Day Trip to Nayarit

Day Trip to Nayarit

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Sayulita , Mexico 63732

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Day Trip to Nayarit Description

The waters of Banderas Bay are notoriously calm and protected, which is why it's ideal for swimming and boating. Surfing and body-surfing are another thing entirely, which is why the area 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta in the nearby state of Nayarit has become so popular with adventure travelers. The adorable beach town of Sayulita is a don't-miss side trip if you're traveling with older kids, while San Francisco — or San Pancho as it's called by locals — has by far the best beach for surfing, body surfing and riding waves. For a one-day visit, Sayulita's got everything; an exciting beach with big waves and inexpensive surf schools, good craft shopping, and nice outdoor cafes and restaurants for good strolling and people watching. If you plan to stay overnight, head for San Pancho, which has fabulous fresh seafood, turtle watching, and a great hotel, Costa Azul.

Kid Tips

Toddlers & Pre-K: If driving with babies and toddlers isn't your idea of a fun vacation, save this trip for a few years. Also, the beaches are not safe for little kids or non-swimmers, as the waves are too big and there's an undertow.

Pre-Teens & Teens: Adventure-hungry preteens and teens will love both Sayulita and San Pancho, where a fun, hip surf culture permeates the atmosphere. Surf schools for beginners abound, there are horseback rides on the beach at San Pancho, and there are lots of young folks around to liven up the atmosphere.

Planning Notes

Better roads make an easier trip. If you've heard of Sayulita and San Pancho as "rugged" destinations, think again; the road from Puerto Vallarta was upgraded in the past few years and now is a major highway. Parking in Sayulita is another story, however; in peak season you may wish to park on the outskirts of town and walk in.

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