People living in Sayulita often refer to this hidden gem as ‘STAYulita’ because once you arrive, you never want to leave. Indeed, many people change their lives around just to stay a little longer or quit their jobs and end up living there full-time.
There is so much magic and charm in this tiny town, but if you’re only here for a few days, without the right guide you may not get to experience its full glory. So with that in mind, I have compiled 18 of the best things to do in Sayulita and included many hidden ‘insider’ gems, for the most memorable and extraordinary experience possible. This guide is different than many others because it outlines what to do according to an unbiased insider who actually lives there (as opposed to a travel blogger or someone who is paid to promote certain places). I’ve also provided direct links to all of the places I mention to save you the hassle of having to look them up.
About Sayulita
Nestled along the stunning Pacific coastline of Mexico, Sayulita is a picturesque and vibrant beach town that captivates visitors with its laid-back charm, vibrant arts scene, and breathtaking natural beauty. It was once a quiet fishing village and is now a bustling yet still very laid-back haven for yogis, surfers, wellness workers, adventure seekers, and travelers looking for an authentic Mexican experience in a safe and beautiful setting.
Things to Do In Sayulita: Your Definitive Guide to an Incredible Stay:
1. Watch the Gorgeous Sunset on Sayulita Beach
The main beach of Sayulita is a haven for relaxation and people-watching but its greatest magic happens every night at sunset. Everyone congregates on the beach about half an hour before sunset. The colors in the sky are spectacular, and there is something so purifying and rejuvenating about watching the sun go down on this beautiful beach haven.
2. Try All the Street Tacos – They’re Seriously Yummy
Make sure you try the street tacos, there are so many amazing vendors in Sayulita and I was surprised to find they are even more delicious than any that I tried in Mexico City. I also love all the hot sauces and added vegetables you get to add on. For el pastor I recommend Tacos El Pastor Tal Ivan. For delicious chicken or fish tacos and an option to sit down and enjoy your meal go to Tacos Prietos. And if you’re looking for a very filling overloaded, high-quality steak taco option for an incredibly low price, go to El Itacate.
3. Get Your Yoga On
There are so many great yoga studios in Sayulita it’s hard to choose which to go to. Rose room and Hotelito Los Suenos are both beautiful and seem to be the two busiest studios (if you like that sort of thing). But there is also Sayulita Yoga Center (Sayulitas only indoor studio which is a great option in the sweltering summer heat and rain). And there is Selinas, My Sisters House (this is also a highly recommended hostel for females and a great way to make new friends if you’re a solo traveler), Paraiso Yoga, and more. Oh and if you can find a class with Annik as an instructor – definitely go there!
4. Enjoy the Amazing Live Music Scene
If live music is your thing, you’ll love Sayulita – there is so much talent packed into such a small town! I often refer to Sayulita as ‘the Austin of Mexico,’ because of its ‘keep it weird vibes’ and eclectic mix of extremely talented musicians.
Make sure to stop by Atico (aka ‘the swing bar’) and Latitude 20 – they have incredibly talented bands playing most nights of the week. And if you’re looking for an early live music event or something to do with your family or pets on a Sunday, definitely go to Frente al Punto Beach Club.
5. Hike to Playa Carracitios
If you’re looking for a bit more seclusion and tranquility than Sayulita Beach, you can venture a bit further to Playa Carricitos. Make sure to bring a phone with a map to find it, and be prepared to cut through a small jungle path to get there – but the effort is seriously worth it. Plus the hike itself is lovely (it takes about 20 minutes from the center of town to get there on foot). This is a lovely beach with little to no people and you can watch the sun set fully over the ocean because the peninsula does not block it like it does on Sayulita beach.
6. Experience a Unity Breathwork – Sayulita Class
This town radiates a profound sense of spirituality, attracting many individuals with a keen interest in wellness and personal growth activities. Amidst the myriad of amazing options available for wellness classes (see #20 on this list), Unity Breathwork has firmly established itself as a Sayulita mainstay.
Weekly group sessions beckon, offering a communal space for breathing and healing. About half of the participants in these groups are usually first-timers, and there is no experience necessary. You don’t even have to be spiritual or believe in ‘woo woo’ things – breathwork works for everyone. Within roughly 10 minutes of engaging in this circular breathing technique, you’ll enter an altered state of consciousness akin to the effects of plant medicine, embarking on a profound and transformative inner journey. For those seeking a more personalized or intimate experience or desiring to address specific concerns, private sessions are also available.
7. Find Your Favorite Margarita & Sunset Spot
If you’re a margarita lover, you will be very happy in Sayulita. Almost everywhere offers delicious margs made the right way – with fresh squeezed limes. If you want to combine your margarita with watching the gorgeous sunset, head to Bar Miramar. It has a lovely lounge area on the beach and and am impressive menu of 10 delicious specialty margaritas – all made with fresh ingredients.
Another sunset favorite among the locals and expats is La Sirenas Beach Club. It’s easy to miss, because its just a little beach palapa but the vibes are friendly and the drinks delicious. It’s only open for the sunset hours, and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to snag a free beach chair from them while you sip on your cocktail or fresh coconut of choice (or better yet, bring a beach blanket).
8. Enjoy Surfing and Water Activities
Sayulita is a surfing paradise, offering waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Numerous surf schools dot the shoreline, providing lessons and board rentals. Beyond surfing, indulge in other water activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. The vibrant marine life and colorful underwater landscapes will leave you mesmerized.
9. Wander Through the Colorful Streets
Simple walking around and exploring without a destination, is among the top things to do in Sayulita. Wandering through Sayulita’s cobblestone streets is like stepping into a vibrant painting. The town is a hub of creativity, with colorful murals, art galleries, and quaint boutiques lining the streets. Explore the local shops and markets to find unique souvenirs, handcrafted jewelry, and traditional Mexican handicrafts.
10. Mingle with the Warm, Welcoming, & All-Around Lovely Locals
I’ve been living around the world for almost 20 years, and it was Sayulitas warm, welcoming, and truly lovely locals that ignited my decision to stop traveling and finally put down some roots. The locals are always ready to offer a smile, to make friendly small talk, and to make you feel welcome in their community. Most of them also speak English, which makes it a very accessible place for those who don’t speak Spanish. However, if you’re trying to learn Spanish, it might be hard to do it here because the locals are so friendly and accommodating that if they hear you practicing your broken Spanish they will immediately try and make things easier for you and respond in English.
11. Indulge in Delicious Culinary Delights
Sayulita’s culinary scene is a blend of traditional Mexican flavors and international influences. From beachfront taco stands to upscale restaurants, the town offers a wide range of dining options to suit every palate. And if you’re looking for mouthwatering fajitas on a skillet in a quiet environment without street vendors, head up to the hidden gem Xochi. Sayulita can be hectic, especially during high season, and the streets can be really buzzing. Xochi offers not only the best fajitas (I recommend the mixed one) I’ve had in Mexico but also a great place to rejuvenate after a hectic day in Sayulita. Another great suggestion if you’re looking for a more chill and laid back vibe is to visit Pineapple Paradise or any of the other charming restaurants sprinkled along av. Del Palmer, just a few minute walk North of the central plaza area.
12. Visit the Fruterias (Fruit & Veggie Stands)
The fruits and vegetables in Sayulita are so tasty! The avocados, mangos, carrots, and bananas in particular, taste 1000 times better than any I’ve had in Canada or the US. They’re so flavorful, and the fruterias have the freshest produce of all. Plus by shopping at one of them you are supporting the local families who make Sayulita the charming and delightful town that it is.
My favorite fruteria is Doña Lupe (right off Calle Pelicanos). They not only ensure they’re produce is always fresh, but have a really good selection and excellent prices, and the family who owns it are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met!
13. Take a Jungle Adventure & Check Out Monkey Mountain
Sayulita isn’t just about the beach; it’s also surrounded by lush jungles and tropical forests waiting to be explored. If you’re looking for active things to do in Sayulita, join a guided hiking tour or rent a mountain bike to traverse the trails, where you’ll encounter waterfalls, hidden swimming holes, and diverse wildlife. Worth noting, while not in Sayulita, Monkey Mountain is the ultimate jungle hike with stunning views, and if you’re up for a hike, it’s not to be missed.
14. Hike From Sayulita to San Pancho (see disclaimer)
San Pancho is Sayulita’s smaller, less built-up sister town. You can walk there and the path is a mix of beach walking and jungle walking. This is not recommended for the faint of heart – it takes about 2 hours, and you may just get lost! Be sure to bring a phone map, sunscreen, and lots of water. Plan to stay for the sunset, they are spectacular there, and like Carricitos you can see it set all the way down. Finally, plan to take a taxi or bus back to Sayulita, unless you are incredibly fit and up for walking for 4 hours.
15. Experience Sayulitas Bustling Nightlife
When the sun sets, the town comes alive with lively bars, live music venues, and beachfront bonfires. Enjoy a delicious cocktail at a beach bar or dance the night away under the stars with locals, expats, and fellow travelers.
16. Go Whale Watching (Seasonal)
If you’re visiting Sayulita between December and March, you’re in for a treat. This is the prime time for whale watching, as humpback whales migrate to the area’s warm waters to breed and give birth. Embark on a whale-watching tour for a chance to witness these majestic creatures up close.
17. Take a Photo & Donate to a Good Cause on Selfie Street
While in Sayu, many like to take photos in front of the Big Colorful Sayulita sign right in the town plaza. Another popular spot for photos is on Selfie Street which is a Famous colorful street lined with Papel Picado. While there, make sure to visit the T-shirt shop, your purchase will go toward supporting the local animal welfare organization Sayulita Animals.
18. Wander Through the Hippie Market & Purchase Local Goods
Discover the ideal destination for securing budget-friendly Mexican treasures, right before crossing the bridge into Sayulita’s charming downtown area. This vibrant outdoor market beckons all those seeking reasonably priced Mexican goods.
Strolling through the Sayulita market offers not only a delightful experience but also a fantastic chance to immerse yourself in the local art and craftsmanship of the region. With its doors open daily, take a leisurely neighborhood walk and indulge in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this lively locale!
19. Check Out The Mercado del Pueblo on Fridays (High Season Only)
This is a popular weekly event on Fridays from 10am-2pm, where you can expect to find a diverse range of stalls and vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and other unique items. It’s a great place to hear some live music, find artisan food and crafts, discover local artists and pick up souvenirs or gifts that showcase the creativity of the region.
What sets this market apart from many of the others in Mexico, is it’s wide range of wellness goodies! You can get essential oils, fresh squeezed juices, delicious, healthy snacks, organic sunscreen, oregano oil and a range of other stuff to stay healthy on your trip (they even have raw dog food if you’ve brought your dog with you). this runs from the end of October to mid May. Click here for their official FB page.
20. Try One Of Sayulitas Dozens of Amazing Healing Offerings
Sayulita feels a lot like Ubud, Bali to me. It’s chock full of amazing yoga and spiritual people. It seems to draw people in who are in need of healing or are on a personal growth journey (whether they know it or not). And there are dozens of incredibly gifted wellness practitioners offering a diverse range of services in Sayulita. The best way to find out about wellness related things to do Sayulita is through En Forma Mexico which provides a calendar of events.