret beaches to mezcal tastings and jungle hikes, here’s your insider guide to the best things to do in Sayulita.
Sayulita is one of those places that manages to be everything at once — surf town, creative hub, wellness escape, and social scene, all wrapped in a tangle of cobblestone streets and tropical color. Once a sleepy fishing village, it’s now one of the Riviera Nayarit’s most magnetic destinations, drawing everyone from digital nomads and yogis to boutique hoteliers and chefs.
The heart of Sayulita beats loud: beach clubs thrum with music by day, taquerías and mezcalerías glow by night, and somewhere in between, you’ll find surfers catching the last wave before sunset.
Whether you’re here to surf the breaks at Playa Sayulita, unwind with a spa day, explore nearby San Pancho, or escape to hidden beaches like Carricitos and Malpaso, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your days.
I’ve spent months living in this part of Mexico, based between Sayulita and San Pancho, getting to know the rhythm of the place — the best beaches, the local spots worth your time, and where to find a cold drink that’s actually cold. This guide pulls together my favorite experiences — a curated list of the best things to do in Sayulita for travelers who want the real thing, with, of course, a touch of polish.
Read more: 10 Best Hotels in Sayulita, Mexico: Where to Stay
22 Best Things to Do in Sayulita, Mexico
1. Explore Sayulita’s Streets
One of the best things to do in Sayulita as you arrive is to simply walk around and explore the town’s streets. Sayulita’s streets are where the town’s energy hits full volume.
I’d start on Calle Delfines, the famous colorful flag street strung with rows of papel picado that have become an unofficial icon of the town. It’s lined with boutique surf shops, cafes, taco stands, and art galleries, and it’s where most visitors end up at least once a day.
The side streets branching off are worth exploring too; they’re packed with local designers, laid-back restaurants, and mural-covered walls that show off Sayulita’s creative streak.
Don’t miss Sayulita’s main square and the lovely little Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on its southeastern edge.
2. Spend the Afternoon at a Beach Club
Sayulita’s beach clubs bring a touch of polish to the town’s otherwise surf-sand-and-tacos rhythm. For the most refined afternoon in town, head to Frente al Punto, a sleek beachfront spot with white loungers, strong cocktails, and live DJs spinning chill house beats as the sun drops.
If you want a more private experience and you’re staying at a beachfront hotel like La Joya or even Haramara Retreat, you can skip the beach clubs altogether and claim your own stretch of sand — cocktail in hand and the ocean practically at your doorstep.
3. Watch a Sunset at Playa Carricitos
Playa Carricitos is where in-the-know travelers go when they want a real Sayulita sunset — no beach vendors, no thumping music, just open horizon and the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs.
It’s a short hike through the jungle from town, about 20 minutes, and totally worth the effort. Bring water, maybe a beer, and get there early to claim a spot on the sand. As the sun dips, the sky explodes in orange and magenta, and for a few minutes, everyone just stops.
It’s easily one of the most peaceful — and photogenic — moments you can have in Sayulita.
Read more: 9 Best Beaches in Sayulita, Mexico
4. Take a Day Trip to Visit Marietas Islands National Park
Just off the coast of Sayulita (but closer to Punta Mita) lies Marietas Islands National Park or Islas Marietas, a protected marine reserve famous for its crystal-clear waters, volcanic rock formations, and the elusive Hidden Beach tucked inside a collapsed crater.
The only way to visit is by boat, and tours typically include snorkeling, paddleboarding, and wildlife spotting — dolphins, manta rays, and, if you’re lucky, humpback whales in winter.
For a premium experience, book a small-group or private tour that departs from Punta Mita (less crowded and closer to the islands). You can find my recommended options here:
Marietas Islands Private Tour
Marietas Islands Snorkeling Tour
Private Tour with Snorkeling & Playa Nopalera
5. Go Surfing at Playa Sayulita
Surfing is the heartbeat of Sayulita, and Playa Sayulita’s consistent waves make it one of the best spots on Mexico’s Pacific coast for both beginners and intermediates.
The main beach has several surf schools right on the sand, including Lunazul Surf School, WildMex, and Sayulita Surf School, where you can rent a board or book a private lesson with a local pro. The mellow right and left breaks are ideal for learning, while more experienced surfers can paddle further out for a faster, cleaner ride.
Hit the waves early in the morning to avoid the crowds — and the inevitable parade of surf dogs joining in.
6. Go Shopping
Sayulita’s shopping scene has evolved well beyond beach sarongs and macramé. Today, it’s a mix of stylish, design-led boutiques that feel more curated than casual, ideal for anyone looking for the best boutiques in Sayulita.
Start at Evoke the Spirit, an elevated concept store blending contemporary design with traditional Huichol artistry. Here you’ll find hand-beaded skulls, woven textiles, and ceramic decor pieces worthy of a gallery.
Pacha Mama offers boho-luxe clothing and accessories with a global aesthetic, while Manyana (founded by an ex–creative director) carries sustainably made, neutral-toned basics that feel at home in any beach-to-city wardrobe.
CALMA CHICHA is another must, known for its slow-fashion ethos and beautifully tailored linen pieces made for barefoot elegance. Kalu Mexican Concept Boutique celebrates homegrown designers, offering a sharp edit of jewelry, resort wear, and decor.
7. Hike to Playa Malpaso
If you want a dose of adventure without straying far from town, hike to Playa Malpaso, Sayulita’s hidden beach just north of the main bay, located between Sayulita and San Pancho.
The trail starts at the end of Avenida del Palmar and winds through lush jungle for about 25 minutes before opening up to a wide, golden stretch of sand that feels completely cut off from the world. There are no vendors, no bars, and usually no one else around — just waves, palm trees, and a wild, untouched vibe.
Bring plenty of water, a hat, and whatever you want to eat or drink; this is a proper off-the-grid beach day, the kind locals keep to themselves.
8. Indulge in a Mezcal tasting at Cava
For a sophisticated break from the beach, head to Cava, Sayulita’s intimate mezcal bar that easily earns its place among the best things to do in Sayulita.
Hidden just off the main square, Cava specializes in small-batch, artisanal mezcals from across Mexico — many you won’t find outside the country. The staff know their spirits inside out and can guide you through a proper tasting flight, explaining the nuances between regions and agave varieties.
Pair your pour with a slice of orange and a sprinkle of sal de gusano, and you’ll see why mezcal here feels less like a drink and more like a ritual.
9. Take a Yoga Class
Sayulita’s wellness scene is quietly world-class, with yoga woven into the town’s daily rhythm. For a high-end experience, book a class or retreat at Haramara Retreat, an ocean-view sanctuary in the jungle where open-air pavilions let you practice to the sound of the waves.
Paraiso Yoga is another favorite of mine — centrally located but serene, offering small-group classes in a leafy garden setting.
For something a bit easier, Amor Boutique Hotel offers complimentary yoga sessions on its cliffside terrace overlooking the bay for guests from Thursday through Sunday, so I’d recommend staying here if you’re up for daily morning yoga.
10. Horseback Ride Through the Jungle & Beach
Exploring Sayulita on horseback is one of the most memorable ways to experience its natural beauty. Trails wind through dense jungle, past mango groves and rivers, before opening onto wide, deserted beaches where you can ride along the surf at your own pace.
Most tours start just outside town and last a couple of hours, often timed perfectly for golden-hour light. It’s a relaxed, scenic experience that captures the quieter, more authentic side of Sayulita — equal parts adventure and escape. Book your ride below.
11. Visit the Sayulita Farmers Market
Held every Friday from November through May, the Sayulita Farmers Market is where locals and visitors stock up on organic produce, handmade crafts, and ready-to-eat bites.
It’s not your average tourist market — there’s fresh-baked bread, small-batch mezcal, artisanal jewelry, and vegan tamales instead of trinkets and keychains. Well worth a look if you’re passing by.
12. Book a Spa Day at Haramara Retreat
For pure, unplugged relaxation, a spa day at Haramara Retreat is one of the best things to do in Sayulita. Set deep in the jungle overlooking the Pacific, this eco-luxury sanctuary feels completely removed from town — no Wi-Fi, no noise, just ocean breeze and birdsong.
Treatments take place in open-air pavilions using natural, locally sourced ingredients, and massages here are on another level: slow, intentional, and deeply restorative. Between sessions, lounge by the infinity pool or linger over a healthy lunch with a view that makes you forget what day it is. It’s Sayulita’s wellness scene at its most elevated.
13. Join a Huichol art Workshop
Sayulita has strong ties to the indigenous Huichol (Wixárika) community, known for their intricate beadwork and vibrant yarn paintings that carry deep spiritual symbolism.
Joining a Huichol art workshop is a fascinating way to connect with this culture while creating something meaningful of your own. While they don’t happen all that often, and they’re not the easiest to find, head to Evoke the Spirit, one of Sayulita’s most respected galleries and studios, to find out more. Here, local artisans occasionally lead small workshops on traditional beading and yarn techniques.
You’ll learn the stories behind the patterns and symbols, and leave with a handcrafted piece that’s far more personal than any souvenir you could buy in town.
14. Explore Sayulita’s Gastronomy Scene
Sayulita’s dining scene is diverse, creative, and far better than you might expect from a small surf town. Barracuda is the standout for refined-yet-relaxed seafood — order the tuna tostadas, grilled octopus, and a margarita, and you’ll understand why it’s always packed.
Tierra Viva is a go-to for breakfast and lunch, known for its chilaquiles and fresh ceviche, while Mary’s Traditional Cuisine serves dependable, home-style Mexican dishes that taste like they’ve been perfected over generations.
For something a little more modern, Don Bonito offers shareable plates and excellent cocktails in a minimalist, boutique setting. And if you’re in the mood for tacos, El Itacate or late-night Diaz are still the ones everyone talks about.
Read more: 12 Best Restaurants in Sayulita, Mexico
15. Go Paddleboarding on Sayulita Bay
Sayulita Bay’s calmer mornings make it perfect for paddleboarding, especially before the surf crowd rolls in. If you’re not up for surfing, you can rent a paddleboard right on the main beach and head out past the break for smooth, glassy water and panoramic views of the town and jungle hills.
It’s one of the easiest ways to get on the ocean — no experience required — and you might even spot sea turtles or rays gliding below. Go early, bring sunscreen, and make it your morning ritual while you’re in town.
Note that when the surf breaks are strong, it’s best to stay close to shore — the bay can get rough, and beginners are better off waiting for calmer conditions.
16. Go Fishing
Sayulita’s surrounding waters are teeming with dorado, tuna, sailfish, and marlin, making it a prime spot for deep-sea fishing. You can charter a local panga right from the beach for a few hours or a full day — most trips include gear, bait, and a guide who knows exactly where to find the big catch.
17. Do a Temazcal Ceremony
A temazcal ceremony is one of the most powerful cultural and wellness experiences you can have in Sayulita and Mexico.
Inside a traditional stone sweat lodge, a local shaman guides you through rounds of heat, herbal steam, chanting, and reflection — all meant to cleanse and reset both body and mind.
You can join an authentic ceremony at Rancho Poco a Poco, which focuses on the spiritual and communal aspects of the ritual, or at Haramara Retreat, where the experience is paired with the setting’s signature jungle tranquility.
It’s intense, restorative, and a genuine glimpse into Mexico’s pre-Hispanic healing traditions.
18. Spend the Afternoon on Los Muertos Beach
Just a short walk south of town, Los Muertos Beach is my favorite spot in Sayulita — smaller, calmer, and far less chaotic than the main beach.
Named for the nearby cemetery you pass on the way in, it’s a tucked-away cove protected by rocky cliffs, making the water gentler and perfect for swimming. There are a few beach vendors and a simple snack stand, but otherwise it’s blissfully low-key.
Bring a towel (but there are loungers to rent), grab a cold drink, and plan to stay until the late afternoon — it’s the kind of beach that quietly becomes your go-to.
19. Visit Neighboring San Pancho (San Francisco)
Just ten minutes up the coast, San Pancho (officially San Francisco) feels like Sayulita’s calmer, more grown-up sister.
The town has a slower rhythm — fewer crowds, more locals and a community spirit, and a focus on art, sustainability, and good food.
Spend the day strolling its quiet main street lined with galleries, cafes, and boutiques, then head to Playa San Pancho for a wide, uncrowded beach that’s perfect for sunset.
It’s an easy half-day trip from Sayulita and a refreshing change of pace when you need a break from the buzz.
20. Hike to Monkey Mountain
For panoramic views over Sayulita and the Pacific, hike to the top of Monkey Mountain — one of the area’s most rewarding (and sweaty) adventures.
The trail starts just outside town and winds through dense jungle before opening up to sweeping views of the coastline. You can do the hike on your own with a good GPS app and plenty of water, but the path isn’t always well-marked.
If you’d rather not worry about navigation, join a guided hike — local guides know the terrain, share insights about the flora and fauna, and time it perfectly for sunrise or sunset.
21. Take a day trip to Lo de Marcos
Head up the coast and past San Pancho, and you’ll soon get to Lo de Marcos. This little oceanfront town is quiet, old-school, and blissfully low on development.
The beach stretches for miles, framed by palms and backed by green hills, with just a handful of palapa restaurants serving cold beer and grilled snapper.
There’s not much to do here, and that’s the point. Bring a book, take a swim, and enjoy a taste of the Riviera Nayarit before tourism found it.
22. Explore Punta Mita
About half an hour south of Sayulita, Punta Mita is the Riviera Nayarit’s polished counterpart — a gated enclave of five-star resorts, golf courses, and private beach clubs.
Here, the vibe shifts from boho to high-end, with properties like the Four Seasons and St. Regis anchoring the peninsula alongside sleek new boutique hotels and ocean-view villas. Spend the day surfing the more advanced waves at Playa La Lancha, dining on fresh seafood and chilled rosé at Pacifico Beach Club, or browsing the marina’s boutiques and upscale restaurants.
If you prefer a resort experience with world-class amenities — think infinity pools, full-service spas, and private beaches — Punta Mita is where to base yourself and visit Sayulita for the day instead of the other way around. You’ll get the best of both worlds: Sayulita’s color and chaos, and Punta Mita’s calm, curated luxury.
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