Sayulita is our ultimate chill spot in Mexico, hands down. It’s a surfer’s haven, a beach bum’s paradise, and honestly, a dream for anyone craving that easygoing beach vibe. Sayulita is a place where the surf’s always up, the food is some of the best in Mexico, and for the most part, the hotels here are cozy boutique hotels that feel just right (no major resorts). Despite its growing popularity, Sayulita has managed to keep its soul. It doesn’t have that over-developed feel you might get from places like Tulum or Puerto Escondido. It’s still got that tight-knit community vibe that we absolutely fell in love with.
On top of that, the Mexican cuisine here is out of this world. The surfing is perfect every day, the beaches are stunning, and the jungle that surrounds it all is like something out of a storybook.
We’ve spent a good chunk of time in Sayulita, enough to almost call it a second home, and that’s why we’re super excited to share our ‘Where to stay in Sayulita’ guide with you. We want you to get the full local experience when you visit this magical place, just like we did.
- Where to stay in Sayulita – Best Hotels
- Where to stay in Sayulita – Best Areas
- 1. Where to stay in Sayulita for the first time: Central
- 2. Where to stay in Sayulita for couples & beach lovers: South End
- 3. Where to stay in Sayulita for families & relaxation: North End
- 4. Where to stay in Sayulita for budget travelers & amazing views: Gringo Hill
- Where to stay in Sayulita – Frequently Asked Questions
Where to stay in Sayulita – Best Hotels
Casa Pepe Hostel Boutique
Formerly known as Hotel Boutique Oz Sayulita, it now ranks among the top Sayulita hotels/hostels. Offering private rooms and rooms with bunk beds with air conditioning and free private parking all conveniently located in central Sayulita and within walking distance to the beach and main plaza.
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Villa Amor
Villa Amor is a romantic getaway in Puerto Sayulita and is Sayulita’s best beachfront hotel. This Sayulita Hotel offers beautiful private rooms, a stunning outdoor pool, and free breakfast. The colorful property is definitely among our favorites in town, and if you can, you should totally book a room with a balcony and sea view.
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Villas Amalia Hotel
If I were to recommend a cheap hotel in Sayulita, Villas Amalia would be my top choice. It not only has great value for money, but is also one of the best hotels in Sayulita, offering free private parking, free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and free breakfast. Located just outside the central part of Sayulita, it provides a great opportunity to explore the local culture.
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Casa De La Ballena
A chic boutique hotel located in Gringo Hill, Casa De La Ballena offers cozy apartments that are perfect for long-term stays. It also has a swimming pool, free WiFi, and an on-site restaurant. The location is ideal for those who want to be close to the action but still enjoy some peace and quiet.
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Junto Al Rio Bungalows
If you want to stay right on the beach in Punta Sayulita, then Junto Al Rio Bungalows should be your top choice. These bungalows are perfect for couples or small groups and offer a private terrace with ocean views and outdoor showers. It’s the perfect spot if you’re into surfing as it’s right on the beach and has its own surf shop!
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Mi Otra Casa
Mi Otra Casa is one of the best Sayulita hotels out there. It’s a beautiful Mexican-style house that offers different suites. It’s just a short walk from the beach, but it also has its own pool if you’re feeling lazy. The best part about this hotel is that it offers complimentary breakfast and afternoon drinks – who doesn’t love free food and drinks while on vacation?
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Where to stay in Sayulita – Best Areas
Sayulita is a cozy surf town where pretty much everything is a short walk away. Loads of people go for golf cart rentals, but we’re all about walking to rack up those steps! That said, knowing the best spot to stay really can improve your Sayulita adventure.
If it’s your first visit, you’ve got to stay in Central. It’s the heart of the action with loads of hotels, eateries, street food, and not to forget, Sayulita Beach.
For those wanting quieter beaches or a more private atmosphere, especially couples, the South End is your dream spot.
Families looking to dodge the city’s buzz should look at the North End. It’s peaceful but still close enough to dive into the fun when you want.
And if you’re traveling on a budget, Gringo Hill, right next to Centro, is your best bet for budget-friendly accommodation.
1. Where to stay in Sayulita for the first time: Central
Central is definitely the hub of activity, particularly around Sayulita Plaza, where you can find top-notch restaurants, street food carts, and the most fun nightclubs.
During the initial part of our stay, we spent a lot of time here, mainly exploring the many food options. The streets around the plaza also offer plenty of shops and boutiques, selling everything from souvenirs to handmade clothing and artisanal items.
For those who prefer the beach, Sayulita Beach is right here as well. Despite often being crowded, it’s a prime location for surfing and a great place to enjoy a sunset.
Honestly, Central is hands down the top spot to hang out in Sayulita, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth!
Best things to do in Central
Central and for sure, Sayulita Beach is the top-notch place for surfing in Sayulita, and when it comes to finding an awesome surf shop, Surf’n’Sayulita is my absolute favorite. It’s next to the Selina Hostel and they’ve got everything from full surf lesson packages to both solo or group sessions, not to mention just renting a board, all at a super fair price.
With your daytime plans, all lined up, Central is also the primo spot for nightlife. If you’re on the hunt for a wild night with some tequila and margaritas, the crowd usually starts things off at YamBank, where the vibe is all about electro tunes and killer margaritas, before moving the party over to Don Patos for some super fun reggaeton.
Best restaurants in Central
Marys: I’ll only say this once, but Marys is hands down the best spot in Sayulita for some seriously delicious Mexican cuisine. Their fish tacos are out of this world. And their chile relleno (that’s stuffed pepper for you) is the best I’ve ever tasted!
La Rustica: If you’ve got a craving for incredible Italian food and wood-fired pizza, then La Rustica’s your place. It’s a bit more upscale than Marys, but still super affordable. Trust me, it’s our go-to pizza place in Sayulita.
Miscelanea Sayulita: For those who cherish a leisurely morning with avocado and poached eggs on toast, paired with an iced flat white, Miscelanea Sayulita is a must-visit. Hidden just behind the main plaza, it strikes the perfect balance between cozy and cool.
Tacos Tal Ivan: And for the best street tacos around, you’ve got to hit up Tacos Tal Ivan. It’s a straightforward taqueria offering a wide variety of tasty tacos, including options for vegetarians. Plus, it’s open late, making it the ultimate post-dance feast spot.
2. Where to stay in Sayulita for couples & beach lovers: South End
South End has a chill vibe, kind of like it’s on the brink of becoming the next big thing. It’s tucked away on the quieter side of Sayulita, edging into the jungle. You’ll spot a bunch of construction going on—looks like there’s a wave of new hotels and such popping up.
But the area’s just stunning, and for now, it’s way quieter than downtown—though give it 5 to 10 years, and who knows? It’s dotted with cool boutique hotels and hostels, plus you’ve got your pick of some pretty great eateries and cafes, all wrapped up with a more local feel.
We ended up moving here after we lived in Central for a bit. Wanted a place to call home where you can actually hear yourself think. Away from the non-stop hustle and bustle.
Best things to do in South End
Definitely, the top things to do in South End revolve around soaking up the sun on the incredible beaches. You’ve got to check out Playa de los Muertos and Playa Carricitos; both are beautiful and not overrun by crowds.
Playa De Los Muertos is where we love to chill during the day. It’s not swamped with tourists, and you can snag some shade under the palm trees (a real plus compared to Sayulita Beach), plus the water is calm, perfect for a swim.
Playa Carricitos is just a 15-minute walk down the coast, and it’s super chill. People often have bonfires in the evening and watch the sunset there. Just a heads up, the current can get pretty strong, so swim with caution.
Another awesome thing to do is hike up Monkey Mountain. It’s a bit of a tough climb, but the views of Sayulita and the area around it are seriously worth it.
Best restaurants in South End
Punto Escondido: Punto Escondido, or “Hidden Point,” is a fantastic spot in South End for either lunch or dinner. It offers not just typical Mexican dishes but also great burgers and fries. On weekends, they feature live music, making it a perfect place for a more relaxed dining experience.
Yah Yah Cafe: One of my top go-to cafes in Sayulita, and I’m sure you’ll agree. It’s the perfect spot if you need to get some work done or just enjoy a cup of coffee with friends.
3. Where to stay in Sayulita for families & relaxation: North End
North End is the hangout area, especially if you’re bringing the family along or just in dire need of some serious R&R. This area of Sayulita is much more laid back than Central, and you’ll find the beaches here are less crowded, giving you and your loved ones plenty of space to sprawl out and soak up the sun in peace. It’s also home to some great vacation homes and Airbnbs, perfect for families and bigger groups.
The vibe in North End is super family-friendly, with lots of expats and long-term visitors opting to make their homes here, adding to the community feel. On top of that, you’ll also find the Sayulita Markets, a huge open-air market on Fridays and Sundays that’s great for picking up anything from souvenirs to handmade clothing and artisanal items.
Best things to do in North End
Definitely, the must-do activity around here is checking out the Turtle Camp. It’s this amazing conservation program focused on saving and releasing endangered sea turtles back into the wild. Perfect for both kids and grown-ups, you’ll dive deep into the world of sea turtle conservation and even get the hands-on experience of helping baby turtles start their ocean journey.
Besides hitting up the market and soaking up the sun at the beach, North End offers a ton of outdoor adventures. You can go horseback riding along scenic trails or ziplining through lush jungles.
Best restaurants in North End
Tropical House: Typical Mexican food in a little courtyard, with live music. It has a great cozy atmosphere perfect for families.
El Jakal: This place is all about seafood and it is really delicious. The place has more of a local vibe and is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s definitely worth checking out for some authentic and mouth-watering dishes!
4. Where to stay in Sayulita for budget travelers & amazing views: Gringo Hill
Gringo Hill isn’t named that way because it’s where all the gringos hang out, but because it was originally built by foreigners. It’s located right next to the Main Plaza, making it a prime spot if you’re after breathtaking views. We’ve hung out here a bit and, even though it’s not packed with restaurants and things to do, the places to stay are a steal for what you’re getting. Plus, you’re always just a stroll away from the main action.
But, fair warning, if you book a spot at the top of the hill, brace yourself for a bit of a trek back up. It can get pretty tiring, to be honest. Some of you might be fine with it, but grabbing a golf cart might just be a better idea to make your life easier.
Best things to do in Gringo Hill
Staying in Gringo Hill is truly about savoring your hotel and its stunning views. I recommend dedicating a day or two to simply relax and soak in the surrounding beauty. For the best experience, choose a room or vacation home with a terrace, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking sunset views without leaving your comfort zone. Should you decide to explore, a leisurely walk down to Sayulita Beach offers the perfect opportunity for surfing or browsing through local markets.
Best restaurants in Gringo Hill
Don Juan: This local spot might not look like much from the outside, but it serves up delicious and authentic Mexican dishes. They also have a great selection of vegetarian options.
ChocoBanana: Don’t be fooled by the name – this place is more than just chocolate and bananas. It’s a popular breakfast spot, known for its fresh juices and delicious eggs benedict.
Where to stay in Sayulita – Frequently Asked Questions
🔒Is it safe to travel to Sayulita?
Absolutely! Sayulita is as safe as it gets. Of course, like any travel destination, it’s all about being smart and aware of your surroundings. The locals are super friendly and welcoming to tourists, and there’s a strong sense of community here. Walking around Sayulita, especially in the bustling central area or along the beach, you’ll often see families, solo travelers, and surfers all mixing together in that laid-back Sayulita way.
🏄 Is it good to surf in Sayulita?
Surfing in Sayulita is absolutely epic – it’s pretty much why this town got on the map in the first place. Whether you’re just getting started and want to take some surf lessons, or you’re pretty advanced when it comes to riding waves, Sayulita has something for you. The main beach, right in the heart of town, is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers who love some good longboarding. The waves are consistent, and there are plenty of surf schools dotted along the shore ready to get you up and standing in no time.
Tip: If you’re looking for a wave that’s more suitable for a shortboard, check out San Pancho, which is the neighboring town.
🏖️ How many days should I spend in Sayulita?
Honestly, if you have the time, give yourself at least a week or two in Sayulita. This place has a magical way of slowing down time, and you’ll want every second you can get to soak it in. A week gives you enough time to hit all the major spots, try out different restaurants (because, trust me, you’ll want to try them all), and still have those lazy beach days where you do absolutely nothing but listen to the waves and sip on a cold michelada.
🌊 Is it safe to swim in the Ocean in Sayulita?
Absolutely! The ocean at Sayulita is amazingly refreshing and looks pretty clean too. Sayulita Beach is a surfer’s paradise with some great waves, but if you wander over to Playa De Los Muertos (yep, that’s Beach of the Dead, thanks to the nearby cemetery), you’ll find this cozy little spot with fewer tourists and almost no waves, making it ideal for a peaceful ocean swim.
🚌 How do I get to Sayulita?
Getting to Sayulita is a breeze and part of the adventure! If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is Puerto Vallarta (PVR). From there, you can catch a taxi or an Uber directly to Sayulita, which will take about an hour. Want to travel like a local? Grab a bus from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita. It’s super affordable and gives you a real taste of the scenic route. Just make sure to keep an eye out for the bus with “Sayulita & Puerto Vallarta” on the windshield (The bus is green with white stripes on it!).
Where to stay in Sayulita – Final Words
All in all, Sayulita is maybe the perfect little beach town getaway in Mexico (if you ask us, of course). It’s got everything from amazing food and epic waves to laid-back vibes and beautiful scenery. Whether it’s your first time visiting, you’re coming over with your family, or you have visited a few times already, we guarantee this town will make you feel like home in no time.
I hope that our guide on where to stay in Sayulita will help you have a great experience! And now that you know the best areas to stay in Sayulita, you can start planning your perfect getaway with ease. Happy travels!
