It’s no secret: Calgarians love their winter escapes. And Mexico is one of the most popular destinations to trade snow and ice for sun and sand. Still, the Mexican state of Nayarit is only just coming on the radar for many Calgarians.
Nayarit offers many cultural, nature, gastronomy and beach experiences. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Western Sierra Madre Mountains, this coastal state offers another Mexican vacation option with easy access from Calgary. The Nuevo Nayarit region is only 25 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta Airport and, from December to April, WestJet also offers exclusive weekly direct flights from Calgary to Nayarit’s capital city, Tepic.
With space for both relaxation and discovery, this beautiful area blends chilled-out beach days with memorable adventures. Surf-town vibes, delicious regional cuisine and unique protected islands make for a perfect sun holiday. Here’s a rundown of what to explore in Nayarit.
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Surf in Sayulita
Colourful and cool, Sayulita is one of Nayarit’s most popular beach towns. At the main beach, join fellow surfers, sunbathers and paddleboarders enjoying the water. Afterwards, take a stroll through town to grab a bite at a café or bakery with fresh bread and tasty coffee, and browse the galleries and boutiques. Don’t miss the Sayulita Market; it’s a great spot to find the perfect keepsake to take home, such as handmade jewellery, local art, handicrafts and beachwear. Wrap up the day by catching the sunset that serves as a beautiful backdrop for surfers trying to catch one last wave. Unwind in the evening with an outdoor candlelit dinner, as several Sayulita restaurants set up along the beach.
Take a boat ride to Islas Marietas
Formed as a result of volcanic activity, this protected group of uninhabited islands is known for its dramatic rock formations and as a great place to spot marine wildlife like dolphins, manta rays, turtles and even humpback whales during the winter. It’s also home to Hidden Beach, a small bay completely enclosed by rock that can only be accessed by a water tunnel at low tide. To prevent over-tourism, the number of daily visitors to the beach is limited, so booking a boat tour early is recommended.
Enjoy coastal flavours and local tastes
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Nayarit’s cuisine is all about fresh seafood, tropical ingredients and bold flavours. Treat your taste buds with regional dishes like ceviche bursting with citrus and fresh-caught grilled fish at both casual beachside eateries and upscale restaurants.
In Bucerias, La Casa by Thierry Blouet is a modern, must-try, fine-dining experience with a combination of innovative dishes and reinvented classics, featuring local, seasonal and organic ingredients and impeccable gastronomic techniques of two generations of chefs.
Check out Jala, Nayarit’s first magical town
Designated by the Mexican government as a Pueblo Mágico (magical town) — a designation for towns with unique cultural richness, historical significance, natural beauty, folklore or cuisine — the mountain town of Jala offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican life. Wander along the cobbled streets to take in the colonial architecture and historic buildings against a striking volcanic backdrop of massive hills and cliffs. Jala is situated at the foot of El Ceboruco, an active volcano that has a hiking loop and trails to explore. In the heart of town, visit the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, one of the most significant landmarks in southern Nayarit, a major pilgrimage site during local religious festivals. Jala’s deep cultural roots let you connect with Nayarit’s history, culture and relaxed pace of life.
Siesta in Nuevo Nayarit
Nuevo Nayarit, formerly Nuevo Vallarta, makes for an ideal entryway into the state of Nayarit with the second highest number of hotels and resorts in Mexico. Walk its five-kilometre shoreline of golden beaches along Banderas Bay, and discover golf courses like El Tigre and Vidanta, all-inclusive properties, luxurious condominiums, exclusive restaurants and two busy marinas. Nuevo Nayarit is the perfect location for endless beach activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, boogie boarding or jet skiing, or simply soaking up the sun with the kiddos while making sand castles. Or, forget the activities and just relax under a beach umbrella.
Rest your head at five-star hotels
An ideal home base, the Occidental Nuevo Vallarta Hotel in Nuevo Nayarit is an all-inclusive resort right on the beach with easy access to shopping, dining and activities. The spacious guest rooms are great for singles, couples and families. Little ones can splash at the children’s pool and take part in the Kids Club. For adults, the U Wellness Spa is the perfect place to unwind and get pampered. Choose from five restaurants including a delicious sushi spot and one featuring authentic Mexican cuisine, which are all part of the all-inclusive package.
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For a luxury stay with a wellness focus, check out the Armony Marival Resort & Spa in Punta de Mita, a 1,500-acre peninsula located on the northern end of Banderas Bay. Try a sound-healing session or explore the hidden beauty of Punta de Mita on a nature walk. Enjoy beautiful guest suites and rooms, private pools, gourmet dining and a first-class spa.
If you prefer to stay in Puerto Vallarta and make excursions to Nayarit, rest your head at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa. Located near the marina, the resort offers 433 ocean-view guestrooms and suites, beautiful pools, cabanas on the beach, multiple dining venues, event spaces and a large fitness and wellness space. In 2025, the resort completed a comprehensive transformation as part of its 35th anniversary, including the modernization of approximately 200 guestrooms, including new swim-up rooms.
To learn more, visit visitnayarit.travel.
Avenue’s writers and editors are occasionally invited to partake in activities as a guest, including some in this story. Neither complimentary meals nor advertising are required for coverage in Avenue. Neither companies that advertise nor those that provide other incentives are promised editorial coverage, nor do they have the opportunity to review or approve stories before publication.