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The Top 10 Things to See and do in Sayulita, Mexico

Surfing Sayulita │
Surfing Sayulita │ | © Megan Coughlin / flickr

Once a tiny fishing village, Sayulita was founded by U.S. surfers in the 50s and 60s and hasn’t been the same since. While there are still ample tourists that come for the good waves, the town has turned into a pleasure retreat on Mexico’s Pacific coast with all kinds of options for chilling out, filling up, and cooling off. We guarantee that you will love it if you stick to the following 10 things.

Yoga

Famed for its wellness services, Sayulita is the perfect place to get in some downward and upwards facing dogs inbetween meals. Many of the local hotels offer classes and run several yoga retreats all year round. There are teacher certification programs going on if you want to finally get certified and enjoy the beach while you do it. To that we say: Om, Yeah.

Beach

Ah, the beach. There is nothing like it and unless you come at a crazy busy time like Easter week, there will probably be plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the waves and the view of Sayulita’s main beach. If you do find it a little crowded for your liking, there are a couple alternative beaches, one of which you follow the road out of the town to the north past the cemetary to get to.

Sayulita Beachside │

Visit the islands

The Marietta Islands are a must see on vacation in Sayulita. The islands are completely unihabited and full of wild marine life. Created thousands of years ago by volcanoes, they are one of the most stunning places to lounge for a day while you are in Sayulita. From December to March you also might spot a few gray whales on their annual migration.

Shopping

International tourists bring international chic and there are several amazing boutique stores now in Sayulita for upscale shoppers who want a taste of local art. The Huichol Center next to Blue Corn Mama sells incredible local crafts and the money benefits the local Huichol Indian community. Also, check out La Hamaca and Evoke The Spirit.

Evoke the Spirit, Calle Jose Mariscal, Sayulita, Mexico +52 329 291 3692

La Hamaca, Revolución 110, Centro, 63734 Bahía de Banderas, Mexico +52 329 291 3039

The Huichol Center, Av Revolución 22, Sayulita, Mexico +52 329 291 3889

Sayulita │© Rainy City / flickr

People watch

Evenings in Sayulita find folks out on the main square listening to local bands, having a beer at a streetside cafe or watching the sunset on the beach. The town’s laidback vibe means that you should never be in a rush to go anywhere. It’s the perfect place to find a spot and watch the world go by.

Surf

Sayulita was a surf village before it was the international vacation hotspot that it is today. Since the 60s surfers have been enjoying its clean breaks and easy waves. There are several surf schools that will take you out – whether you are a beginner just learning or a more advanced surfer looking for the best breaks.

Surfing Sayulita │

Eat

Sayulita’s influx of foreigners and its barrage of tourists each year means that they are serious about eating. You can now find top notch Italian, full-on gluten-free, incredible seafood and even bagels and lox. This is not to mention lots of delicious Mexican classics and some damn good margaritas. What else is vacation for but to eat?

Go out for drinks

For such a small town, Sayulita has quite a lively nightlife. There are LOTS of bars among the handful of streets downtown and since everywhere is close you won’t have to worry about getting a little tipsy and you can walk home. Most bars are bunched around the town’s main plaza so go ahead and bar hop to your heart’s delight.

Stay in for Dinner

Local produce and fresh fish are available throughout town. Pescadería Piolin and Pescadería Omar are two fish stands along the main road that sell the catch of the day until it’s gone (get there before 4pm). Sayulita even has a great organics store called Terrenal, whose owners are some of the most dedicated organics providers we’ve ever met! Do yourself a favor and cook yourself a delicious meal that ends with a glass of wine on your porch and the sea breeze.
Pescadería Omar, Océano Pacífico Sur 53, Miramar, La Peñita de Jaltemba, Mexico +52 327 107 0887
Pescadería Piolin, Av Revolución 24, Sayulita, Mexico +52 329 291 3059
Terrenal Organics, Av Revolución 56, Centro, Sayulita, Mexico +52 329 291 3454

Eatin’ In │

Treat yourself

Sayulita is a town that’s all about wellness and well-being, whether it’s slowing down to breath through a yoga class or treating yourself to a massage, you must find a way to treat yourself during your trip to this sleepy town. Places like the Wellness Center at the Haramara Retreat or the Away Spa in the nearby Hotel W in Punta Mita make it easy to pamper yourself.

About the author

Lydia Carey is a freelance writer and translator based out of Mexico City. She has worked as an editor and writer for various publications including Mexico's English–language newspaper The News, Afar, The New Worlder, International Living and The Latin Kitchen among others. Lydia has been blogging and writing in Mexico for over a decade and lives a double life as a local tour guide in her adoptive hometown. You can find her on the street eating tacos or at her blog www.mexicocitystreets.com.

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