Curator’s statement
Punta de Mita (Punta Mita) is a hidden paradise where you can truly disconnect. Nestled between mountains and pristine beaches, it offers a luxurious escape, complete with world-class golf courses and exhilarating water activities. There are charming towns nearby, like Sayulita and San Pancho (San Francisco), which offer rich cultural experiences and tantalizing regional cuisine. The spectacular combination of natural beauty, luxury, adventure, and culture makes Punta de Mita an unforgettable destination. If you're ready to make the most of your fun in the sun, read on to discover the best ways to spend your time in this breathtaking sanctuary.
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Things to do in Punta Mita
In addition to pampering yourself at the spa or relaxing by the pool, Punta de Mita offers plenty of things to do that keep you moving if that’s what you’re looking for.
Jason’s Tip
Learn some basic Spanish. A few phrases go a long way.
Discover the hidden paradise of Marietas Islands. Take a boat tour to Islas Marietas National Park, a wildlife sanctuary with stunning beaches and unique rock formations. Marvel at the natural wonder of Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach) or Playa del Amor (Love Beach), a secluded cove accessible only during low tide.
Relax on Destiladeras Beach. This secluded beach offers a tranquil escape with calm waters and soft sand. It is perfect for lounging, swimming, or taking a long walk. Other options include Playa El Anclote and Playa La Lancha.
Explore the charming town of Sayulita. Sayulita is a short drive from Punta de Mita and offers a bohemian vibe with great surfing, delicious food, and unique shops.
Jason’s Tip
Consider cash for local vendors. Credit cards work at restaurants, but bring cash for street vendors and activities.
Immerse yourself in San Pancho's culture. Explore this charming village,
also known as San Francisco. It's popular for its art galleries, boutiques
and vibrant Tuesday market.
Surf at Punta Mita Beach. Punta Mita is a world-renowned surfing destination with waves for all experience levels. Rent a board or take a lesson to experience the thrill of riding the waves.
Hike the scenic trails of Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain). This moderate hike offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding jungle.
Go on a whale-watching tour (seasonal). Humpback whales migrate along the Riviera Nayarit coast from December to March, making Punta Mita a prime location for whale-watching tours.
Jason’s Tip
Getting around the Punta de Mita area is easy if you don’t have a car. Keep in mind that it’s billed as a luxury destination, so most of your taxi rides will be in big SUVs and not yellow cabs. The price tag is also bigger compared to other parts of Mexico, so be prepared for that. Depending on where you’re staying and what you plan to do, a golf cart rental could also be an option.
Tee off at one of Punta Mita's world-class golf courses. There are several championship golf courses to choose from, catering to golfers of all skill levels.
Go horseback riding on the beach. Experience the beauty of the coastline from a different perspective with a horseback riding tour.
Get out on the water and fish. Punta de Mita is known as one of the premier sport fishing destinations in the world, thanks to its rich waters teeming with various fish species. Offshore species include marlin, tuna, and sailfish, as well as inshore species like snapper, roosterfish, and dorado. When I went, I caught a couple of sailfish and about a dozen dorado, so there was no shortage of action! And the views of the shoreline were spectacular.
Day trips
Puerto Vallarta is a larger town with a lively Malecón (boardwalk), abundant restaurants, bars, and shops. You will most likely arrive and depart from PVR, so it’s easy to add a day on the front or back of your trip to Punta de Mita to explore Puerto Vallarta.
Places to eat & drink in Punta Mita
Punta de Mita has a fantastic array of food options and the regional cuisine was one of the most memorable things for me when I was there. Plenty of seafood options exist, but the list doesn’t end there! You can’t go wrong with anything prepared zarandeado style.
Restaurante Tuna Blanca. This beachfront Mexican restaurant is a Punta de Mita staple, known for its delicious seafood dishes, attentive service, and lively atmosphere.
Hector's Kitchen (at Kupuri Beach Club). This seaside restaurant offers a relaxed setting, authentic Mexican flavors with a modern twist, and stunning ocean views.
La Pescadora is a beachside restaurant known for its fresh seafood, stunning ocean views, and relaxed atmosphere. It has a casual, open-air dining area with thatched roofs and palm tree-lined walkways.
La Rustica Mita. This charming beachfront Italian restaurant is known for its delicious pizzas, pastas, and other Italian specialties.
MINA Restaurante Mexicano offers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere outdoors with beautiful scenery, making it an excellent choice for a casual or romantic dinner.
Mita Mary's Boat Bar & Bistro (at The St. Regis Punta Mita). This toes-in-the-sand restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance, delicious fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails - perfect for a post-surf meal.
Sufi. This restaurant offers a unique blend of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. They have a beautiful setting and a great selection of wines.
Cafecito de Mita. This cute cafe has breakfast, coffee and pastries, with a perfect atmosphere for a casual morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
Travel Advisor
Jason Kopka
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Punta Mita. For more travel tips, check out the trip report, Conrad Punta de Mita, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico - A Pacific Paradise Discovered.