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We've compiled the best of the best in Riviera Nayarit - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
The stretch of sand right in front of downtown Bucerías is not as appealing as what you'll find if you just walk about 200 meters south. The shore break can get a bit sketchy when there's a swell, so you might just want to walk toward Nuevo Vallarta before planting your beach umbrella. Amenities: parking (free); food and drink; water sports. Best for: walking; windsurfing; sunset.
During high season (December–April), this street is the place to go once the sun sets. There are several restaurants, art galleries, and cafés.
Favored by locals because of its long stretch of sand and beautiful color, Destiladeras is especially popular on weekends. You can reach the beach by bus or car, and there's unofficial parking at the top of the cliff where guards will look over your car for a price. Amenities: parking (free); water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.
This local beach is wide, busy, entertaining, and worth visiting if you’re here for a while. It's particularly crowded on Sundays as locals flock here to enjoy the ocean and the snacks at various food stalls. There's a big parking lot right in front, and if you want a somewhat quieter place to relax, just walk south for a few dozen meters. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: snorkeling; swimming.
There's only one beach in San Pancho, aptly called Playa San Pancho. Roughly about a mile long, it has fine sand and clean blue water, but also a strong undertow and shorebreak that can be dangerous when the swell builds up. Swimming is fantastic when the sea is calm, but do be careful if the ocean is rough. You can rent surfboards and surf the break on the south side of the beach, which tends to get busy with locals when the waves are pumping. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.
This is the main beach in town. Nowadays it's usually very busy; there are tons of restaurants and shops within walking distance, and the main surf break is right there, too, meaning it's full of surfers and surf schools. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; surfing; swimming.
