The best of Sayulita, from our side of the hill
Sayulita is a town that's easy to get to know by walking around. A morning coffee can turn into a stop at a little shop, lunch can take you somewhere you hadn't planned on going, and before you know it, you've found a beach you want to come back to.
We spend most of our days on the hillside above town, but we're in Sayulita often enough to have our favorite places, our usual walks, and a few recommendations we find ourselves giving to guests and friends again and again.
This is a collection of those places. Not an exhaustive guide, but a good place to start.
A few beaches to know
Sayulita's main beach is where much of the town's surf life happens. In the morning, you'll find surf schools getting ready, boards being carried down the sand, and people heading out for their first waves. By the afternoon, it becomes a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
But there are other beaches worth getting to know.
• Playa Los Muertos – Just beyond the town cemetery, Los Muertos is a sheltered cove with a different feel from the main beach. It's a popular spot for families and swimming, especially when the water is calm. The walk there is part of the experience, taking you along one of Sayulita's familiar streets and past the cemetery.
• Playa Carricitos – Carricitos is one of the beaches we often recommend for a walk. The road from La Joya takes you through a shaded stretch of jungle before opening onto a wide, less developed beach. There are no restaurants or beach clubs here, so bring water and anything else you might need. The waves can be strong, particularly near the shore, so it's a beach to enjoy with care rather than assume it's suitable for swimming. It's also a beautiful place to watch the sun go down.
• Playa Patzcuarito – Closer to La Joya, Patzcuarito is another stretch of coastline worth exploring. Depending on the tide, you can walk along the rocks at the far end of the beach and follow a trail that eventually leads back toward the road to Sayulita. It's a lovely route, but one to take with good shoes and a little attention to the tide.
A note about the beaches around La Joya: the coastline changes throughout the year. Sand, rocks and water conditions can look quite different from one season to the next. Our team is always happy to point guests toward the best place to swim on the day.
Where we like to eat
We're naturally a little biased when it comes to food, with Tekuamana being our restaurant at La Joya. But Sayulita has plenty of good tables, and we enjoy getting out into town for a meal.
A few places we return to:
• Il Ulivo – A lovely choice for dinner, particularly if you're looking for somewhere to sit down and enjoy the evening. Giovanni, who owns the restaurant and comes from Sardinia, brings a personal touch to the experience.
• Bichos – For tacos, Bichos is one of our favorites. It's a family-run spot with a fun atmosphere and great toppings. A good place to go when you want something casual and full of flavor.
• Matiz – A quieter spot in the center of town, known for its tacos and fresh seafood. The family behind Matiz operates its own fishing boats, which makes the connection between the kitchen and the sea especially interesting to us.
• Organik – Near the bridge, Organik is a good stop for smoothies and poke bowls. If you're there, try the No Bad Days.
• Mauka – A little further out, in the Careyeros area, Mauka is worth making the trip for. The architecture and setting are beautiful, and the menu puts seafood at the center. You'll need transportation to get there.
And for something sweet after dinner, Julia's Café, tucked into the garden courtyard at Plaza Nawali, is a nice place to stop for dessert or coffee.
A few shops worth visiting
One of the things we enjoy about Sayulita is the number of small shops carrying Mexican-made clothing, crafts and objects. It's worth leaving the main square and taking a little time to look around.
A few names to keep in mind:
Evoke the Spirit: Clothing, gifts and Mexican crafts.
Nakawe: Artisan pieces, clothing and gifts.
Amo Amo: Women's clothing designed and made in Mexico.
Mañana: Clothing, art and gifts, with a focus on Mexican-made pieces.
Kalu: Men's clothing made in Mexico.
Chido: Contemporary men's clothing, also made in Mexico.
REF: Women's clothing designed and made in Mexico.
For anyone who enjoys discovering ingredients and local products, Terrenal Organic Grocery is another good stop. You'll find organic skincare, coconut water, regional food products and a selection of pantry items. And if you're interested in wine, Sayulita Wine Shop is worth a visit. Calixto, the owner, has put together a thoughtful selection of wines, small-batch spirits, artisanal chocolate and cheese.
Walks we keep coming back to
Some of the best ways to get to know this part of Nayarit are on foot. The roads around La Joya connect the jungle, small beaches and the edges of town, and there are several routes worth setting aside time for.
• Carricitos and Los Muertos – One of our favorite routes starts on the cobblestone road from La Joya toward Carricitos. The walk takes you through the shade of the jungle and down to the beach. From there, you can continue toward Los Muertos and eventually make your way into town.
• The Patzcuarito loop – Start by walking down to Patzcuarito beach and turning left. Depending on the tide, you'll be able to pass along the rocks or find a way over them. At the far end, a trail leads back toward Sayulita, bringing you out near the La Joya security checkpoint.
• Las Cuevas and Malpaso – North of town, the trails toward Las Cuevas and Malpaso offer a different landscape, with jungle paths and views of the coastline. It's a good outing for anyone who enjoys walking and exploring beyond the main beaches. The Trailforks app can be useful for navigation.
• Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain) – If you're up for a longer walk, Monkey Mountain is worth considering. The trail climbs through the hills and opens onto wide views of the surrounding jungle and coastline. It's a proper hike, so start early, bring enough water and wear suitable shoes.
A day at the water
The ocean is a big part of life around Sayulita. Surfing is one of the first things people notice when they arrive, and it's easy to understand why the town has grown around it. The main beach is a friendly place to begin learning, with surf schools and board rentals along the shore. If you're new to surfing, the instructors in town can help you find a lesson and a board suited to your level.
For something different, the coastline around Sayulita also offers opportunities for snorkeling and exploring the bay, depending on the conditions and season.
After a morning in town, a day at La Joya
If you're visiting Sayulita and would like to spend a day at La Joya, our Day Pass offers access to the property, including the saltwater pool, spa facilities and Tekuamana.
It's a nice way to experience another side of the hillside, whether you come for lunch, spend the afternoon by the pool or make time for the sauna and cold plunge.
Day Pass details, prices, hours and access conditions to be updated with the current seasonal offer before publication.
A few things we always tell our guests
Sayulita is particularly lovely early in the morning, before the town gets busy, and again toward sunset. It's worth carrying some cash, as smaller shops and restaurants don't always accept cards.
And if there's somewhere you'd like to visit, just ask our team. We're always happy to help with a recommendation, transportation or a reservation.
