Planning a day trip to Sayulita? You’re in luck! I live in Sayulita, and in this guide, I will give you the best itinerary on how to spend a full day in Sayulita.
A day trip to Sayulita is absolutely worth it. Just an hour from Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita offers colorful streets, artisan markets, surfing, and beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect combination of culture, relaxation, and adventure in a single day.
One day is also enough to experience the highlights of Sayulita. You can explore the lively plaza, surf or relax at the beach, shop in local markets, and watch the sunset at Carricitos Beach.
While a longer stay reveals more of its charm, a single day captures the essence of Sayulita beautifully. Here’s a complete itinerary for spending a full day in Sayulita:
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Day trip to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta
Most travelers who want to do a day trip to Sayulita come from Puerto Vallarta. The distance from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita is about 1.5 hours (depending on which neighborhood you are in).
If you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta, you can easily spend a full day in Sayulita—from about 9 AM to 6 PM. Many day trippers head back before dark, but others choose to stay for dinner to soak up Sayulita’s lively evening vibe of street food, music, and beachside bars.
How to get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta
- Private Driver / Private Shuttle (1-1.5 hours): Door‑to‑door service, no stress with parking or directions, ideal for groups or families (Around $70–100 USD one way (per car, not per person)
✅ [BOOK A PRIVATE DRIVER] - Rental car (1-1.5 hours): Freedom to explore nearby towns like San Pancho or Punta Mita. Parking in Sayulita can be tricky, so plan ahead. ($30–50 USD per day + gas + parking)
🚗 [RENT A CAR IN PUERTO VALLARTA] - Public Bus, Compostela or ATM buses (up to 2 hours): Cheapest option, authentic local experience, buses run frequently from Puerto Vallarta ($3-$5)
👉🏼 Related: How to get to Sayulita (all possible ways)
Day trip to Sayulita itinerary
If you are staying in Bucerias, Punta Mita, Nuevo Vallarta, or Puerto Vallarta, you can leave your accommodation between 7:30-8 AM to maximize the day.
Here’s a day trip to Sayulita itinerary you can use:
7:30 AM – Leave Puerto Vallarta (or your point of origin)
Meet your private driver at your hotel or Airbnb for a comfortable, stress-free ride to Sayulita. The drive takes about 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic, and you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Riviera Nayarit coastline along the way.
9:30 AM – Arrive & Explore the Town Plaza
- Start at the colorful Sayulita plaza for photos: Capture your first memory at the vibrant Sayulita sign, a cheerful landmark that instantly sets the tone. It’s worth doing because it’s the town’s most iconic photo spot.
📍 [SAYULITA PLAZA LOCATION] - Wander the plaza and side streets filled with boutiques, surf shops, and street art: Stroll through lively streets brimming with artisan boutiques, surf gear, and murals bursting with color. It’s worth doing because this walk immerses you in Sayulita’s creative, bohemian spirit.
📍 [LOCATION OF THE MOST COLORFUL STREET IN SAYULITA] - Grab a quick coffee or smoothie bowl at a local café: Recharge with a locally roasted coffee or tropical smoothie bowl at a cozy café. It’s worth doing because it fuels your day while supporting Sayulita’s small businesses.
☕ [SEE ALL CAFES IN SAYULITA]
10:30 AM – Beach Time & Surf Lesson
- Head to Sayulita Beach—the heart of the town: Sayulita Beach buzzes with energy, lined with surfers, vendors, and sun-seekers. It’s worth doing because this is the town’s vibrant social and cultural hub.
📍 [SAYULITA MAIN BEACH LOCATION] - Beginners can book a surf lesson (Sayulita is famous for its gentle waves)
Gentle, rolling waves make Sayulita ideal for first-time surfers. You’ll learn quickly, gain confidence, and experience the town’s most iconic activity.
✅ [BOOK A SURFING LESSON WITH A LOCAL] - Non-surfers can relax under a palapa with a fresh coconut
Unwind beneath a shady palapa, sipping chilled coconut water while watching surfers. You will also see a lot of local life at the beach.
👉🏼 Read next: 40 things to do in Sayulita
12:30 PM – Lunch in Town
If you are already hanging out at the beach, there are a lot of beachfront restaurants in Sayulita and you’ll spot them very easily. They all vary from fine dining to mid-range but check the menus and see what you feel like eating.
See our full list of best restaurants in Sayulita for more options!
2:00 PM – Playa de los Muertos (Hidden Beach)
- A short walk south of town leads to this secluded cove, perfect for swimming and photos: This tucked‑away beach, reached through a colorful cemetery path, feels intimate and photogenic. The journey itself adds charm and the cove rewards you with tranquility.
- Less crowded than the main beach, with calmer waters: Playa de los Muertos offers gentler waves and fewer crowds, making it ideal for relaxed swimming. You’ll enjoy peaceful waters away from Sayulita’s bustle!
📍 [PLAYA DE LOS MUERTOS LOCATION]
👉🏼 You might also like: The best beaches in Sayulita
3:30 PM – Shopping & Local Markets
- Browse artisan markets for handmade jewelry, textiles, and boho‑chic clothing: Sayulita’s markets brim with unique crafts and fashion. Here, you’ll find one‑of‑a‑kind souvenirs that directly support local artisans.
📍 [ARTISANAL MARKET LOCATION] - Don’t miss the Mercado del Pueblo (if visiting on a Friday): This lively farmers’ market offers organic produce, street food, and live music. It showcases Sayulita’s community spirit and sustainable culture. Note that this market is closed during the hot months (June-November).
📍 [MERCADO DEL PUEBLO LOCATION]
👉🏼 Related: The best months to visit Sayulita
4:30 PM – Sunset at Carricitos Beach
- Spread a blanket, bring snacks, and watch the sky ignite over the Pacific: As the sun dips, the horizon glows with fiery colors. Carricitos transforms sunset into a serene, unforgettable ritual of nature.
- Walk through jungle paths to reach Carricitos Beach, Sayulita’s best sunset spot This hidden stretch of sand feels wild and untouched, framed by dramatic rock formations. Carricitos offers the most breathtaking, crowd‑free sunset views.
- ✨ Pro tip: currents here are strong, so it’s not a swimming beach—come for the view!
📍 [CARRICITOS BEACH LOCATION]
6:00 PM – Dinner & Evening Vibe (Optional)
- Stay for dinner to soak up Sayulita’s lively nightlife: Street tacos, rooftop bars, and live music fill the evening air. Sayulita transforms after dark into a festive, unforgettable scene.
- Best night spots: Atico for live music, Aaleyah’s for Mexican cantina vibe, Public House for American vibe and food
👉🏼 See also: Sayulita street food icons
Customize your Sayulita day trip itinerary
While there are many tour companies that are doing day trips to Sayulita, most of these are rigid and rushed leaving little room for a truly relaxed experience.
If you love taking control of your time when traveling, I can help you design your Sayulita day trip itinerary. I live here and I know this town in and out – just get in touch!
FAQ: Day trip to Sayulita
Is Sayulita worth a day trip from Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. Sayulita is only about an hour away and offers beaches, surfing, shopping, and a lively town vibe—perfect for a full‑day escape.
How do you get to Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta?
You can take a private driver, taxi, or Uber (about 1–1.5 hours). A local bus is the cheapest option but takes longer.
What time should I leave Puerto Vallarta for Sayulita?
Leave around 8–9 AM to maximize your day. This gives you time for the beach, shopping, and sunset before returning.
What are the best things to do in Sayulita in one day?
Top activities include surfing, relaxing at Playa de los Muertos, shopping in the plaza, enjoying tacos, and watching sunset at Carricitos Beach.
Is Sayulita safe for tourists?
Yes. Sayulita is generally safe, but use common sense: keep valuables secure, avoid walking alone late at night, and use licensed transport.
Do I need pesos in Sayulita, or can I use USD?
Pesos are best. Some shops accept USD, but you’ll get better prices and easier transactions with pesos. ATMs are available in town.
What should I pack for a Sayulita day trip?
Bring sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, sandals, pesos, and a reusable water bottle. A light cover‑up is useful for evening breezes.
Can I visit Sayulita with kids?
Yes. Families enjoy the beaches, colorful streets, and relaxed vibe. Just note that waves can be strong, so choose calmer beaches like Playa de los Muertos.
