Bucerias maintains easy-going spirit of Mexico's Pacific Coast
The first thing you notice in Bucerias, the beach town just north of Puerto Vallarta and south of other popular vacation spots such as Sayulita and Punta Mita, isn’t what’s there. It’s what’s missing.
No massive resort hotels. No cruise ship crowds. No pressure to do much of anything beyond finding a spot on the beach before sunset.
This former fishing village along the Riviera Nayarit sat quietly in the shadow of its better-known neighbors for a long time. Travelers who found it enjoyed its simple pleasures: five miles of golden sand beaches, seafood pulled from Banderas Bay and breathtaking sunsets.
Now the secret is out.
Bucerias is changing. Condo buildings are rising throughout the Zona Dorada, the town’s charming cobblestoned commercial district, and a growing mix of restaurants and shops is bringing new energy to the seaside community. Puerto Vallarta’s international airport has added a new terminal to double flight capacity, and an expanded highway from Guadalajara has made the area more accessible than ever.
What’s striking is that Bucerias still feels like Bucerias. Despite a growing population of Canadian and American visitors and expats — and the businesses that cater to them — the town remains as much a Mexican community as an international destination.
Explore and relax
Whether you like to dive right into the surf or lounge on the sand, Bucerias has what you’re looking for. Head to Surf Mexico to rent a paddleboard, take a surf lesson or charter a boat to Islas Marietas National Park — one of just a few places in the world where you can see blue-footed boobies.
After your water adventure, indulge in a massage at one of the many shaded tents on the sand. Then kick back at one of the unfussy beach clubs like Sukha Beach House, which offers lounge chairs and cocktails without the velvet-rope atmosphere found elsewhere along the coast. Settle in for the afternoon, order ceviche and margaritas, and linger long enough to catch what are invariably stunning sunsets.
Stroll and shop
When you’re ready to trade sand for sightseeing, Bucerias delivers. Browse handcrafted jewelry, pottery, textiles and colorful folk art at the Mercado de Bucerias’ beachside shopping stalls, snap a photo with your sweetie at the mural-lined Paseo del Beso (The Kissing Walk), and, from November through April, catch the weekly Art Walk in the Zona Dorada or the lively La Cruz Market at the nearby marina, where nearly 200 artisans and food vendors gather on Sundays.
Seeking something splashier? The nearby, recently expanded VidantaWorld resort pairs luxury spa and pool experiences with JOYÀ, a resident Cirque du Soleil show, plus new attractions that have transformed it into a high-end entertainment destination.
Best bites
There’s no shortage of fantastic food options in Bucerias, from quick and cheap roadside stands to proper sit-down restaurants. Tacos Junior is a no-frills spot that many locals say serves the best tacos al pastor in town. Tacos Kaan is tucked away in a charming, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it garden on a residential street and is lauded for its birria tacos, served with consommé for dipping. A great way to sample the best offerings and decide for yourself is by taking the Bucerias Taco Tour offered by Vallarta Food Tours.
Don’t miss creative and tasty cocktails and global bites at The Sunset Club, a posh spot offering panoramic views from a central rooftop vantage point during amber hour. A few blocks away, La Negra is a dreamy restaurant set beneath a palapa and behind the canopy of a sprawling shade tree. Everything on the eclectic menu is fantastic, from the fresh sashimi to the burgers.
Subdued stays
YYou won’t find big hotel chains in Bucerias, but if you’re looking for a traditional resort-style experience, the Grand Decameron Complex comes closest to the splashy properties you’ll find elsewhere along the coast.
Airbnb-style condominium rentals are plentiful, with many offering rooftop pools, concierge services, on-site restaurants and polished amenities. If you prefer a hotel, try one of the smaller, boutique properties such as Refugio del Mar, which blends upscale comforts with local character.