Nestled on Mexico’s rugged Pacific coast, Sayulita is known for its long, sandy beaches and rolling waves—perfect for newbie surfers. While it might not be the hidden gem it once was, Sayulita remains a bohemian beach town well worth adding to your bucket list.
Where to Stay
Hotel Don Bonito
Hidden just off the beach, and a short walk from the main plaza, you’ll find Hotel Don Bonito. This nine-room boutique hotel is a stylish little oasis with Instagrammable details around every corner. The attached cafe and yoga studio are also worth a visit, even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
La Joya Sayulita
If you’re into wellness, La Joya makes a great base when exploring Sayulita. The minimal boutique hotel offers surf lessons, SUP, yoga and even has kettlebells for guests to use on the terrace. The food, like the space, is bright, modern and puts health at the forefront.
Where to Eat
Café Coyote
After a morning surf, you’ll likely want to refuel with a good coffee (and a pastry or two). Café Coyote is the perfect spot. As well as brilliant brews, this cosy community spot hosts supper clubs, art exhibits and a small thrift market on Sunday.
Matiz
No Mexican beach break would be complete without a tangy bowl of ceviche and an ice-cold Modello. Luckily, Matiz offers both in ample supply. It can be a little tricky to find, hidden in a courtyard off Calle Marlin, but the hunt is worth it for their Ceviche de Pescado which might be the best in town.
Where to Drink
El Tiburon
Tucked down a colourful alleyway just off the main plaza, Tiburon is a vibey spot to grab drinks when the sun goes down. We recommend their spicy margaritas with a side of Wachos (yes, that’s waffle fry nachos).
Where to Visit
Stroll the Colourful Streets
Sayulita is a small town, and you’ll find the Plaza full of life no matter the time of day. Stroll around the surrounding streets and check out the dozens of stores: we love Manyana for design-led homewares and Pacha Mama for Oaxacan ceramics and textiles. Refuel with a coffee (and brunch) at Anchor Café before hiring your surfboard for the afternoon. Sayulita is a surf town first and foremost, and you can’t walk too far without seeing a barefoot surfer and their board. We recommend Luna Azul for board-rental and surf lessons. Their merch is great, too.
After your surf session, catch the sunset on the beach with the locals before returning to the Plaza for a taco (or three) and a nightcap at dive bar Cava. They have the biggest and best selection of Mezcal in town.
Visit San Pancho
Locals will tell you that San Pancho, or San Francisco as it’s officially known on the map, is what Sayulita was ten years ago — a small, bohemian surf town, catering largely to its wave-chasing community. Just a ten-minute collectivo (local minibus) ride away, it’s worth venturing out for a day trip. Head to the beach and watch the surfers or grab a bite in one of the healthy cafés that line the main road into town. Our favourite is Chido Greens: try the chicken salad.
Shop at the Friday Farmer’s Market
Sayulita has become a hub for expats and creatives looking to escape the city. You’ll find them congregated at Sayulita’s Friday Farmers Market where nearly 80 vendors sell food, crafts and local produce.
Hike to Playa Las Cuevas
A hike to Playa Las Cuevas with Wanderlust Sayulita is an ideal way to spend a morning if you are craving some light movement after indulging in one too many fish tacos. Join founders Diane and Jair on a short (and rather scenic) jungle hike before arriving on a deserted beach for a private yoga class. Bliss.
