Looking for the best towns near Puerto Vallarta to visit? After living here for three years, one of my favorite parts about life in Vallarta has been taking day trips to explore the neighboring pueblos. While the beaches, restaurants, and nightlife in Puerto Vallarta are amazing, venturing just outside the city opens up an entirely different side of Mexico.
Within just a couple of hours, you can be wandering through cobblestoned colonial villages in the mountains, sipping raicilla in tiny cantinas, or surfing colorful boho beaches along the Riviera Nayarit. Each town has its own personality – some are laid-back fishing villages, others are magical towns recognized for their cultural and historical importance.
Exploring these nearby towns not only makes your trip more diverse but also gives you a deeper appreciation for the culture, landscapes, and traditions that make this region so special. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite towns close to Puerto Vallarta, how to get there, and what makes each one worth visiting.
Beach towns near Puerto Vallarta
Sayulita
I actually lived in Sayulita for a month while housesitting, and it gave me such a good feel for this colorful little surf town. Even though it’s become world-famous, Sayulita still feels like a tight-knit community where everyone seems to know each other. The streets are full of art, murals, galleries, and handmade crafts, and there’s always something happening, from yoga classes to beach parties.
The town is recognized as one of Mexico’s ‘pueblos magicos’ – a recognition from the government because of its historical & cultural richness and natural beauty.
Sayulita’s main draw is the surf, with consistent waves that are perfect for beginners and more experienced surfers alike. The beach is the town’s living room, where locals, travelers, and families all hang out until sunset. At night, the energy shifts into lively bars, live music, and dancing, so it’s a great spot if you want a mix of laid-back days and festive evenings.
Getting here is easy: you can drive or take the bus from Puerto Vallarta in about an hour.
If you’d rather not deal with logistics, there are also day tours that combine Sayulita with nearby San Pancho, giving you a chance to experience both in one trip.
Read more: Sayulita Vs Puerto Vallarta
San Pancho
Just a few minutes north of Sayulita is San Pancho (officially San Francisco), a town that’s often described as the quieter alternative. When I first started coming here, it felt like a sleepy surf village with wide beaches and a tight-knit artsy community. In recent years, though, San Pancho has definitely grown in popularity – there are more cafés, boutique hotels, and visitors than before.
That said, it still feels calmer than Sayulita. The beach is less crowded, the nightlife is more low-key, and the town keeps its creative vibe with art galleries, murals, and community events. It’s a beautiful place to catch the sunset, wander the main street, or spend an afternoon relaxing without the same hustle you’ll find in Sayulita.
If you’re looking for that balance of surf, art, and culture but with a slower pace, San Pancho is still one of the best small towns near Puerto Vallarta to check out.
Lo de Marcos
Keep driving north past San Pancho and you’ll find Lo de Marcos, a town that still feels worlds away from the busy tourist scene. It’s one of the quietest beach towns near Puerto Vallarta, with long stretches of golden sand where you can often walk for ages without seeing many other people.
The atmosphere here is super laid-back. There are a few local restaurants and small shops, but the main draw is the beach itself. It’s the kind of place where you bring a book, spread out a towel, and let the sound of the waves set the pace for the day.
If you’re craving a peaceful escape with natural beauty and almost no distractions, Lo de Marcos is a perfect choice.
Yelapa
Yelapa is one of my favorite towns south of Puerto Vallarta. I first visited by water taxi and instantly fell in love with the vibe. The village is tucked into the jungle where the mountains meet the sea, and because it’s only accessible by boat, it has this off-grid charm that you won’t find in many other places.
What stood out most to me were the waterfalls. I hiked up from the beach and spent the afternoon swimming in cool, fresh water surrounded by lush greenery. Back in town, the beach has calm, clear water perfect for swimming or renting a kayak, and there are plenty of beachfront restaurants where you can kick back with a margarita and watch the boats come in.
Yelapa is the kind of place that makes you slow down – there are no cars, just winding cobblestone paths, friendly locals, and a pace of life that feels worlds away from Puerto Vallarta.
You can get to Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta by taking a water taxi from Los Muertos Pier or the Boca de Tomatlan Pier. The boat ride from Puerto Vallarta takes about an hour and offers stunning views of the coastline along the way.
An even better way to visit Yelapa is this all-inclusive Yelapa boat tour by Chico Locca. You’ll get to cruise in style along a 100 x 40 ft Mega Yacht catamaran, with all your food and drinks included!
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, usually just called La Cruz, is a small fishing town about 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. What sets it apart is the massive marina, which is one of the largest in the area and a hub for sailing, fishing, and whale-watching excursions.
The town itself has a relaxed, local feel, with seafood restaurants, small shops, and friendly streets to wander. But the real highlight is the La Cruz Sunday Market, one of the best in the region. Every week during high season, the marina boardwalk fills with vendors selling handmade jewelry, art, clothing, organic produce, and freshly prepared food. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few hours browsing stalls, enjoying live music, and soaking up the atmosphere.
For an easy visit, you can take a bus from Puerto Vallarta heading toward Guayabitos and hop off at La Cruz, or go by car/taxi in under an hour.
Bucerías
Bucerías is another one the towns north of Puerto Vallarta. It’s a laid-back beach town that’s become popular with both locals and expats. Its name means “place of divers,” and it still holds on to a fishing village feel even as it’s grown into a lively spot for visitors.
Bucerías is best known for its 5-mile stretch of sandy beach, perfect for long walks, swimming, or trying out kite surfing, which is especially popular here in the winter months. The town also has a colorful art scene – you’ll find galleries, murals, and an “art walk” during the high season where local artists open their doors.
The main square is a great place to grab street tacos or fresh seafood, and Bucerías often hosts cultural festivals that make the town feel extra festive. It’s close enough for a half-day trip from Puerto Vallarta but also a nice place to spend the night if you want a more relaxed base by the beach.
Read more: Getting from Puerto Vallarta to Bucerias
Punta de Mita
Punta de Mita, about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, is best known for its luxury side. The peninsula is dotted with high-end resorts and private villas, most of them tucked inside gated communities. If you’re able to stay here, it’s an amazing base with world-class beaches, surf breaks, and easy access to boat trips out to the Marietas Islands.
For day visitors, the best option is heading to the small stretch of public beach just outside the gates. Here you’ll find a handful of excellent seafood restaurants right on the sand—perfect for a fresh fish lunch with your toes in the sand. It’s a quieter, more low-key way to enjoy Punta de Mita without booking into a villa.
While it doesn’t have the same open, bohemian vibe as Sayulita or San Pancho, Punta de Mita is worth checking out if you’re curious about its upscale reputation or simply want a relaxing seafood meal by the sea.
Rincón de Guayabitos
Rincon de Guayabitos, simply known locally as Guayabitos, is a beautiful little town with a relatively small amount of tourism compared to other locations near Puerto Vallarta.
It is a great destination to explore a more authentically Mexican town as the beaches are quiet, the businesses are run by local families, and it retains its natural, local, small pueblo charm.
The town has many quality restaurants with some of the tastiest and most fresh seafood in Mexico. There are also regular street markets in the town, which are frequented by the locals and have a real authentic feel.
A great hidden gem of the area is to Discover Rincón De Guayabitos with a visit to Coral Island. A small island off its coast with warm, clear, blue waters that are perfect for snorkeling and relaxing on the soft-sand beach.
Mayto
I took a weekend trip to Mayto and was completely obsessed. It’s one of the most peaceful places I’ve been near Puerto Vallarta. Unlike the more developed beach towns, Mayto has almost no commercialization. There are just a handful of small hotels and eco-lodges, which makes it feel wonderfully remote and untouched.
The beaches here are absolutely stunning: long, wide stretches of golden sand with barely anyone else around. It’s the kind of place where you can walk for hours, swim in the ocean, or simply relax and feel like you’ve got the coast all to yourself.
Mayto is also home to a turtle conservation camp, and if you visit during the right season, you can even participate in a turtle release – a magical experience that makes the trip even more special.
Because it’s farther south (about two and a half hours from Puerto Vallarta), Mayto is best enjoyed as an overnight or weekend getaway rather than a day trip. If you’re craving total tranquility and natural beauty, this is the place.
Small towns near Puerto Vallarta
San Sebastian del Oeste
If you want a complete change of scenery from the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, head up into the Sierra Madre mountains to San Sebastián del Oeste. This old mining town feels like stepping back in time, with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and a peaceful mountain atmosphere.
The drive up is part of the adventure. You wind through lush forests and rolling hills before arriving at a town that’s nearly frozen in the 1800s. Walking around San Sebastián, you’ll find historic haciendas, small museums, and charming cafés serving locally grown coffee. One of the highlights is hiking or driving up to La Bufa lookout, where on a clear day you can see all the way to the Bay of Banderas.
What I love about San Sebastián is how different it feels from the coast. The air is cooler, the pace is slower, and it gives you a real glimpse of traditional Jalisco life. It’s about an hour and a half from Puerto Vallarta, and while you can take the bus, the easiest way is to drive or join a guided day tour so you can make the most of your time there.
Mascota
Mascota is another pueblo mágico tucked into the mountains of Jalisco, about two hours from Puerto Vallarta. It’s a charming little town with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a friendly, small-town vibe. Mascota is known for its traditional sweets and homemade pastries, so be sure to stop at a local bakery while you’re here.
One of the town’s most unique landmarks is the unfinished temple of La Preciosa Sangre, a massive stone church that was started in the early 1900s but never completed. Surrounding Mascota, you’ll also find beautiful hiking opportunities, waterfalls, and even an extinct volcano. It’s a great stop if you want a mix of culture and nature in one trip.
Mascota is a two-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta, or you can join a day tour that visits Mascota and Talpa de Allende.
Talpa de Allende
A bit further inland from Mascota is Talpa de Allende, a pueblo mágico famous for its religious and cultural traditions. The highlight of the town is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, which draws thousands of pilgrims each year. Even if you’re not religious, the basilica is a beautiful example of colonial architecture and a fascinating place to visit.
Talpa is also surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including maple forests that are unique in Mexico. The town has a lively main square, local candy shops (cajeta and guava sweets are popular here), and plenty of restaurants where you can try traditional Jalisco dishes. Because it’s a bit farther from Puerto Vallarta (about three hours), Talpa makes a great overnight trip, often combined with a visit to Mascota.
El Tuito
Just 45 minutes away, El Tuito is one of the easiest inland towns south of Puerto Vallarta to visit. It’s a quiet colonial village with colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and a slower pace of life. The town is known for its artisanal products – you can find handmade cheese, tortillas, and raicilla (a local agave spirit) made right here.
One of my favorite things about El Tuito is how authentic it feels. It’s not touristy at all, which makes it a nice contrast to the busy beaches of Puerto Vallarta. You can stroll through the central plaza, admire the painted façades, and stop at a local comedor for a traditional meal. El Tuito also makes a good stop if you’re heading further south to the beaches around Mayto or Tehuamixtle.
Tequila
Okay, Tequila may not be super close to Puerto Vallarta but it’s still worth mentioning on this list because it’s so unique and can be visited as a day trip. Although it’s best done in combination with a weekend trip to Guadalajara.
This small town is one of nine magic towns in Jalisco and is known for producing the world-famous drink that shares its name.
Tequila is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has stunning colonial architecture, as well as being home to some of the most iconic tequila brands, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves agave spirits.
In addition to touring a tequila distillery, there’s plenty to see and do in the town of Tequila. The main square, Plaza Principal, is a great place to start.
Here you’ll find the Church of Santiago Apostol, which was built in the 18th century, and the Casa Sauza Museum, which tells the story of the Sauza family and their role in the history of tequila production.
Getting from Puerto Vallarta to Tequila on your way isn’t easy without a car, so a great way to enjoy everything Tequila has to offer in one day is to book a day tour to Tequila.
FAQ: Towns near Puerto Vallarta
What is the less touristy town near Puerto Vallarta?
San Pancho and Lo de Marcos are great options if you want a quieter alternative to busy Sayulita.
What town is 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta?
Mayto is about two and a half hours south and is known for its unspoiled beaches and turtle sanctuary.
What is the nicest beach town in Mexico?
That depends on who you ask, but many consider Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita as some of the most vibrant.
What is the Hippie beach Town near Puerto Vallarta?
Sayulita has a well-known bohemian vibe, with surf culture, yoga, art, and colorful streets.
What is the magic town in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta itself isn’t a pueblo mágico, but nearby towns like San Sebastián del Oeste, Mascota, Talpa de Allende, and Sayulita hold that title.
How do I get from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita?
You can take a local bus from PV’s central station for about 50 pesos or drive in just over an hour.
How many days is ideal for Puerto Vallarta?
Four to seven days is perfect—enough to enjoy the beaches, nightlife, and at least one or two day trips to nearby towns.
What is the colonial town near Puerto Vallarta?
San Sebastián del Oeste is a beautiful colonial mining town in the mountains about 1.5 hours away.
What are the hidden islands in Puerto Vallarta?
The Marietas Islands are the most famous, especially for the Hidden Beach, which you can visit on a boat tour from Punta de Mita or Puerto Vallarta.
Final thoughts: Towns close to Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is an incredible destination on its own, but one of the best parts about visiting is how many unique towns are just a short trip away. From bohemian surf villages like Sayulita and San Pancho to quiet escapes such as Lo de Marcos and Yelapa, and from the colonial charm of San Sebastián del Oeste to the religious traditions of Talpa de Allende, there’s so much variety within just a couple of hours.
Exploring these nearby towns adds a whole new dimension to your trip—you’ll get a taste of local life, experience different landscapes, and discover parts of Mexico that many visitors miss if they stay only in Vallarta. Whether you rent a car, hop on a bus, or join a guided tour, taking a day (or two) to explore beyond the city is absolutely worth it.
Each town has its own personality, so think about what excites you most: surf, history, food, art, luxury, or quiet beaches. No matter which you choose, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of the culture and beauty that surround Puerto Vallarta.
Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out these guides!
