Puerto Vallarta Beaches for Visit in Every Season

Puerto Vallarta beaches are some of the best in the world, offering up everything from relaxing seaside venues to stunning vistas that stretch out across the azure waters of Banderas Bay. Like other destinations that are peppered with beautiful beaches in Mexico, you’ll find a variety of activities to partake in and sights to see at each of the beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Make sure to add each of the following 8 best beaches to your list of places to visit in Puerto Vallarta.

1. Los Muertos Beach

Of all the beaches to visit, Los Muertos is probably the most iconic.

Receiving hoards of visitors each day, this is one of the places to visit in Puerto Vallarta if you’re interested in people watching, dining on delicious cuisine as you lounge seaside, or partaking in a variety of activities on and off shore, such as parasailing, boogie boarding, playing beach volleyball, or shopping. While visiting this beautiful beach, make sure to check out the iconic pier, where you can snap photos, play in the water, or simply enjoy the view.

2. Conchas Chinas Beach

Considered the best beach in Puerto Vallarta for picturesque weddings, Conchas Chinas is a more secluded option for a relaxing seaside adventure.

The towering rock formations, which are met with turquoise waves, make this one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico and they create a sense of privacy so that you and your companions can enjoy each other’s company throughout the day without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.

3. Colomitos Beach

One of the best beaches for those who like snorkeling, Colomitos has crystal clear waters teeming with tropical fish. The beach itself is small but stunning. If you’re making the hike from Boca to Las Ánimas, it's a great place to stop and refresh.

Like a few of the southern beaches, you won’t find a store nearby or any restaurants to dine at, so if you’re planning to stay a while, you’ll need to bring your own cooler and snacks.

4. Madagascar Beach

Another of the picturesque beaches to visit on Vallarta’s southern end, Madagascar Beach is a small strip of sand between Colomitos Beach and Las Animas.

The water is clear, the waves tranquil, and the views are to die for. This is one of the beaches you’ll find on your hike from La Boca to Las Animas, so whether you’re taking a quick dip to refresh before continuing along your way or staying longer, add this to your list of places to visit in Puerto Vallarta on your next vacation.

5. Majahuitas

Quickly becoming one of the most popular of the Puerto Vallarta beaches among younger generations, Majahuitas offers crystalline waters and a posh beach club where you can party the day away.

Accessible only by boat, you’ll need a reservation at the beach club if you’re hoping to spend some time there, but you can also just hang out on the shores with your own cooler of snacks if you just want to soak up the vibes and swim in the sea.

6. Yelapa

The furthest south of the southern beaches, Yelapa is a tropical paradise for those wishing to escape the crowds.

Once you arrive, you can plop down at one of the many seaside restaurants, hike to one of two waterfalls nearby, or enjoy your time by splashing in the gentle waves and exploring the unique town. This is definitely one of the beaches to visit if you’re in for an adventure and looking for something totally unique.

7. Camarones Beach

At the heart of the city you’ll find Playa Camarones, the best beach in Puerto Vallarta if you’re looking to stay near town while still enjoying the serenity and beauty of Banderas Bay.

Just north of the Malecón, you’ll find a few restaurants, some of the best paddle boarding spots in the city, and a number of fun activities for visitors of every age at this beautiful beach. While the shoreline changes throughout the year, you’ll typically find wide stretches of soft sands and the perfect swimming conditions for everyone to enjoy. There are days when the waves can make swimming unsafe, but if you heed lifeguard warnings and stay close to shore, you’ll have the time of your life.

8. Playa del Oro

Situated in the hotel zone, this is the best option if you’re looking to stay near your hotel while still enjoying a wealth of seaside activities and long stretches of sand. Here you can take long strolls on the beach, peruse the goods of local vendors walking by, and sip margaritas while your kids play in the sand.