Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta: Which Ones Deliver and Which Do Not

Puerto Vallarta has an advantage that few beach destinations in Mexico can claim: beaches walkable from the city center. You do not need a taxi or a tour to reach a good beach — you can walk out of your hotel in the Zona Romántica and be in the water in five minutes.

But not all beaches are equal. Some are for swimming, others for seeing and being seen, and some can only be reached by boat and are absolutely worth the effort. Here is the honest list.

Playa Los Muertos — Zona Romántica

The most famous and most visited beach in Puerto Vallarta, and with good reason. It is in the heart of the Zona Romántica, surrounded by restaurants, rooftop bars, fruit vendors, and people of all kinds. The atmosphere is active, social, never boring.

The ocean here has moderate waves — enough to be entertaining but without the dangerous currents of other Pacific beaches. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, and the restaurants on the shoreline serve everything from ceviches to shrimp cocktails.

Playa Conchas Chinas — South of Downtown

About 2 miles south of Los Muertos, Conchas Chinas is quieter, less crowded, and has rock formations that create interesting natural tide pools to explore.

It is a favorite of many locals precisely because it is not on most tourists' radar. Get there by Uber or walk from the Zona Romántica in about 35–40 minutes along the southern Malecón.

Playa Mismaloya — 8 Miles South

Mismaloya has history: The Night of the Iguana with Richard Burton was filmed here in 1964, the movie that put Puerto Vallarta on the international map.

Beyond the historical trivia, it is a bay-protected beach with calmer water than Los Muertos, good snorkeling on the north end rocks, and some of the best fresh fish restaurants in the area. Get there by Uber or local buses for about $1 USD.

Playa Las Ánimas — Boat Access Only

Las Ánimas has no road access. The only way to get there is by boat from the Los Muertos pier. That is what protects it: without car access, mass tourism does not arrive.

Fine sand, clearer water than downtown, palapa restaurants with fresh seafood. The boat ride takes about 25–30 minutes. Shared boats cost around $12 USD per person round trip.

Playa Yelapa — The Far South, Boat Only

Yelapa is a village with no road access on the southern bay of Banderas. Getting there by boat from Los Muertos takes about 45 minutes. The village has electricity and wifi — but without cars or traffic noise, the atmosphere feels like a different era.

The beach is beautiful, a river that flows into the ocean near the sand creates freshwater pools to explore, and there is a waterfall accessible on foot from the village. It is the most complete day trip destination from Puerto Vallarta. Bring cash: there are few ATMs.

Playa Punta de Mita — North, Already in Nayarit

Technically already in Nayarit, about 45 minutes north of Vallarta. Punta de Mita has several beaches, including El Anclote — long, with good surf for all levels, and several seafood restaurants on the beachfront.

From Punta de Mita, tours depart to the Islas Marietas, which include the famous Playa del Amor — a hidden beach inside a volcanic cave that you enter by swimming or kayaking. Permits are limited for environmental protection; book days in advance.