Even though most hotels in Puerto Vallarta have access to a private, secure beach, the public beaches are so lovely that it really would be a shame to limit yourself only to the resort! Some beaches are perfect for swimming, others have great waves for surfing, others shallow waves for children who want to play on the shoreline. We’ve saved you the effort of researching yourself; below is a list of the best public Puerto Vallarta beaches.
Puerto Vallarta Beaches within the City Limits
Camarones Beach
Puerto Vallarta’s Camarones beach is next to the Malecon promenade, directly to the north just where the boardwalk starts. This Puerto Vallarta beach has the benefit of having certified lifeguards present during the day in busy seasons. The beach itself is long and wide, the sand is kept clean, and the waters are safe for swimming, though the currents can be strong (if you swim when a lifeguard is not present you do so at your own risk).
Some of the beach vendors will offer you the chance to buy or rent a beach umbrella, snacks or drinks. You’ll find many locals on this beach, as well as the owners of the condos that overlook it, which is a sure sign that it’s one of the best!
Los Muertos Beach
On the southern side of Puerto Vallarta lies Los Muertos beach. Located in Old Town this is one of the most vibrant and lively of the Puerto Vallarta beaches. Frequented by locals, vendors, and tourists alike it is a long, slim beach with the kind of calm surf and less violent currents that make it perfect for swimming. The beach is generally filled with music of some sort and is a perfect place to spend a day with friends and family. Along the edge of the beach there are restaurants, bars, and beach clubs; at the very end of Los Muertos there is a new pier from which you can take boat trips and water taxis to less busy beaches further south.
El Salado Beach (Marina Beach)
When in Puerto Vallarta a visit to the Marina should be definitely be on your to do list! What most people don’t realize, of course, is that the beach in front of all those beautiful hotels can be reached via a public entrance. You can arrive to the Marina easily by bus or taxi, and it’ll certainly be a change of pace from the really busy Puerto Vallarta beaches downtown. A more relaxed day out can be found on El Salado beach.
Puerto Vallarta Beaches to the South
Gemelas Beach, and Punta Negra Beach
When moving southward along the coastline from Puerto Vallarta, a string of beautiful, secluded little beaches and private coves dots the coast line. Though the waves here can be pretty rough, making it an unlikely spot for swimming, the beaches are tranquil and idyllic. If you want to visit these little slices of paradise you can get a bus or taxi to Mismaloya, get off at one of the beaches and head down to the beach via the road past the condos on the cliff.
Boca de Tomatlan
Getting off at the very last bus stop served by Puerto Vallarta’s local buses will leave you at Boca de Tomatlan; a small fishing village which has restaurants on the beach, and water taxis to take you to more difficult-to-access Puerto Vallarta beaches. This beach changes its shape and form each season by the river Tomatlan, so you’ll never be bored of it.
Puerto Vallarta Beaches to the North
Nuevo Vallarta Beach
Perhaps the most fabulous beach in the area, Nuevo Vallarta beach in Riviera Nayarit is very long and extra wide which means that there’s always space to spread out. The waves are shallow and lively which makes it a great Vallarta Beach for children who want to play in the surf; they won’t find themselves suddenly out of their depth. This beach seems to be completely endless to some, as it merges seamlessly with Bucerias’ beach.
Punta Mita Beach (Anclote)
Punta Mita beach is small, but very chic. It is lined with some great restaurants, and boasts some wonderful stores, cafes, and paddle-boarding schools. From these sands you can watch passing sailboats, one or two millionaires, and imagine a life of luxury. Punta Mita beach is the perfect spot for some sophisticated wave watching.