The 16 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.
From the 7 guides that rank for "best beaches in puerto vallarta"
Named by 7 of 71. Playa Los MuertosThe liveliest, busiest in-town beach, lined with restaurants, bars and beach clubs and walkable from the Old Town.Has lifeguards and moderate waves thanks to the bay, with calmer water in the morning.
Named by 5 of 72. Playa MismaloyaA small jungle-backed cove with seafood palapas and the Los Arcos marine area just offshore.Roughly 20 minutes south of the Romantic Zone by road; reachable by public bus.
Named by 4 of 73. Las GemelasTwo small side-by-side coves with clear water, reached by a staircase down from the road.Minimal facilities and no lifeguards; limited roadside parking fills early.
Named by 4 of 74. Conchas ChinasSmall rocky coves with tide pools and good snorkeling, much quieter than Los Muertos.Certified as a Blue Flag beach and described as family-friendly.
Named by 3 of 75. ColomitosA tiny, calm cove backed by cliffs, reached by a jungle trail or a short water taxi from Boca.No facilities, so visitors carry everything in and out.
Named by 2 of 76. Playa de OroWide golden sand and calmer water in the Hotel Zone, suited to families who want loungers and space.Easy city access, and one guide says it holds Blue Flag recognition.
Named by 2 of 77. YelapaA boat-only fishing village at the south of the bay, with a beach and a trail to a waterfall.The boat ride takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes, so it needs planning.
Named by 2 of 78. QuimixtoReached only by boat, a popular beach in a small fishing village in the southern bay.Turns a beach day into a trip through a village and a tropical trail.
Named by 2 of 79. Playa PalmaresA wide beach with lots of sand that draws local families on weekends.Broad sand shelf, mild break and lifeguards at the busiest hours.
Named by 2 of 710. Boca de TomatlanA fishing village about 10 km from Puerto Vallarta with calm, swimmable water, reached by public bus.The last beach on this stretch you can drive to, and where pangas leave for other beaches.
Named by 2 of 711. SayulitaA surf town about 40 km north, with a shore break suited to beginner surfers.Has a second Playa de los Muertos, a small cove good for paddle boarding.
Named by 2 of 712. Las AnimasA wider, livelier beach lined with restaurants, reached by water taxi, tour boat or coastal trail.
Named by 2 of 713. Playa Nuevo VallartaA wide, flat, calm beach north of the airport, described as family-friendly.
14. Playa Los TulesA sprawling beach with plenty of space; few places to eat unless you dine in the resorts, so bring a picnic.
15. Playa Las AmapasA tiny, quiet sandy inlet just over the rocks from Los Muertos, with no services; watch the tide.
16. Playa el TecuanRemote and wild with no facilities; too rough for swimming but good for serious surfers.Live fares. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.
Finding fares from your airport…
Travel guides most often name November to April as the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta.