Palm trees against the blue sky at one of the Mexico beaches on the west coast
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9 of the Best Beaches in Jalisco (or Close By) Not to Miss

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Does Jalisco Have a Beach?

Yes!

In fact, the state of Jalisco is home to some of Mexico’s most impressive beaches. From hidden coves to private beaches to surfing destinations, there is a beach in Jalisco for everyone!

Jalisco is famous for a few other things. It is famous for tequila, Mexico’s national drink, and Mariachi, Mexico’s most popular music. But above all Jalisco is where you will find some of the best beaches on Mexico’s west coast.

No matter the type of beach you are after, rest assured you will find it amongst the coves, headlands, and towns that dot the pretty coastline of Jalisco.

Many of the best beaches in Jalisco can be found near the port city of Puerto Vallarta, five hours from Jalisco’s most populated city of Guadalajara.

Others are further off the popular tourist routes, only accessible by private vehicle. Some are accessible only by boat or a hike through the Mexican jungle.

Whatever type of beach you are looking for you are sure to find it with this list of the best beaches in Jalisco.

Best Beaches in Jalisco

Discover the top beaches in Jalisco to visit today!

1. Playa Conchas China | Conchas Chinas Beach

Puerto Vallarta, one of the beaches in Jalisco
Hanging out at the pool at the Grand Miramar Hotel overlooking Choncas Chinas Beach, one of the best beaches in Jalisco!

One of the most picturesque beaches in Jalisco is located only a few minutes south of the bustling city of Puerto Vallarta. Conchas Chinas Beach is home to many of Puerto Vallarta’s fancy and best resorts.

The name Conchas Chinas doesn’t come from the country of China but from the type of shells that can be found at the beach here. ‘China’ in the local dialect means curly and the types of shells that are found along the beach at Conchas Chinas are in fact curly conch shells, hence the name.

Here you can expect to find crystal-clear waters, rock pools great for exploring, calm waters perfect for swimming, and some of Puerto Vallarta’s most picturesque sunsets.

An easy drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta, Conchas Chinas is a beach in Jalisco definitely worth a visit.

READ MORE: Where to Eat in Puerto Vallarta

Pro-tip: No trip to Puerto Vallarta is complete without a trip to Pancho’s Takos. The best tacos al pastor in the city, go before a night out or after but don’t miss this tiny hole-in-the-wall treat.

2. Playa Colomitos | Colomitos Beach

A beach that is difficult to get to is often a beach worth going to. And nowhere is this more true than at Playa Colomitos. Located an hour south of Puerto Vallarta, this Jalisco beach is accessible only by boat from Boca de Tomatlán or by embarking on a hike through the Mexican jungle.

The Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas hiking trail passes by five of the best beaches in Jalisco starting with Playa Colomitos. This small hidden cove is one of the more picturesque beaches along the hike.

Crystal clear waters contrasted against the lush green Mexican jungle, it is hard to come by a beach more stunning. Luckily, you have four more to visit!

3. Playa Caballo | Caballo Beach

Palm trees against the blue sky at one of the Mexico beaches on the west coast

Another stunning beach along the Boca de Tomatlan to Playa Las Animas hiking trail is Playa Caballo. Also accessible by boat from Boca de Tomatlan, this small hidden beach is a charmer.

A small white sand Mexico beach lined with swaying palm trees, arriving here you will think you have gone to paradise! Another Jalisco beach with crystal clear waters backed by a sea of green that is the Mexican jungle, this beach will quickly become one of your favorite beaches in Mexico.

Playa Caballo unlike many of the other beaches near Puerto Vallarta, however, is secluded. You won’t find restaurants or other facilities at Playa Caballo, so make sure you come fully prepared and self-sustaining. What you will find is one of the most stunning beaches in Mexico and one that must not be missed when visiting Jalisco.

4. Playa Quimixto | Quimixto Beach

Similar to Playa Caballo but with a bit more going on, Playa Quimixto is a great destination on the Jalisco coastline.

A beach accessible only by boat from Boca de Tomatlan or from Puerto Vallarta, Playa Quimixto retains the charm of the nearby beaches but also provides the comforts for you to stay for a few days and makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby beaches.

Another great thing to do in Playa Quimixto is to hike to Cuale Waterfall (also known as Quimixto Waterfall). This 6-kilometer / 3.6-mile hike through the jungle ends at a beautiful little waterfall. Grab a beer and maybe some of the delicious guac at the waterfall for your return journey.

Alternatively, if you aren’t keen on walking, you can take a horse ride.

5. Playa Mayto | Mayto Beach

A Jalisco beach that you may not have heard about, this beach is off the beaten path.

Without your own two wheels, there is no easy way to get to Mayto, but those who are willing to make the extra effort will be rewarded with one of Jalisco’s best secret destinations.

The number one reason to visit Mayto is for the sea turtles. Playa Mayto is one of the best places to see baby sea turtles return to the ocean on the west coast of Mexico.

Campamento Tortuguero Mayto is an NGO you can visit during the months of June to November to learn about the sea turtles and watch the little ones return back to sea. This great activity makes Playa Mayto the perfect beach destination in Mexico for families.

6. Arroyo Seco Jalisco

Desolate beach at Arroyo Seco, one of the best Mexico beaches on the west coast!

For those of you looking to escape the hustle and bustle, look no further than Arroyo Seco.

Arroyo Seco is, in our opinion, one of the best when it comes to Jalisco beach destinations.

This small coastal town has just one restaurant which is only occasionally open and a handful of tiendas selling basic groceries and beer.

You won’t find many distractions here. Not even from your cell phone as there is no wifi to speak of and patchy mobile service at best.

Take all your supplies including your tent for a weekend and head to this secluded bit of paradise.

Arroyo Seco is also one of the best places to surf along the Jalisco coast, so make sure to bring your board!

READ MORE: Arroyo Seco

7. Costa Careyes

As the only beach resort on the list, Careyes is a unique Jalisco beach destination. Built by Italian banker Gian Franco Brignone in 1968, this family-owned and operated unique private beach resort combines the Mediterranean and Mexican culture into the perfect secluded, luxury getaway.

Careyes combines high-end luxury with local Mexican vibes. Many of the buildings within the resort showcase bright colors, prominent in the arts and culture of Mexico.

Careyes also holds a yearly festival, Ondalinda, which brings together music, art, culture, and wellness in the beautiful setting that is Carayes.

Careyes is one of Jalisco’s (if not Mexico’s) best-kept secrets.

Best Beaches Near Jalisco

The next two beaches are not in Jalisco, but they are close enough to count in neighboring Nayarit. Less than an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta, you will definitely want to visit at least one of these during your holiday.

If sorting out all the logistics to get to the Riviera Nayarit, consider embarking on a full day private tour to visit these stunning beaches. We promise you will fall in love with the area (we even got married there!).

8. Sayulita, Nayarit

One of the best beach towns near Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is a bustling beach town just forty minutes north of this Mexico west coast city.

It is the perfect destination for beach bums on the Jalisco coastline. Here you will find umbrella and chair rentals and beach bars dotting the main beach in front of the town.

Trending over recent years amongst savvy travelers looking for something new, it is quickly developing into a tourist hotspot, with a high level of amenities.

With a range of dining options from upscale restaurants to street tacos, there is something to fit all budgets.

The town also boasts an array of beach bars to quench your thirst making it the perfect beach town for a long weekend getaway.

Grab a sun lounger, a Pacifico and some Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen and bum around this town. Trust us, you won’t be sorry.

9. San Pancho, Nayarit

San Pancho, One of Jalisco's best beaches

One of our favorite beaches in this part of Mexico lies San Pancho (officially San Francisco Nayarit). A sleepy surf village just seven kilometers north of Sayulita.

The main reason to visit San Pancho is the consistent wave. An easy left-hand break makes it a great place for beginner surfers.

But things can pick up quickly. In the right swell, there is plenty of space for more advanced surfers. You won’t find lots of dining or bar options around, but you are here for the surf, not the party.

Check out Surf House San Pancho for surf lessons and budget accommodation.

So, what are you waiting for?

With so many fantastic beaches in and around Jalisco, you are sure to find something to fall in love with!

Book your next Mexico beach holiday on the coast of Jalisco today!

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