Riviera Nayarit Day Trip Destinations
Bucerias has so much to offer, one could easily have a memorable vacation staying in town. That said, one of the perks of staying in Bucerías is its proximity to many other beautiful towns. Each one has a unique charm and personality which makes for many fulfilling day trip options.
San Pancho: San Francisco, Nayarit, is more commonly known as San Pancho. It's a wonderful place to spend a day, as the beach is special and the ambiance is more relaxed than in Sayulita. The gallery at Entreamigos, an outstanding community center located here, is well worth a visit, too. This whole town is very keyed into conversations about sustainability and responsible tourism. Visit and be inspired!
Sayulita: A surfer town with lots of vibrant shops and restaurants, Sayulita is a destination in its own right. While the eclectic town is Instagram-able and lots of fun, it does get overcrowded in the high season and we don't recommend this beach for swimming, as water quality is often poor. Try El Itacate for a playful Mexico City-style menu and some of the best tacos around and visit the trendy shops in the town's center to support local artists and designers. Sayulita is also known for the seasonal decorations that adorn the main plaza and streets.
La Cruz: Our neighboring town, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, is a small fishing village with cobblestone streets and vibrant mural art. It’s most famous for its artisan market, which runs every Sunday morning from November through May. A visit to the market is a great way to get a sense of the breadth of local culture and to directly support talented artisans and their families. Small purchases make a big impact and your patronage helps to ensure the continued conservation of natural and cultural heritage in the area. The restaurant, Tacos on the Street, is also a La Cruz favorite, make sure to try the flan for dessert. The marina fish market is a great spot to pick up a fresh catch, open every day until mid-afternoon. The town is even host to a few vegan sweet shops.
Valle de Banderas was originally named Tintoque, meaning valley of the warriors. Rolling farmland, vibrant murals, and traditional pueblo life characterize this town, which is the head of the Bahía de Banderas municipality. Largely untouched by tourism, it offers a window into a lifestyle quite different from the other destinations on this list. Visit the 140 year-old church in the main plaza and try the tacos arrieros filled with a variety of toppings, or sign up for Human Connections’ Heartland Traditions Tour for an experience guided by locals.
Punta de Mita: Known as a luxury tourism destination, much of Punta de Mita is blocked off to the general public. There is, however, a strip of high-end shops and restaurants in an area called El Anclote. This is also a popular surf break. Surfboards and surf classes are available at Mictlan Surf in El Anclote (+52-329-291-5413).
Puerto Vallarta: Check out the "malecon" (boardwalk) and wander into the Olas Altas neighborhood to explore the "old city." There are many lookout spots and murals to stumble upon while exploring the paths and outdoor stairways that link certain spots of town. The Basilio Badillo street in the Zona Romantica area is celebrated for quirky boutiques and dining. The Rio Cuale Island and market with swinging rope bridges over the river make for a fun afternoon stroll.
San Sebastián: Distinguished as a “pueblo mágico”, San Sebastián del Oeste is a unique colonial mining town nestled into the mountains, with cooler temperatures and traditional architecture. It’s about a 2 hour drive from Bucerías. Keep an eye out for rolling agave fields and make a stop at one of the family-owned Raicilla (a type of alcohol similar to mezcal) distilleries along the way.
Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Gardens in Puerto Vallarta is about a 1.5 hour drive away, but with a fantastic restaurant, swimming opportunities in the Horcones River and hiking trails - in addition to all the gorgeous flora - it makes for a memorable day trip. Sign up for short volunteer opportunities by emailing educadorambiental@vbgardens.org
Mexico is a vast country with unlimited destinations to explore, well beyond the Bay of Banderas! We encourage you to venture out as much as possible. Enrich yourself and the communities you visit by engaging in responsible tourism practices along the way. Local company Mex-Eco Tours has many fantastic and ethical itineraries to other states in Mexico.