10 Top Jalisco Beaches That Should Be on Your Bucket List
10 Top Jalisco Beaches That Should Be on Your Bucket List
Jalisco is renowned for tequila, Mexico’s national drink, and mariachi, the country’s most beloved music.
But above all, Jalisco is home to some of the finest beaches on Mexico’s west coast. These beaches vary from hidden coves and private shores to popular surfing destinations.
Beauty and culture are abundant in Jalisco, one of Mexico’s most distinctive states.
Located in south-central Mexico along the Pacific Ocean, Jalisco is one of the country’s Pacific coastal states, offering some of the best beach towns, including Puerto Vallarta and Yelapa.
Jalisco is also known for its vibrant capital, Guadalajara, and charming towns like Tequila, Ajijic, and San Sebastián del Oeste.
No matter what type of beach experience you seek, this list of the best Jalisco Beaches has something for everyone.
10 Best Jalisco Beaches
The beaches of Jalisco, Mexico, offer something for every visitor.
You’ll find pristine stretches of sand ideal for solitude and lively beaches framed by lush vegetation, perfect for immersing yourself in nature.
While the Mexican Pacific coastline is beautiful throughout, some beaches in Jalisco stand out for their spectacular scenery, comfort, and popularity.
Here, you can enjoy gentle, calm waters, and larger waves that attract surfers from around the world.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet cove or a bustling seaside town, Jalisco’s coastline has it all.
Many of the region’s finest beaches are near Puerto Vallarta, a vibrant port city about five hours from Guadalajara, Jalisco’s Capital.
You may want to read: 10 Must-Visit Beaches in Puerto Vallarta: Beach Lover’s Paradise
Other beaches, more secluded and off the typical tourist path, are accessible only by ATVs or, in some cases, by boat or hiking through the scenic Mexican jungle.
1. Conchas Chinas Beach
Just a few minutes south of the vibrant city of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find one of Jalisco’s most picturesque beaches: Playa Conchas Chinas.
Known for its upscale resorts and residences, this beach offers some of the finest luxury accommodations in Puerto Vallarta.
The name “Conchas Chinas” doesn’t refer to the country of China; rather, it comes from the distinctive shells found along the shore.
In the local dialect, “china” means “curly,” describing the unique curled shells that scatter the beach.
At Conchas Chinas, you’ll enjoy crystal-clear waters, rock pools perfect for exploring, calm areas ideal for swimming, and some of Puerto Vallarta’s most stunning sunsets.
Just a short trip from downtown PV, Conchas Chinas is a Jalisco beach well worth visiting.
2. Playa Colomitos
This beach may be hard to reach, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
Located about an hour south of Puerto Vallarta, this gem in Jalisco is accessible only by boat from Boca de Tomatlan or by hiking through the Mexican jungle.
The Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas hiking trail leads you through five of Jalisco’s most beautiful beaches, starting with Playa Colomitos.
This small, hidden cove is one of the most picturesque spots along the route. With crystal-clear waters against the lush green jungle, it’s hard to find a more stunning beach.
And the best part? There are still four more breathtaking beaches to explore.
3. Caballo Beach
Another stunning beach along the Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas hiking trail is Playa Caballo.
Also accessible by boat from Boca de Tomatlán, this charming, hidden beach offers a serene escape.
With soft white sand and swaying palm trees, Playa Caballo will make you feel like you’ve stepped into paradise.
Its crystal-clear waters are set against the lush green backdrop of the Mexican jungle, creating an unforgettable landscape that is bound to become one of your favorite spots in Mexico.
Unlike many other beaches near Puerto Vallarta, Playa Caballo is secluded. You won’t find restaurants or other amenities here, so be sure to come fully prepared.
In exchange, you’ll discover one of the most stunning beaches in Mexico—a true hidden gem not to be missed when visiting Jalisco.
4. Quimixto Beach
Playa Quimixto, similar to Playa Caballo but much longer, is a fantastic destination on the coast of Jalisco.
Accessible only by boat from Boca de Tomatlan or Puerto Vallarta, Playa Quimixto maintains the charm of nearby beaches while providing enough amenities for a multi-day stay.
It also serves as a great point for exploring other nearby beaches.
One of the highlights of Playa Quimixto is the hike to Quimixto Waterfall. This 5.5-kilometer trek through lush jungle leads to a picturesque waterfall.
For those who prefer not to hike, horseback rides to the waterfall are also available.
5. Jalisco Beaches: Mayto
Playa Mayto in Jalisco is a hidden gem you might not have heard of.
Accessible only by car, it’s off the beaten path, but for those willing to make the journey, it offers one of Jalisco’s best-kept secrets.
You may want to read: Banderas Bay, Mexico: Your Itinerary for Sun, Sea, and Adventure
The top reason to visit Mayto is the sea turtles. Playa Mayto is one of the best spots on Mexico’s west coast to witness sea turtle hatchlings making their way back to the ocean.
From June to November, you can visit Campamento Tortuguero Mayto, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sea turtle conservation, to learn about these remarkable creatures and watch the hatchlings return to the sea.
This memorable experience makes Playa Mayto an ideal beach destination in Mexico for families.
6. Arroyo Seco, Jalisco
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Arroyo Seco is the perfect getaway.
This small coastal town has just one restaurant that opens occasionally and a few stores selling basic groceries and beer.
Distractions are few here, including from your cell phone, as there is no Wi-Fi and only spotty cell service at best.
Pack all your essentials, including a tent for a weekend, and head to this secluded paradise.
Arroyo Seco is also one of the best surfing spots along the Jalisco coast, so be sure to bring your board.
7. Costa Careyes, top Jalisco Beaches
Careyes is a unique beach destination in Jalisco, founded in 1968 by Italian banker Gian Franco Brignone.
This exclusive, family-owned private beach resort merges Mediterranean and Mexican cultures to create an idyllic, secluded luxury getaway.
Blending high-end luxury with authentic Mexican ambiance, many of the resort’s buildings are vibrant, reflecting the rich colors and artistic heritage of Mexico.
Each year, Careyes hosts an annual festival that celebrates music, art, culture, and wellness, all set against the stunning backdrop of this exceptional destination.
8. Sayulita (Nayarit)
Although Sayulita is not in Jalisco, I decided to include it on this list due to its popularity and proximity to Puerto Vallarta.
This Nayarit-Jalisco coast gem is ideal for beach lovers, offering umbrella and chair rentals and numerous beach bars along the main beach in town.
Sayulita is the premier surfing spot just after Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca.
Recently, Sayulita has gained popularity among savvy travelers seeking a fresh experience, and it is rapidly becoming a tourist hotspot with extensive amenities.
The town offers a wide range of dining options, from upscale restaurants to street tacos, catering to every budget.
With its variety of beach bars and laid-back vibe, Sayulita is the perfect spot for a long weekend getaway.
9. Jalisco Beaches: Chalacatepec
Chalacatepec is the perfect place to reconnect with yourself, meditate, and fully experience all your senses.
In Chalacatepec, a turtle sanctuary is established, where thousands of turtles arrive each year to lay their eggs.
These eggs are carefully protected until the hatchlings are born and released into the sea, healthy and safe.
This beach is ideal for peace and relaxation. There are no large hotels or commercial infrastructure like those in other resorts.
As you relax on the sand, you can admire the deep blue of the waters, where the horizon seems to vanish, and the sky blends seamlessly with the sea—a truly stunning optical illusion.
10. Tenacatita Bay
This beach is the most captivating in the bay, offering a unique hippie and rustic atmosphere, as well as a wide variety of activities to suit all tastes.
These include horseback riding, boat rides through the mangroves, ecotourism tours, and scenic walks around the nearby beaches of Boca de Iguanas and La Manzanilla.
You may want to read: Punta Perula, Jalisco: Your Ultimate Beach Guide to Paradise
Due to the size of its waves, it is ideal for skimboarding, which is similar to surfing but on the gentle waves near the shore.
One of the best experiences here is snorkeling in the coral reef known as “The Aquarium,” where you’ll encounter an array of colorful fish and marine life, from tiny species to whales and dolphins—an experience you can’t miss.
From this location, you can also visit the nearby beaches of Los Angeles Locos, which has a fascinating story to share, and Punta Serena.
As if that weren’t enough, Tenacatita is home to a curious phenomenon: despite being located on the west coast, the sun rises and sets over the sea during the winter months.
What is the best airport for Jalisco Beaches?
The best airport depends on your destination. If you’re heading to the northern part of the state, such as Guadalajara, Ajijic, or Tequila, you’ll want to fly into Guadalajara International Airport (GDL).
For trips to Jalisco’s beaches, including Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa, or the Costa Alegre, the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) is the most convenient.
The best way to travel between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara (or vice versa) is by renting a car and driving, or taking the bus.
This is a safe trip if done during the day and takes approximately four hours (on the new tollway).
When is the best time to visit Jalisco?
The ideal time to visit Jalisco beaches is from November to April, when temperatures are mild, humidity is low, and mosquitoes are less of a problem.
This period also coincides with Mexico’s annual whale migration from December to March, during which Pacific gray whales, humpbacks, orcas, and other species pass along the coast of Jalisco on their way to breeding grounds.
For northern Jalisco, including popular towns like Tequila and Ajijic and the state capital, Guadalajara, the best time to visit is from October to April during the dry season.
The region enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year-round, although you can expect heavy rains during Mexico’s rainy season (June-September).
Jalisco Beaches: Final Thoughts
Jalisco’s beaches offer a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences.
From the serene shores of Quimixto to the bustling boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta, each destination on this list has its own charm, making it a must-visit for beach lovers and adventurers alike.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape, thrilling water sports, or authentic Mexican coastal cuisine, Jalisco’s beaches promise memories that will last a lifetime.
So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and set out to explore the gems along Jalisco’s stunning coastline. Adventure awaits, and the sound of the Pacific waves is calling your name!
Which of these beaches will you visit first? Let me know in the comments below!
