Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Additionally, Puerto Vallarta has the luxury of having quick access to a variety of beaches all within walking or driving distance from the main part of town. Whether you are looking for peace and quiet, or prefer to be in the midst of the action, Puerto Vallarta has many options when it comes to picking the perfect beach for you.

Playa Los Muertos

Playa Los Muertos is the main beach that runs the length of the Puerto Vallarta malecón. The sand and water are average, but the best part is the easy access to endless bars and restaurants that line the ocean. From upscale dining to casual beach fare, you have plenty of options when it comes to picking your spot for the day. Most restaurants have tables and chairs and/or loungers on the sand, so you can park yourself for the day and sit back and relax while you sip on a margarita. There are also several beach volleyball courts for those who want to stay active during their vacation. Due to the location close to the pier, swimming is allowed, but no surfing. Plus, who can complain with a beach that you can walk to in just minutes? As you walk along the Malecon you will likely come across interesting and stone art that will catch your eye.

Conchas Chinas

Conchas Chinas is one of the most romantic beaches in Puerto Vallarta with white sand and beautiful blue-green water. Due to its semi-hidden location a few minutes south of Old Town, Conchas Chinas is quiet and depending on the tide, a great spot for swimming. The beach gets its name because it is actually made up of tiny seashells. It’s also great for a sunset stroll for beautiful views of the ocean and distant mountains that surround Banderas Bay.

Playa Palmares

Playa Palmares is named for the condominium located right in front of the beach, and is a favorite with locals. Located at the bottom of a long narrow staircase from the main road, Playa Palmares is generally fairly quiet and not too crowded, the water is clear and the sand is much softer than other spots along the bay. It’s also one of the beach swimming beaches in Puerto Vallarta. There are not many options for dining, but a couple casual spots that sell cheap fare and beers are available.

Boca de Tomates

Another beach option if you’re more interested in adventure than swimming is Boca de Tomates, Located a few minutes from Las Juntas where the famous Puerto Vallarta sign is, this beach is the spot to go if you want to see a crocodile and other native wildlife. As you can imagine, this isn’t the best spot to go swimming, but it is fun if you’d enjoy seeing crocodiles in their natural habitat so close to the ocean. Another notable highlight of Boca de Tomates is the food. Many restaurants line the beach and some of the best ceviches and Pescado Sarandeado are found here.

Playa Colomitos

Playa Colomitos is a tiny beach that is only accessible by boat. If you leave your car at Boca de Tomatlán, you can jump in a quick water taxi and take the 10-15 minute boat ride to this spot. This hidden gem has beautiful blue waters and some of the cleanest sand in the area. Swimming may be limited as this petite beach is bordered by rocks on each side, so it may be an ideal spot for those looking to sun or have a nice picnic. If you’d rather travel light, there is a restaurant called Ocean Grill that is located next to this private beach. If you hike inland, you will come across a beautiful waterfall that is best viewed during or after rainy season.

Whether you are looking for relaxation or excitement, these are just a few of the top beaches in Puerto Vallarta. On your next visit to Puerto Vallarta, make it a priority to see how many of these lovely beaches you can visit. Which one was your favorite?