TOP PLACES TO VISIT

Las Islas Marietas

A cluster of uninhabited volcanic islands off the coast of Punta Mita, protected as a national park and reached only by boat. Their most famous feature is the Hidden Beach, a sunlit cove tucked within a collapsed crater and open to the sky above. Home to hundreds of seabird species and, in winter, migrating humpback whales, the Marietas are among the great natural wonders of the Mexican Pacific.

Sayulita

A short drive up the coast, Sayulita is a bohemian beach town of cobbled streets, colorful facades and a celebrated surf break. Galleries, artisan shops and open-air taquerias line its lanes, while the hills behind open onto sweeping views of the bay. It is the laid-back, creative counterpoint to the polish of Punta Mita.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

An authentic Mexican fishing village on the southern shore of Banderas Bay, La Cruz pairs a smart modern marina with cobbled streets and unhurried local life. Its Sunday market and waterfront seafood tables draw those in the know, and its harbor is the launching point for whale watching and sailing. It is a glimpse of the coast as it has always been.

TOP ACTIVITIES

Sailing Banderas Bay

Set out from the Punta Mita marina aboard a private yacht to explore one of the largest bays in the world, its turquoise water framed by the Sierra Madre. Drop anchor in secluded coves to swim, snorkel or paddleboard, and in winter watch for the humpback whales that gather here to calve. It is the most effortless way to see the coast, glass of wine in hand.

Golf on the Pacific

Punta Mita is home to two celebrated Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, their fairways running along the ocean’s edge with the sea in play at every turn. The most famous hole of all sits on its own tiny island, reached by amphibious golf cart, the only natural island green in the world. It is championship golf in one of the most spectacular settings imaginable.

Hiking Monkey Mountain

The highest peak in the area, Monkey Mountain (Cerro del Mono) rewards hikers with sweeping panoramic views over Banderas Bay, Punta Mita, Sayulita and the coastline beyond. The trail winds up through tropical jungle alive with the calls of endemic and migratory birds, a memorable immersion in the region’s wild interior. It is the best way to experience Punta Mita away from the water.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

Carolina, St. Regis Punta Mita

The most decorated table in all of Banderas Bay, Carolina is the signature restaurant of the St. Regis and the only AAA Five Diamond dining experience in Punta Mita, with Forbes and La Liste honors to its name. Contemporary Mexican cooking built on the finest regional ingredients is served in an elegant room and on a terrace overlooking the Pacific at sunset. It is the definitive fine-dining experience on the peninsula.

Tuna Blanca

Sharing the essence of the celebrated Café des Artistes, Tuna Blanca is a chic, romantic beachfront table on El Anclote, blending refined Mexican cooking with the freshest catch from local fishermen. Tasting menus and signature plates like the tuna tostada are served on a sea-facing terrace as the sun goes down. It is one of the most iconic dinners in Punta Mita.

Aramara, Four Seasons Punta Mita

The newly renovated Japanese restaurant at the Four Seasons, Aramara pairs ocean views with a menu that blends beloved classics and inventive new dishes. Expertly crafted sushi and refined Japanese cooking are served in an elegant, open setting, making it one of the destination’s standout dining experiences. It is a memorable evening with a contemporary edge.