10 Must-Visit Beaches in Puerto Vallarta: Beach Lover’s Paradise
10 Must-Visit Beaches in Puerto Vallarta: Beach Lover’s Paradise
Puerto Vallarta is a sun-soaked haven that promises pristine coastlines, azure waters, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Located in the state of Jalisco and facing the beautiful Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta is one of the best destinations on the Mexican Pacific coast.
“PV” welcomes travelers with its picturesque and authentic atmosphere. Its streets, architecture, traditions, and food will make you feel the true Mexican essence.
The beaches of Puerto Vallarta are spread along the Bay of Banderas, each with its particular charm.
An impressive coastline embraced by the Sierra Madre mountain range surprises visitors with landscapes of enormous beauty.
Small and wide beaches, islands, coves, and plenty of greenery will make your summer days in Puerto Vallarta unforgettable.
What are the 10 best beaches in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta has many beaches, both in the city and in the surrounding area.
Although there are many more that I will talk about in future posts, I have chosen the 10 that, according to my criteria, are the most beautiful in the bay.
Of course, it is always a good idea to choose the ones that better fit your travel itinerary so you get to enjoy most of them.
At the end of the article, I will leave a map with the location of each of the beaches of Puerto Vallarta included in this guide. Without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Los Muertos, one of the most popular beaches of Puerto Vallarta
At the southern end of Puerto Vallarta is Los Muertos Beach, one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the city.
It is located in the Romantic Zone, very close to downtown, and is accessible from the Malecon.
Almost 650 meters long, Los Muertos is one of the cleanest beaches in the State of Jalisco, together with Las Gemelas and Camarones.
This lively beach is famous not only for its many restaurants, shops, bars, and art galleries but also because it is home to the recently renovated pier from which many excursions depart.
Los Muertos beach is perfect for sipping a cold beer while watching the sunset; for water sports or just spending time with family and friends.
The surrounding restaurants offer everything from gourmet meals to traditional seafood dishes. So, besides relaxing and having fun, you can enjoy all kinds of food at Los Muertos.
Traveler’s tip: In Puerto Vallarta, there is a local dish curiously called Pescado Embarazado (pregnant fish) or Camarones Embarazados (pregnant shrimps).
And no, these marine fellows are not pregnant, but rather tasty fish and shrimp grilled on a stick (or skewer) over firewood and charcoal. Don’t miss it!
NOTE: if you separate the word EMBARAZADO (EN VARA AZADO), it translates to GRILLED ON A STICK.
As I mentioned, one of the hallmarks of Los Muertos Beach is its spectacular pier inaugurated in 2013.
Its design perfectly blends traditional and modern and adds a lot of charm to the beach scenery.
Even if you don’t take any excursions, strolling along it and taking souvenir photos is one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
You can also walk south along the beach to see the seahorse sculpture at Las Pilitas. From there, you can continue to a small hill called El Púlpito.
It is located at the end of the beach and has a path that leads to a rocky outcrop from where you can get beautiful views of the bay.
By the way, the name of Los Muertos Beach (beach of the dead) comes from the fact that it used to be a cemetery for the fishing community.
According to another legend, it comes from an ambush by local Indians on pirates who came to steal their goods, which left the beach littered with dead bodies.
Don’t let its unfriendly name scare you, Playa los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta is a real wonder!
2. Playa Camarones
Another of the popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta is Camarones. You’ll find it at the beginning of the boardwalk, right in the heart of the city’s hotel zone, so getting there is very easy.
Camarones is one of the beaches of Jalisco that carries the Blue Flag distinction, which rewards those beaches that preserve a high level of cleanliness, purity, and environmental protection.
This wonderful playa is almost 650 meters long and 30 meters wide, located in the middle of the hotel zone, it has a wide range of shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as agencies offering all kinds of adventures.
So, in addition to sunbathing, resting, and swimming, you can go parasailing, jet-skiing, SUP, and more.
The sea at Camarones Beach (as in all of Puerto Vallarta) is crystal clear and has an intense blue color.
Although the shore can be a bit rocky, the waves are calm and allow for safe swimming. This makes it a good choice if you are traveling with children.
As in most of the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, it is common to see street vendors offering handicrafts, henna tattoos, and the famous fish and shrimp sticks mentioned before.
There are also beach clubs where, in addition to sipping a margarita, you can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs.
Despite this wide range of services and its location, the atmosphere in Camarones is surprisingly quieter than other beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
Therefore, if you prefer to relax without so much hustle and bustle, this is the ideal place.
3. Conchas Chinas Beach
Our tour of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta takes us to Conchas Chinas, another beautiful playa for your summer holidays.
Conchas Chinas has one of the most beautiful and striking beaches of the Romantic Zone and the entire Bay of Banderas.
Why? It represents a point where several ecosystems converge, united by a particular coastal and underwater relief that gives this corner an unparalleled beauty.
There’s a reason Conchas Chinas is considered a top wedding destination in Puerto Vallarta.
Conchas Chinas is only 10 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta and comprises a series of beaches separated by rocky outcrops.
They all have golden sands and crystal clear emerald green waters, where you can swim in beautiful natural pools formed by the rocks while celebrating the beauty of Jalisco’s nature.
There are many reasons why you should visit Conchas Chinas. For one thing, it is very easy to get there.
The combination of the mountainous jungle of the Sierra Madre with the crystal clear waters of the Pacific gives it a beautiful scenery.
Thanks to this, residents and tourists enjoy one of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
Another of the best things to do at Conchas Chinas Beach is snorkeling. Hundreds of fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine species congregate in the natural pools that form on the seashore, giving color and life to the waters.
If you get hungry, Conchas Chinas is another of the beaches of Puerto Vallarta ideal for tasting the local gastronomy. There are several restaurants very close to the beach.
Grilled fish, shrimp on a stick, ceviches, fish, marlin tacos, and seafood are just a few options.
To top the evening off, what better than to watch the sunset while sipping a cold beer or a margarita? Life is all about enjoying small pleasures, and this is one of them.
4. Garza Blanca Beach
Garza Blanca is home to another gorgeous beach in Puerto Vallarta and an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
It is located south of the city center (on the Mismaloya highway) and next to the resort of the same name.
Thanks to a rock breakwater that was built some time ago, the sea is calmer and stays cleaner. The shore is covered with light, soft sand that invites you to lie back and let the sun tan your skin.
On the other hand, the waters are crystal clear and have a color that ranges from green to a very intense blue. This is another of the Blue Flag beaches of Puerto Vallarta.
Unlike Los Muertos Beach, its name is no coincidence. Part of the postcard charm of this beautiful corner of Puerto Vallarta comes from the white herons usually seen on the shores.
Because the beach is next to a resort, Garza Blanca is perfect for trying a Michelada (a typical Mexican drink), margaritas, or other beverages and eating something tasty.
Before or after, you can take advantage of its calm waters to swim, snorkel, or rent a SUP board and try your hand at this fun activity.
5. Las Gemelas, one of the beloved beaches of Puerto Vallarta
Ok, we have arrived at Las Gemelas (twins), two small beaches with white sand, crystal clear waters, and gentle waves.
They are located less than 10 km south of the Main Square of Puerto Vallarta, very close to Garza Blanca beach.
Although they are small (140 meters north and 200 meters south), they are a good option to escape from the more crowded beaches of Puerto Vallarta.
Las Gemelas invites you to swim in their crystal clear and calm waters, snorkel, kayak, or just relax on the sand.
Its atmosphere is mainly local, so it is also perfect for getting in touch with the locals. On weekends and holidays, however, the beach tends to be much more crowded.
The northern beach is more easily accessible, while the southern one is a bit of a walk over the rocks or a swim outside.
In between the two is the Grand Park Royal Hotel, so guests have better access to this section of the beach.
The “Twins” have fewer services than other beaches in Puerto Vallarta, so it is best to bring your supplies. However, nearby you will find many options of resorts, condominiums, and villas to stay with all the comforts.
6. Las Animas
At the beginning of this post, I mentioned that from the pier of Los Muertos Beach, you can take a boat excursion, right?
Well, this is it. One of those excursions is to Las Animas, you can either go on a guided tour or take a water taxi to take you there.
Las Animas is home to another of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Vallarta. On the way there you will enjoy an incredible view of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains.
Did you know? Another way to get to Las Animas is by taking a picturesque hiking route from the town of Boca de Tomatlan, another beautiful destination worth visiting. I will talk more about this fabulous hike in another post.
Las Animas is characterized by its paradisiacal landscapes, crystalline waters, and jungle surroundings. As it is relatively close to Puerto Vallarta, it is a popular stop where you will always find people – nobody wants to miss this little paradise!
Besides the crystal clear sea, the highlight of Las Animas is the beautiful jungle environment that surrounds it.
It creates the perfect setting for you to enjoy a day in full contact with nature and the flora and fauna of the area.
On the other hand, it has the perfect characteristics to enjoy water sports. Tourists’ favorites are snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle surfing.
Another highlight of Las Animas is its great restaurants and SPA services. Nothing beats an oceanside massage.
Shrimp cocktails and ceviches are delicious and served fresh, although there are other tasty options. For dessert or snacks, the best options are fresh or juiced tropical fruits.
Las Animas is one of the beaches in Puerto Vallarta that cannot be left off your list.
7. Colomitos Beach
Next to Las Animas beach is Colomitos, a tiny paradise that will make you want time to stand still at that very moment.
I say tiny because it is one of the smallest beaches in Mexico (barely 30 meters long). If you look at it from the air, you’ll see a triangular bay surrounded by dense vegetation and round rocks.
Don’t be fooled by its size, though, as its beauty is enormous.
Colomitos is a hidden beach located on the southern curve of Banderas Bay, between the Horcones River and El Caballo beach, just before Las Animas.
The jungle environment and almost virgin atmosphere are its hallmarks. Added to this are clean and crystalline waters, golden sand, and one of the best restaurants in Banderas Bay: Ocean Grill.
Therefore, besides being a universe of sun, sand, and sea, Colomitos Beach is also a gastronomic highlight.
After swimming, diving, and snorkeling, you can’t miss sitting at a table overlooking the sea and enjoying a delicious meal.
Of course, if you are tempted to eat at this place overlooking the sea, you must reserve in advance.
Colomitos Beach is home to a rich marine ecosystem that is best appreciated with a snorkeling mask. And it’s a cool and safe spot for children.
In addition to water sports, there are other activities to enjoy on land. Walking around the jungle is another way to enjoy the beauty with which Mother Earth has rewarded Jalisco.
You can even get to Colomitos by taking a hiking route from Boca de Tomatlán.
8. Mismaloya, the iconic beach of Puerto Vallarta
For many, Mismaloya is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Vallarta but also the most “famous.”
This fame is because Mismaloya served as the main site for the filming of The Night of the Iguana, featuring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in 1963. Another famous movie filmed in the Mismaloya area was The Predator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in the 80s.
Located only 20 km from downtown Puerto Vallarta and within the spectacular Banderas Bay, it is a destination that will be love at first sight.
Its tranquil atmosphere, both on the beach and in the Mismaloya town, is ideal for escaping the crowds.
Like most of Puerto Vallarta’s beaches, Mismaloya offers a unique fusion between the hills of the Sierra Madre Occidental and the waters of the Pacific.
If you arrive early, you’re sure to find a spot where you can enjoy the emerald sea and take in stunning views of Los Arcos National Marine Park.
Mismaloya Beach is characterized by its clear sand and turquoise green sea that contrasts with the surrounding vegetation.
There are simple yet yummy seafood restaurants, palapas selling fresh drinks, and modest accommodations, but with all the comforts you may need.
However, if you’re looking for more luxury and service, the large Barceló Puerto Vallarta resort just north of the beach is your best bet.
The activities you will be able to do here are practically the same as in the previous resorts. That is, explore the marine life with a snorkeling mask, swim, sunbathe, and relax on the sand. Also, Parasailing is available everywhere.
If you’re an avid diver, there are plenty of excursions to see manta rays, sea turtles, and other species up close. If you travel in the right season, you can even join one of the whale-watching expeditions.
But again, I think one of the best experiences is taking a tour to explore Los Arcos. The latter can also be done from the Puerto Vallarta marine terminal, so there are no excuses for not living the experience.
9. Las Caletas Beach
Earlier I talked about Las Animas, well, a bit further up on the same route is Las Caletas, a beach surrounded by a completely magical natural environment.
The best way to get to this Banderas Bay destination is by taking a boat tour.
Las Caletas is a beach hidden among the mountains of the Sierra Madre. Surrounded by lush greenery inhabited by a myriad of species, it offers an irresistible backdrop for nature-loving travelers.
Its golden sandy beach is intimate, quiet and the sea is calm and crystal clear, ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Las Caletas beach is located 15 minutes east of Yelapa, by sea, within a natural reserve that protects more than 1,000 hectares of jungle.
Thanks to this, the environment is kept relatively clean and away from large constructions. In addition to the private beach, the reserve offers visitors an aviary, orchid gardens, a deer sanctuary, and a hilltop spa.
The tour here is very complete, you’ll have free time to hike the trails immersed in tropical vegetation, snorkel, paddle surf, or kayak in the small bay.
After an open bar lunch, you can continue exploring the jungle, enjoy a cooking class and mezcal tasting, or just swim and have a good time.
If you are traveling with children, in the same reserve that hosts Las Caletas you will find two parks with different themes for all ages (Kids Adventure Park or the Teen Adventure Park).
Las Caletas is definitely one of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta and an unmissable beach alternative for your holidays in this area of Jalisco.
10. Playa Las Glorias
Maybe you are traveling to Puerto Vallarta and you don’t want to move beyond the city. Don’t worry, because in that case, you will be able to enjoy the charming Las Glorias beach.
Las Glorias stretches almost 1 km and has all the amenities to spend the day in the sun. It is located in the heart of the hotel zone of Puerto Vallarta, so you will find many accommodation options in front of or near the coast.
This playa boasts fine golden sands and emerald-green waters that are a delight to swim.
Although it is not as wide as Los Tules or Playa de Oro, you are sure to find a place to settle in and spend the day.
Just as the hotel offer is varied, so is the portfolio of activities you can do on the beach. Among the most popular, apart from swimming, are horseback riding, kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing, whale watching tours, and parasailing.
On the downside, I could say that it is one of the most crowded beaches in Puerto Vallarta, especially at the northern point. Its atmosphere is quieter out of season (outside the months between December and May).
After enjoying a day at the beach, you can take the path between Las Palmas and Los Tules towards the boulevard and have a bite to eat at the La Isla Fashion Mall.
It has a lively atmosphere and is the perfect place to meet people, share a dinner with family or friends, and end the day in the best way.
Map with the Beaches of Puerto Vallarta
So just to give you an idea of the location of the 10 beaches I mentioned in this article, I put together this map.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
When is the best time to enjoy the beaches of Puerto Vallarta?
The best time to travel to Puerto Vallarta and enjoy its beaches is from December to May when the maximum average temperature is around 30°C.
From April to June, the weather is still good and prices are lower. October is a good month for diving. Rainfall tends to be concentrated between July and October, while from February to May the season is rather dry and the days are sunny.
Puerto Vallarta Beaches: Final Thoughts
Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are as diverse as they are stunning, offering everything from bustling hotspots to secluded escapes.
Whether you’re an adventure-seeker eager to snorkel and dive, or a beach bum who prefers sunbathing and relaxation, there’s a beach here for every traveler.
The vibrant local culture, friendly communities, and breathtaking coastal views make this destination a true paradise for beach lovers.
So, pack your sunscreen, grab your towel, and explore some of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches.
Your unforgettable beach adventure awaits in Puerto Vallarta!
