Riviera Nayarit with Kids: Puerto Vallarta's Quieter Neighbor
From luxury Punta Mita to bohemian Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit offers diverse family experiences along Mexico's Pacific coast.
The Pacific's Family-Friendly Coast
The Riviera Nayarit stretches 200 miles along Mexico's Pacific coast just north of Puerto Vallarta. It offers everything from luxury resorts to surf villages, with a more relaxed, less commercial feel than the Riviera Maya. For families, it's a Pacific paradise with great weather, warm water, and genuine Mexican culture.
Punta Mita
The luxury end of the Riviera Nayarit, Punta Mita has world-class resorts (Four Seasons, St. Regis, Conrad) with incredible kids' clubs and family programs. The beaches are protected and calm, the snorkeling is excellent, and the service is impeccable. If budget allows, this is one of Mexico's finest family resort experiences.
Nuevo Vallarta / Flamingos
Wide sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and a marina make this area popular with families. The Grand Velas and Hard Rock Hotel are particularly family-friendly. The Kite Beach section is great for watching kitesurfers even if you don't participate yourself. Pack high-SPF sunscreen - the Pacific sun is intense.
Bucerias
A charming cobblestoned town with a long beach and fantastic restaurants. The Sunday Art Walk brings the main street alive with artisans, musicians, and food vendors. The town feels authentically Mexican while being very welcoming to visitors. Our kids loved the fresh churros from the street vendors.
Wildlife Encounters
From December to March, humpback whales migrate through the bay - whale watching tours depart from several Riviera Nayarit towns. The Islas Marietas (accessible from Punta Mita or Sayulita) are home to blue-footed boobies, dolphins, and manta rays. Bring waterproof binoculars for the boat tours.
Getting There
Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). The Riviera Nayarit starts immediately north of the airport. Most destinations are 20-60 minutes from the terminal, making logistics easy with tired kids. A dry bag is a lifesaver for keeping valuables safe at the beach. Pack insect repellent - the mosquitoes come out at dusk.
Beach Day Essentials
Here are our tried-and-tested picks for this trip: