Best known for: Hotels, dining, shopping, golfing

Nuevo Vallarta – Home to two marinas with more than 250 docks, this are is renowned as one of the best sites for residential, nautical tourism in Mexico. Adding to this are the expansive gardens and hotel palaces that dot this coastal retreat. Elegance is clearly this town’s most celebrated attribute. Once you reach the beach, enjoy Banderas Bay. Brimming with grace and splendor, the bay is bordered to the south by the Sierra Madre Mountains and the skyline of Puerto Vallarta.

To better understand how Nuevo Vallarta has become one of the most visited beaches in Mexico, take a look at the two expertly designed golf courses that have garnered international acclaim!

Best known for: Shopping, tours, art, nightlife

Puerto Vallarta – Nearly 200,000 residents, Puerto Vallarta (PV) is a premier vacation destination and is also a popular destination for domestic tourists from Guadalajara and Mexico City.

There is no other place that so perfectly melds a tropical, contemporary resort with the spirit and soul of true Mexican culture and traditions. Puerto Vallarta’s pride in its traditions iscause for colorful celebrations, processions and parades throughout the year, during which the streets are filled with music, dancing and theatrical performances. Your eyes can feast on beautiful textiles and original works of art from local and international artists.

Best known for: Local charm, restaurants, laid back

Bucerias – Traditions by the Sea Showcasing a stunning beach, among the largest on the Riviera Nayarit, Bucerías welcomes travelers with its kindhearted people and warmth. Walk along the cobblestone streets of town as you discover the smells, colors and tastes of a traditional Mexican pueblo small town.

Bucerías’ long coastline invites you to wander along the shore as you take in the majesty of Banderas Bay. Be sure to wander over to the Main Plaza, located alongside the ocean. Here, you will be amazed by the hustle and bustle of locals and visitors as they go about their daily tasks. Charming and poignant best describes this town!

Best known for: World class marina, fishing village

La Cruz Huanacaxtle – A true old-fashioned fishing village, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle or La Cruz, as it is known locall, receives ships from all over the world throughout the year. Nautical travelers are awed by these beaches, surrounded by lush green palm trees and jungle foliage cascading down from the Sierra de Vallejo Mountains.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle enjoys the laid-back and comfortable ambiance of a small coastal town. It is surprising, then, to note that here you will find the largest and most modern marina on the Nayarit Shore. The marina can accommodate up to 400 boats and hosts a series of sailing challanges.

Best known for:  Untouched beaches, surfing

Destiladeras – Soon, beach clubhouses, spa facilities, hotels, restaurants, apartment buildings and an 18-hole golf course will all be added. Appreciate practically virgin land untouched by man.

The beach attracts surfers, kayakers, sailors and surfers with waves reaching up to a meter and a half (five feet). The beach is also frequented by humpback whales, turtles and dolphins. Enjoy a delicious meal at the one and only restaurant thatched-roof hut in town. Serves up regional favorites. As the afternoon winds down, witness the sunset - a moment best shared in the company of that special someone.

Best known for: Luxury, close to Marietas Islands, golfing, surfing

Punta de Mita – Dazzling picturesque peninsula stretching out to the Pacific Ocean, some of the best hotel complexes in all of the Riviera Nayarit have been constructed here.

Private beaches wind along the shore while peace and tranquility envelop the coastline. take a sailing adventure to the northernmost point of Banderas Bay. Here you will come across the Marietas Islands, surrounded by a series of rocky cliffs that serve as a refuge for various marine birds. These tourist voyages also include fantastic visits to exclusive beaches located along the coast. Some are only accessible by water, and all can be explored in a single day.

Best known for: Clear emerald water, snorkeling

Litibú – The best is yet to come! Elegant and exclusive will be the most accurate words to describe Litibú in the coming years. In short, its nearly virgin beaches will soon boast renowned establishments such as 7 first-class hotels, tourist residential housing, apartments, restaurants and a professional golf course (designed by Greg Norman) are just some of Litibú’s coming attractions.

Neighboring quiet untouched beaches such as Punta Negra and Careyero are a must to see. Litibú is home to an impressive turtle sanctuary, open to the public from July through December. Release young hatchlings back into the wild and help them on their journey.

Best known for: Surfing

Sayulita – Extraordinary Charisma From the moment you set foot in Sayulita, you will discover that is beach town is truly unique; it is a place where life and time seem to pass at their own pace. Always lively, a typical day in Sayulita is met with a flurry of excited vacationers on surf boards and 4x4's taking off or coming back from another incredible adventure.

Every day more and more young travelers are choosing Sayulita as their preferred destination; they are drawn by the abundance of natural wonders including coves, jungle-covered mountains and powerful waves perfect for outdoor adventure.

Best known for: Long quiet beaches, surfing 

San Francisco – San Pancho — as the town is affectionately called has become one of the most original and relaxing escapes in Riviera Nayarit. This tranquil fishing village hidden under the dense jungle of the Vallejo Mountains is true to its historically traditional way of life and hospitality-minded people is now home to a worldwide community. The fine golden sandy beach is the prefect invitation to sunbathe or aimlessly stroll barefoot along the shore.

The mountains are a sanctuary of nature, home to a variety of animals, including jaguars, macaws, herons, crocodiles and deer. Other features include a golf course, polo field and boardwalk.

Best known for: Jet skiing, sport fishing

Los de Marcos – Originally dedicated to oil-producing coconut harvesting and fishing, the town of Lo de Marcos has begun to acknowledge tourism as its main activity in recent years. More and more bungalows, hotels and restaurants being built. The beach here is ideal for those seeking to unwind and pamper themselves in gentle calm waters similar to a natural pool.

Surrounded by impressive cliffs draped in jungle vegetation and framed by the ocean, these beaches are also great for water activities. Soon, this town will welcome the newest golf course on the Riviera Nayarit. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the picturesque thatched-roof-hut restaurants.

Best known for: Beach, folk festivals

Ricon de Guayabitos – A tranquil bay protected by two nearby islands and the striking Vallejo Mountains with smooth swells throughout most of the year, this destination offers tourists excellent community-wide celebrations such as the folk festivals.

Rincón de Guayabitos would not be the same without its two islands: Del Coral and Del Cangrejo. Essential to the beachfront panorama, both islands are refuges for pelicans, sea gulls, swallows and turquoise-browed Motmots. On Del Cangrejo Island, you can go ashore and bask in the crystal-clear, turquoise blue waters, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Numerous artisan shops and traditional restaurants.

Best known for: Traditional lifestyle, Thursday market

Jaltemba (La Peñita) – less then 10.000 inhabitants, this coastal town welcomes fishing boats laden with fresh catches every morning. A community with a deeply rooted devotion to the sea. Because La Peñita is located so close to Guayabitos (5 minutes away) and Los Ayala (7 minutes away), these three towns share many of the same attractions.

Come and discover this town’s many charms and surprises. La Peñita’s cultural wealth is best appreciated during the town’s time-honored celebrations. Every Thursday, you can explore the traditional tianguis market set up along the main streets of town. For sale are delicious food, intricate handicrafts and various other items.

Best known for: Museum, traditional foods, beach

Las Varas – Las Varas continues to maintain its relaxed ambiance andmany fruit orchards located nearby. The Community Museum is also worth exploring, with its interesting collection of archeological pieces (including earthenware dishes and axes) and some photographs of the Huichol indigenous people that inhabit the area.

As you head out of town into the jungle-topped mountains, be sure to visit Mataiza Lagoon, where you can enjoy boat rides and camping adventures on the shore. Try traditional Mexican food favorites such as pozole (hominy soup), flautas, sopes (thick tortillas with raised edges and a variety of toppings) and enchiladas.