A guide to the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta

For many, Puerto Vallarta is Mexico‘s best coastal and beach town. Among its dozens of beaches are those that are secluded and hidden to all-purpose beaches with restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels along the shoreline. There are also beaches to spot wildlife on and those to lie back and take in the beautiful scenery. Whether you’re looking for a secluded sanctuary or a more lively seaside experience, travel to Mexico and there’s a good chance you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some of the top beaches in Puerto Vallarta.

Playa Los Muertos

Los Muertos Beach is a wonderful location for families, couples, and groups of friends. Located downtown, south of the Malecon promenade, this all-purpose beach is one of the most popular and lively during the summer in Puerto Vallarta. It’s somewhere to eat, drink, relax – and, most of all, to have fun with activities such as beach volleyball, windsurfing and paragliding.

After soaking up the sun, building sandcastles with the family and enjoying the warm water of Banderas Bay, there are many restaurants, cafes, and bars along the beach to pop in on. Conveniently, most restaurants deliver the food straight to your beach chair, so you can watch the sunset on the beach as you enjoy a sumptuous meal.

Playa Mayto

If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, you’ll find it at Playa Mayto. This beautiful, hidden beach is south of Puerto Vallarta, and accessible from Highway 200 at El Tuito. You’ll need to hire a 4Ã4 or minivan and venture off-road to discover this remote but stunning location. It’s most definitely worth the trek though, and its seclusion from the tourism bustle makes it one of the prime areas to explore last minute deals to Mexico.

Playa Mayto’s secluded position makes it an amazing place for couples seeking a romantic escape. It’d take you around an hour’s gentle walk to get from one end of its five kilometre sands to the other. But – if that sounds a bit energetic – you can simply stay in one place and take in the stunning ocean views. It’s a chance to spend some time away from civilisation and just watch the waves gently lap against the sand.

Playa Las Gemelas

Known for its smooth white sand and ultra-clear water, Playa Las Gemelas is another peaceful haven, for those seeking some time away from the vibrant noise of the city. Located to the south of Puerto Vallarta, Playa Las Gemelas is quieter than other beaches, but there’s still plenty to do – including water-based activities such as snorkelling, kayaking or just swimming.

Playa Mismaloya

Also to the south of Puerto Vallarta, Playa Mismaloya lies at the foot of the lush mountains, surrounded by dense jungle. This stunning natural landscape is covered in rich and beautiful vegetation, making it a wonderful habitat for wildlife. With exotic and vibrantly colourful birds, Playa Mismaloya is a fantastic place for bird-watching.

Relax, soak up the sun, and if you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite to eat or indulge in an ice-cold drink from one of the nearby restaurants or cafes. And remember to explore the iconic ruins that featured in the 1963 film ‘Night of the Iguana’ starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner.

Playa Conchas Chinas

Playa Conchas Chinas is temptingly close to Puerto Vallarta and lies alongside transparent water and fascinating rock formations that form natural pools. A wonderful array of exotic fish and sea creatures is proof that this section of beach holds the cleanest and clearest waters in Banderas Bay.