Top 15 Puerto Vallarta Beaches for Sun-Kissed Adventures
Puerto Vallarta, a vibrant resort city on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is known for its golden beaches, charming old town, and dramatic mountain-sea landscapes. From lively beach clubs to hidden coves, it offers sun-kissed fun for every type of traveler.
Are There Beaches in Puerto Vallarta?
Puerto Vallarta is nestled along the Bay of Banderas, facing the warm Pacific Ocean. The city enjoys a tropical climate with average temperatures between 25°C and 31°C year-round, making beach trips a favorite local pastime. The coastline combines gentle waves, lush hillsides, and picture-perfect views.
There are over 20 beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta, and they are all public and free to access under Mexican law. Most are safe for swimming and provide amenities like restaurants, beach loungers, and lifeguard stations. Many also offer kayaking, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or boat rides, making each Puerto Vallarta beach a destination in its own right.
In this article, we’ll share the top picks for the 15 best beaches near Puerto Vallarta. These selections reflect the full range of beach styles—from remote island-like hideouts to energetic, city-adjacent spots. And after exploring them, we’ll reveal which three are the absolute best.
Don’t want to drag your bags through the sand? You can use Qeepl’s luggage storage spots around the city to safely drop off your suitcases before heading out to enjoy the coast.
1. Playa Los Muertos
Located in the heart of the Romantic Zone, Playa Los Muertos is the most iconic and busiest Puerto Vallarta beach. It offers wide sands, swimmable waters, beach clubs, and easy access to restaurants and shopping. The pier here is also a launching point for boat trips to nearby beaches and coastal villages.
This beach is perfect for those who love a mix of city energy and sea breeze. It’s family-friendly, walkable from central hotels, and always alive with vendors, music, and sunset watchers. Its central location makes it the closest beach to Puerto Vallarta’s downtown. You’ll also find plenty of cultural activities nearby, from galleries to open-air performances.
2. Playa Camarones
Just north of the Malecón, Playa Camarones provides a calmer alternative to Los Muertos while still being within walking distance of downtown. With golden sand and clear waters, it’s great for a quiet morning dip or beachside yoga.
It’s also popular with locals who enjoy less crowded vibes and affordable eateries nearby. Small beach bars and cafés give it a friendly, neighborhood feel. Sunsets here are particularly breathtaking, with fewer distractions and a more laid-back setting.
3. Playa Conchas Chinas
A short drive south of town, Playa Conchas Chinas feels like an escape into nature. The beach is a mix of soft sand and dramatic rocky formations, forming small tide pools that are great for kids to explore.
It’s quiet and photogenic, often visited by couples and those who want to snorkel in shallow, calm water. The natural rock pools act like mini spas, and the beach is often framed by palm trees and bougainvillea-covered villas.
4. Playa Palmares
This beach sits just past the city’s southern limit and is known for its cleanliness and gentle waves. Playa Palmares is easy to reach by taxi or bus, and it boasts fine sand, good water clarity, and calm conditions ideal for swimmers.
It’s one of the few local beaches with certified cleanliness, making it a favorite among families with kids. The beach offers bathrooms and showers, and the ocean here has a gentle slope—ideal for floating or just cooling off in safety.
5. Playa Amapas
Tucked between Los Muertos and Conchas Chinas, Playa Amapas is a small, less-known gem. It’s mostly accessed by foot, so it tends to be quieter and draws a mix of locals and in-the-know travelers.
With fewer beach vendors and minimal noise, it’s a great spot for a peaceful reading session or sunbathing without interruption. From here, you can also take a coastal walk along the rocks to nearby coves.
6. Playa Las Gemelas
Las Gemelas (“the twins”) are two small side-by-side coves about 15 minutes south of town. The water here is bright blue and very clear, drawing swimmers, snorkelers, and sun-lovers who prefer natural beauty to beach clubs.
These beaches are calm and rarely crowded, making them perfect for a quiet morning swim or picnic. The walk down involves stairs, but once you arrive, it feels like you’ve stepped onto a tropical postcard.
7. Playa Mismaloya
Famous for being the filming site of “The Night of the Iguana,” Playa Mismaloya has a historic charm along with a jungle-backed shoreline. It’s located in a small bay south of the city, with calm waters perfect for paddleboarding and beginner snorkeling.
This beach has a relaxed pace and offers boat rentals and rustic seafood restaurants. The surrounding cliffs make for dramatic scenery, and the nearby Los Arcos marine park adds to its underwater appeal.
8. Playa Colomitos
Tiny, pristine, and reachable only by boat or hiking trail, Playa Colomitos is one of the most secluded beaches near Puerto Vallarta. The short hike from Boca de Tomatlán is popular among adventurers seeking turquoise water and golden sand away from the crowds.
The beach is surrounded by lush green jungle and massive boulders that create a semi-private feeling. It’s a great place for snorkeling, especially in the early morning when the water is clearest.
9. Playa Yelapa
Yelapa is a small beach town accessible only by boat, offering a full-day escape from the city. The main beach is wide and lined with rustic restaurants serving fresh seafood and cold drinks right on the sand.
Visitors come here for the laid-back lifestyle—no cars, slow living, and thatched-roof charm. Hike to a nearby waterfall, rent a kayak, or simply relax in a hammock while sipping on a local raicilla cocktail.
10. Playa Quimixto
Another beach accessible by boat from Los Muertos Pier or Boca, Quimixto has a low-key vibe and attracts visitors who want to combine beach time with light hiking. The beach has a couple of local restaurants and a charming rustic atmosphere.
A short inland trail leads to a waterfall where visitors can swim in the cool freshwater pool. Quimixto is a favorite for those who want nature, adventure, and authenticity all in one stop.
11. Playa Las Animas
Las Animas is a favorite for families and groups, thanks to its wide beach, calm waters, and festive beachside restaurants. You can reach it by boat or hike along the coast from Boca de Tomatlán.
The beach has floating water parks, parasailing options, and banana boat rides. Its social and lively atmosphere makes it feel like a beach party tucked into the jungle.
12. Playa Majahuitas
Majahuitas is a peaceful beach accessible by water, often included in boat tours. It’s known for its sparkling turquoise water and lush forested backdrop, giving it a “hidden paradise” feel.
The cove is great for snorkeling and paddleboarding, especially early in the day. Some tours offer beachside cocktails and lounge setups, so it can feel exclusive without actually being private.
13. Playa Boca de Tomatlán
Boca de Tomatlán is both a fishing village and a beach area, and while not the best for swimming, it’s a fantastic launch point for exploring other southern beaches. The local atmosphere and riverside cafés give it a rustic, authentic charm.
Watching fishermen return with their morning catch is a treat, and the short walks into the jungle offer a chance to see how locals live along the coast. It’s also the perfect spot to hire a boat for a custom day trip.
14. Playa Garza Blanca
Playa Garza Blanca is a beautiful and exclusive-feeling beach that’s open to the public, despite being near a high-end resort. The water is calm, clear, and ideal for snorkeling or paddleboarding.
This beach is framed by large rocks and low cliffs, adding visual interest and a semi-private feel. It’s a favorite for couples and solo travelers looking for peace with a splash of luxury.
15. Playa Punta Negra
Punta Negra is one of the quieter beaches on the southern highway, with soft white sand and a long shallow entry into the water—perfect for kids and swimmers. It’s accessible by bus or taxi and typically not as crowded as the more central beaches.
You’ll find few vendors, plenty of space, and just the sound of waves and palm trees. It’s an ideal spot to lay down a towel and stay for hours doing absolutely nothing.
Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Qeepl’s experts chose their top 3 picks for the best Puerto Vallarta beach experiences, based on accessibility, safety, scenery, and the variety of activities each one offers throughout the year.
- Playa Palmares is the perfect all-around beach. It’s easy to reach, extremely clean, and safe for swimming. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want to float peacefully in the bay, it ticks all the boxes.
- Playa Las Gemelas stands out for its natural beauty. With soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful vibe, it feels like a secret even though it’s just a short ride from the city. It’s ideal for a quiet, sun-soaked escape.
- Playa Los Muertos takes the crown for convenience and atmosphere. Located in the heart of the action, it offers everything from water taxis and beach clubs to art galleries and tacos just steps away. If you want energy, color, and a beach that never sleeps—this is it.