Sayulita is a unique up-and-coming beach town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico! The laid back surfer vibes mixed with adventurous activities make for an exciting vacation destination. During our recent trip, we discovered some of the most fun things to do in Sayulita. From endless taco stands to epic boat trips and beach days, you’ll find no shortage of good times when looking for what to do in Sayulita!
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16 Awesome Things to Do in Sayulita Mexico
1. Explore the Town Center
Any search for what to do in Sayulita Mexico will begin in the bustling town center. Sayulita is small but packed full of amazing street food, bars, shops, and restaurants. One of the best things to do in Sayulita is to simply stroll the maze of streets, eat, drink, and grab some souvenirs for your trip home.
2. Shop the Sayulita Mexico Artisan Market
Ready to dive into the local market in Mexico? The Sayulita Artisan Market has everything from arts and crafts to clothing, and delicious local food. Just over the bridge in town, the market wraps around the local sports field. Take a stroll through and find something you like before heading into town or to the Sayulita beach.
3. Pull Up a Beach Chair
Speaking of the beach, the ocean is one of the reasons why many people make the trip to Sayulita Mexico! While many of the most fun things to do in Sayulita are in the ocean, there’s nothing wrong with just pulling up a beach chair and watching the waves roll in.
Many of the bars on the beach offer chairs for rent where you can order drinks and food as well. The jungle-like atmosphere surrounding the water gives off an exotic vibe, and it’s easy to sit on the Sayulita beach all day sipping on ice-cold drinks.
4. Take a SurfLesson
This fun coastal town is known as a great surfing destination throughout Mexico. Not only is it an awesome place to surf, but the waves are typically small enough for first-timers, too! There are many surf schools in town that offer lessons, or if you’re experienced you can rent a board easily.
5. Eat All the Sayulita Mexico Street Tacos
Hungry yet? If so, you’re in luck! The Mexican food in Sayulita is incredible and centered around tasty street tacos. On practically every corner you’ll find a taco stand of some kind serving them up hot and ready.
In Sayulita, you can find every kind of taco your heart desires. From fresh marlin and shrimp to carnitas and al pastor, there are so many taco options to choose from.
→ Sayulita Restaurant Guide: Street Tacos, Smoothie Bowls, & More
6. Have a Tequila Tasting
Once you’ve had your fill of food it’s time to try Mexico’s most famous drink! Tequila tastings can be found at select liquor stores around town with signs out front. It’s also popular to arrange a professional tasting for you and your friends where they will bring the tequila to your hotel.
Honestly, we aren’t huge liquor drinkers and stuck to beer at the bars in Sayulita. So this was a fun way to have a taste of real Mexican tequila without having to slug back too many margaritas… Not that there is anything wrong with that!
7. Walk to Playa De Los Muertos
If you know Spanish then you may be thrown off by the name of this popular Sayulita beach. Playa de los Muertos translates to “Beach of the Dead.” It has this name as you walk from town through a graveyard to get to the beach.
While this may be a turn-off for some, the gravestones are the most colorfully decorated we’ve ever seen. It makes for an interesting walk which was well worth it once we saw the beach. The little cove is surrounded by rocks making for a secluded place to have a swim.
8. Cross the River and Explore North Sayulita Mexico
Just over the river is another part of town to explore! North Sayulita is full of cafes and restaurants mixed with a more residential side of Sayulita. It’s also where the market is that we already mentioned!
We stayed at an airbnb here and appreciated how quiet it was while still being a short walk from the town center. The beach on this side is also a bit more peaceful with the gorgeous backdrop of palm trees flanking the coast.
→ How to Find the Best Airbnb: 8 Tips We Always Use
9. Take a Photo on Delfines Street
When looking for what to do in Sayulita Mexico, you likely came across photos of this particular street! On Delfines Street (location) flags drape from the trees and hang down beautifully over pedestrians walking underneath.
The mix of colors and town in the background make for the perfect picture to remember your time in Sayulita. Just make sure to go early! This popular photo spot gets crowded as the day goes on!
10. Indulge in a Beach Massage
Some of the best things to do in Sayulita involve relaxing, and there is no better way to do that than with a massage! Up down the beach you’ll find stands offering massages with a view of the ocean.
Like many other luxuries in Mexico, a massage at the Sayulita beach won’t break the bank. Typically they range from about $20 to 30 USD for a full hour. You can also opt to get one in town if you’d rather go into an actual spa. Just know that they will cost a little bit more.
11. Hunt for Sayulita Street Art
One of our favorite parts of exploring Sayulita Mexico was the incredible art sprinkled around town. Everywhere you go you’ll see walls decorated with local art. Some are beautiful murals while others tell the story of Mexican history and culture.
Make sure to also look in North Sayulita where you can find murals like the one below!
12. Experience a Turtle Hatching Release
During a couple of special months out of the year from October to December, something magical happens in Sayulita. Sayulita Turtle Camp was formed to protect sea turtles with a hatch and release program. Just a few minutes walk up the beach from town you can help release baby turtles into the ocean!
We were luckily visiting in early October when they do this nearly every night. This experience is easily one of the most rewarding and fun things to do in Sayulita.
13. Hike to Playa Malpaso
While you’ll surely have a good time at the main Sayulita beach and Playa de los Muertos, there are more beautiful beaches to explore. Continue to the end of North Sayulita beach, past where the turtle release is.
There is a small hiking trail that will take you through the jungle to Playa Malpaso. If you don’t feel like doing the whole hike you can explore the small cove beaches at the end of North Sayulita instead.
14. Cruise Town in A Golf Cart
One interesting thing we weren’t expecting to see in Sayulita was so many golf carts! Rentals are everywhere and provide an easy and fun way to get around town. We can not stress this enough… Literally, everyone uses them!
If you’re not staying directly on the main strip of Sayulita this will save you some walks in the heat of the day. They run for about $45 USD per day, and you can also find some weekly deals if you look around.
15. Go on a Boat Trip
You can’t talk about what to do in Sayulita Mexico without mentioning the boat trips that leave from its shores! Ranging from small sailboats to large catamarans, a boat trip from Sayulita will be an amazing day out on the water. Many tours offer a full bar, lunch, and snorkeling which makes for the ultimate day trip from Sayulita.
16. Watch the Sunset in Sayulita Mexico
After checking out all the most awesome things to do in Sayulita there is something else you have to experience! Golden hour at Sayulita beach is something you’ll never forget. Watching the sunset with a cold beer in your hands as the sky changes colors will be an amazing end to your day.
Have any questions on this article or want to share your own favorite things to do in Sayulita Mexico? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where to Stay in Sayulita Mexico
Ultra Luxury – Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas – Set in the hillside just above town, this upscale hotel offers all the amenities for a tropical escape.
Beach Side – Hotel Ysuri Sayulita – 5-Star hotel with a beautiful pool above the action of Sayulita beach. Modern rooms with private balconies and steps from the town center.
Fun Vacation – Aurinko Bungalows – Unique tropical style rooms in the heart of Sayulita Mexico. Perfect for travelers looking to be in the action but still have a nice spot to relax.
Quiet Area – Don Bonito Hotel – Located just outside the town center, Don Bonito is only one street away from the beach. This chic hotel is great for those looking for a relaxing vacation.
Working Remote – Selina Sayulita – Selina offers dorms and private rooms with a focus on being a digital nomad hotspot. Perfect for travelers who work remotely and are looking to meet other like-minded people.
Female Only – My Sisters House – If you are a solo female or traveling with your girlfriends this is a women’s only hostel close to the city center.
Hostel Life –La Redonda Sayulita Hostal – Basic hostel-style accommodation for those looking to enjoy the nightlife, best Sayulita restaurants, and meet other travelers.
For more places to stay in Sayulita Mexico you can explore the latest prices here!
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