If you've heard of Sayulita you've likely heard it's a hippie and surfer haven. And that's true. Although now very overcrowded from its recent popularity, there is still magic to be found in this small strip of the Riviera Nayarit, only an hour drive and $40 taxi ride from the metropolitan Puerto Vallarta, that surfers from all over the world have made their homes because of the excellent surf (& cost of living). And I'll tell you where to find it!
If you aren't chasing the waves and just want to enjoy a nice relaxing day or evening on a beautiful and quiet beach, the main two playas Sayulita and Los Muertos are not for you. Instead opt for this well-kept secret beach...Playa Carricitos. About a 10-minute drive from the center of town and through a dirt and winding road, this beach is a short hike down and well worth the effort to get to...
So, here's the plan to enjoy the absolute best this playa has to offer:
Step 1: Rent a golf cart to get to the beach. Golf carts are a necessary, and fun, part of life in Sayulita so I'd recommend renting one for your entire trip. We rented from Town Around and they were great. You can email and reserve in advance and they'll even pick up/and drop it off from your accommodations.
Step 2: On your day of choice, around 5:45 pm, head to a corner store (we found one on Av Revolucion & C. Marlin but there are plenty around town) and grab your beverages of choice plus a styrofoam cooler and ice. We grabbed a 6 pack of ice cold Pacifico and limes!
Step 3: At 6pm on the dot, every day, a woman starts selling fresh tamales right in the center of Sayulita Plaza. Grab as many as your heart desires, and trust me you'll want more than one they're delicious. Throw them in the golf cart.
Step 4: Drive to Playa Carricitos, directions here from Sayulita Plaza. If you have a portable speaker, which I highly recommend for travel, crank it up and enjoy the bumpy ride.
Step 5: Park at the top of the hill where the other cars and golf carts are likely parked. Then head down the road. You'll see the entrance to the playa on the right hand side. You'll duck through a concrete awning of sorts and then hike down to the beach. It's about a 5-minute hike and very easy - I literally saw a girl do it in heels. That's a whole other story.
Step 6: Claim a spot and enjoy! If you've timed it like we did above when we were here in July, you'll have the perfect view for sunset without the crowds.
Townaround Golf cart rental No one else on the beach!
The most incredible sunset! Breathtaking!
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