Pacific Coast Mexico Travel Guide
Region

Pacific Coast Mexico Travel Guide

Explore Mexico's Pacific Coast: Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, Mazatlan, and Huatulco. Surf, whale watching, sunsets, and laid-back beach towns.

Overview

Discover Mexico's Pacific Coast

Mexico's Pacific Coast stretches over 7,000 kilometers from Baja California in the north to Chiapas in the south, offering a dramatically different beach experience from the Caribbean side. The waters here are warmer in some areas and cooler in others, the waves are bigger, the sunsets are legendary, and the vibe is more laid-back. From bustling resort towns to sleepy surf villages, the Pacific Coast rewards travelers looking for authenticity alongside their beach time.

Top Destinations

Jalisco & Nayarit (Riviera Nayarit)

  • Puerto Vallarta -- The region's main hub, known for its charming Old Town, scenic Malecon boardwalk, and welcoming atmosphere
  • Sayulita -- A colorful surf town about 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta with a relaxed, bohemian character
  • San Pancho (San Francisco) -- Sayulita's quieter, artsy neighbor
  • Marietas Islands -- A protected national park with the famous Hidden Beach, accessible by boat from Punta de Mita

Sinaloa

  • Mazatlan -- A resurgent port city with a beautifully restored historic center, long malecon, and excellent seafood. Its carnival is one of Mexico's largest.

Guerrero

  • Acapulco -- A legendary resort city known for its dramatic bay and the famous La Quebrada cliff divers who plunge into the narrow ocean inlet from heights of over 35 meters

Oaxaca Coast

  • Huatulco -- Nine bays of pristine coastline with developing eco-tourism and a growing food scene
  • Puerto Escondido -- Famous among surfers for the powerful Zicatela beach break, often called the "Mexican Pipeline"
  • Mazunte and Zipolite -- Tiny coastal villages popular with backpackers and those seeking a quieter pace

Activities and Experiences

  • Surfing -- From beginner-friendly breaks in Sayulita to advanced waves in Puerto Escondido
  • Whale Watching -- Humpback whales visit Banderas Bay (near Puerto Vallarta) from December through March
  • Sunset Sailing -- Sailing tours are popular along the entire coast
  • Snorkeling and Diving -- The Marietas Islands and Huatulco's bays offer excellent visibility
  • Zip-lining -- Jungle canopy adventures are available near most resort towns

Best Time to Visit

The Pacific Coast has a tropical climate with a distinct dry season (November to May) and wet season (June to October). The dry season offers sunny skies and comfortable temperatures around 26-32 degrees Celsius. Whale watching season runs December through March. Surf conditions vary by location but are generally best from May through October when southern swells arrive.

Getting Around

Puerto Vallarta's Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) is the main gateway. Mazatlan, Huatulco, and Puerto Escondido also have airports with domestic connections. Along the coast, local buses and colectivos connect towns. Renting a car is convenient for road-tripping between destinations, particularly along the Riviera Nayarit and the Oaxaca coast.

Regional Cuisine

Pacific Coast cuisine centers on seafood. Look for pescado zarandeado (grilled fish marinated in chili paste, a Nayarit specialty), aguachile (raw shrimp in lime and chili), ceviche, and fresh fish tacos. Mazatlan is renowned for its shrimp dishes. On the Oaxaca coast, you will find the flavors of Oaxacan cuisine -- mole, tlayudas -- mixed with fresh coastal ingredients.

Plan Your Visit

Check out the Pacific Coast 7-Day itinerary for a detailed route covering the highlights from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita and beyond.