Riviera Nayarit is a gorgeous destination on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Most often overlooked and overshadowed by nearby tourist hub, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit is the perfect place for those wanting to experience the beauty of Banderas Bay without the hustle and bustle of a busy port city. This area of Mexico is notable for its tranquil beaches, sunny days, slow pace, and great vacation rentals.

Miles and Miles of Beaches


There are plenty of Riviera Nayarit places worth checking out. First, there are 18 miles of beaches, all available for public access, though you would hardly know it. Far from the busy tourist beaches in Puerto Vallarta, the beaches here seem private. They are quiet, clean, and waiting for you to enjoy.

Eat Like a Local


Nearby Bucerias provides charming local experiences. Traditional, delicious food is plentiful here. You can even find cooking classes that teach traditional recipes and techniques. Strolling the cobblestone streets leads you past novelty shop after novelty shop with ample art galleries and artisan crafts as well.

Nearby Towns


A little further up the coast, you will find Sayulita, a Riviera Nayarit place with a unique personality. This little town is home to many artists and surfers. It is a great place to take a surfing lesson and find unique souvenirs. It is also a great place for wildlife tours.

This area is also an exceptional place to bird watch. La Tovara National Park is one of those Riviera Nayarit places you do not always hear about. However, as it is part of the western migratory pathway for birds, it is the perfect place to try to catch a glimpse of well over 400 different birds.

If bird watching isn’t for you, you can try some of the more adventurous options. Zip lining and jungle canopy tours are great ways to experience the local ecosystem. Whale watching, sailing, snorkeling, and horseback riding are other available activities.

A great thing about vacationing here is that beachfront vacation rentals are easy to find. You can stay in La Joya Huanacaxtle, Colibrí Condominiums, or Punta Esmeralda and experience modern comforts just steps from the ocean. If you prefer to soak up the sun poolside, each of these resort style condos has you covered. On site fitness centers and spas make it even easy to take advantage of your free time and take care of yourself.

Whether you come to relax, learn, play, or all of the above, Riviera Nayarit will not disappoint. It’s a perfect blend of local culture, modern comforts, and entertaining activities, and provides everything a vacation should be. No doubt, you will be planning a return trip as soon as you get home!