Los Muertos Beach, at the south end of downtown Puerto Vallarta, is renowned for its lively atmosphere and people-watching opportunities. It's one of the most popular beaches in the city's Romantic Zone, marked by the iconic sailboat dock. Here, you'll find dozens of restaurants and beach lounges spilling over the sand, and groups of happy travelers and locals filling each one. If you're looking for a beach that's close to the center, Playa Conchas Chinas is a great option.
This lesser-known beach is one of the most beautiful in the area, and it's a favorite among locals and diehards. For a truly unique experience, head to Playa Las Caletas. This beach was once home to director John Huston, and today it's the setting for one of Puerto Vallarta's main attractions: Rhythms of the Night. You can take a boat cruise from Puerto Vallarta Marina to Playa Las Caletas for a torchlight beachfront dinner and show.
Madagascar Beach is another hidden gem. This rugged and untamed stretch of coastline is located on the outskirts of Boca de Tomatlán, and it's perfect for diving into crystal clear turquoise waters with nothing but endless views of the bay or rolling mountains. Quimixto is another small town along Cape Corrientes on the south bend of Banderas Bay. It has clean, beautiful waters and a relaxed atmosphere that make it a great spot for travelers who want to get away from it all.
Garza Blanca is about five miles south of Puerto Vallarta and is easily accessible by taxi or bus. Here, you can find Playa Palmares and Playa Las Gemelas, two stunning beaches that are worth visiting. At Los Muertos Beach you'll experience a relaxed and modern atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, shops, art galleries and bars to choose from. You can also access other beaches like Colomitos, Madagascar and Las Ánimas by boat or along its tropical trail.
Caballo Beach is another small oasis located near Boca de Tomatlán. You can arrive by boat or take a hike from Boca before arriving at Las Animas beach. Aapas Beach is another great spot located south of the Romantic Zone in Puerto Vallarta, next to Los Muertos Beach and El Pulpito. Here you'll find calm waves, emerald-green waters, and some amapa trees that provide shade. If you're looking for luxury accommodations near PV, Punta Mita is an excellent option.
Stretched along a 1,500-acre private peninsula, it's home to some stunning beachside accommodations. Playa Camarones is another resort adjacent to the resort with beautiful sand. Playa Olas Altas may not have high waves as its name suggests, but it has an energetic atmosphere that makes it one of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Don't forget about Playa de Los Muertos either - this macabre-named beach is a must-see spot. Finally, Playa Flamingos is popular with residents of the private Flamingos resort and condominium complex on the coast. Stretching eight miles along the coast of Nuevo Vallarta, Flamingos Beach is reportedly the longest and widest walkable beach in the entire Bay of Bahias.
