Tucked along Mexico’s sun-drenched Pacific Coast, Riviera Nayarit is having a well-earned moment in the spotlight. From its golden beaches and world-class resorts to hidden islands and bohemian surf towns, this 320 kilometre stretch offers something far more enriching than a typical beach escape. Whether you are craving quiet luxury, culinary adventure, cultural charm or wave chasing excitement, Riviera Nayarit delivers it all, wrapped in a laid-back, barefoot chic vibe.
This is the kind of destination that embodies 2025’s travel shift toward soft travel — where simplicity, spontaneity and being present trump packed sightseeing itineraries — and the joy of missing out (JOMO) — choosing meaningful experiences over photo ops. Sayulita, in particular, captures that ethos perfectly: part surf town, part cultural haven, totally unfiltered. Here is why this vibrant little beach town deserves a top spot on your fall travel list.
Why Go
Riviera Nayarit is not just a destination, it is a mood. Stretching from Nuevo Vallarta’s resort elegance to the historic port of San Blas, from Punta de Mita’s celebrity-approved hideaways to Sayulita’s free-spirited surf scene, the region is diverse, welcoming and rich with character. Its versatility is what makes it special: you can sip mezcal at a beach bar one minute and explore cobblestone villages the next.
Must-Do: Visit Mexcaltitán, the Island Where Time Stands Still
For a true off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the tiny island of Mexcaltitán, northwest of Santiago Ixcuintla. Believed by some historians to be the mythical Aztlán, the ancient origin of the Aztec people, this island was declared a Historic Monuments Zone in 1986. With its red-tiled rooftops, quiet canals and narrow streets, it feels frozen in time. The journey there is part of the charm: hop on a 15 minute boat ride to reach the island, where shrimping season brings the waterways alive with local fishermen hauling in fresh catch for nearby restaurants.
Worth the Trip: Surf, Eat and Chill in Sayulita
Roughly 100 kilometres north of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a small beach town with big personality. Its mix of local families, expats, surfers and artists gives it a vibrant, lived-in energy that is hard to resist. Far from the all-inclusive resort scene, Sayulita offers a more soulful escape, perfect for travellers who prefer flip flops over formalwear.
Start your day with a cup of locally roasted coffee as the town slowly wakes up: shopkeepers sweep their stoops, fishermen display the day’s fresh catch and the vegetable truck winds through the cobblestone streets. Meanwhile, Huichol artisans set up stalls showcasing their intricate, colourful beadwork — living traditions passed down through generations.
When hunger strikes, you are in luck. Sayulita’s culinary scene is small but mighty. Do not miss the legendary fish tacos or the coconut shrimp, both local favourites. Add the ever-present sunshine and the easygoing, friendly vibe, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect beach town escape.
