If you’re anything like Michael and I, you LOVE the beach. When you combine a beautiful beach with a historic and thriving cultural city, you’ll end up with an amazing vacation and that’s exactly what Puerto Vallarta was for us.

Puerto Vallarta was a wild trip that Michael and I took recently and it was one of the most fun trips I’ve had in a very long time. It wasn’t just the beach that got our attention, it was the fact that there was a beautiful city, amazing mountains, the friendliest people, the cutest wild animals and activities upon activities upon activities to do to keep you occupied and thriving while on vacation in this Pacific coast city. 

While there are so many amazing places to see and things to do, you’ll more than likely spend at least a little bit of time on the beach and yes, there are several must-see beaches that you should make time to see. 

First off, in Mexico, some of the beaches are certified “Blue Flag Beaches.” The Blue Flag certification has been given to certain beaches that have achieved excellence in 4 main areas; environmental education, water quality, management and environmental management, as well as quality in security and services. Needless to say, these beaches are the best of the best but even if a beach doesn’t fit these criteria, it doesn’t mean that they’re not worthy of a visit. 

1. Conchas Chinas Beach I

Just steps away from downtown Puerto Vallarta sits Conchas Chinas Beach. This beach took our breath away. For us, a beach that is walking distance from the Romantic Zone seemed like it would be one of those cool touristy sites. It was that but it was so much more than that, too. Oh my gosh, this beach is stunningly beautiful. The Sierra Madre mountains of Puerto Vallarta extend down onto the sand here creating a natural bay while the tides of the ocean have carved out areas that small ocean life survives in while the tide lowers. On top of this, Conchas Chinas is Blue Flag Certified so the beach is sustainably taken care of and looked after. If you need more of a reason, there are places for food, drinks, activities close by and there is enough space for everyone. 

2. Camarones Beach

On the northern side of downtown Puerto Vallarta sits Camarones Beach (Shrimp Beach). This is a must-see beach because it’s one of the most popular spots for LGBTQ+ folks to meet up. Plenty of inclusive events happen along the shore here which is why we felt so welcomed and comfortable as soon as we arrived. Camarones Beach is Blue Flag Certified and it shows. The fact that this beach is a protected area (and one of the cleanest beaches in Mexico) even though it’s one of the more popular beach destinations just goes to show the commitment that is taken to keep this beach as natural as possible. There are as many options at this beach as you could ever imagine so spending an hour or a full day here is easy peasy. 

3. Playa Del Oro

Playa Del Oro translates to Golden Beach and it is named after one of the first hotels to be built in this area. Just a 15-minute drive, Playa Del Oro is next to the cruise port of entry so as you’re gawking at the beauty of yet another beautiful beach, you’ll also find yourself with a mouth wide open as the huge cruise ships pull up. This is another Blue Flag Certified beach and since it’s just 6 kilometers (4 miles) from downtown, you may find that this beach offers a bit more space for you and your friends to spread out. There are shops, dining, activities and more magical backdrops for your photos to be seen.

4. Las Amapas Beach

If you’re looking for a small, exotic and uncrowded beach that is within striking distance of downtown Puerto Vallarta, you have to go to Las Amapas Beach. It borders Conchas Chinas Beach to the north so you could even knock this beach while you’re visiting Conchas Chinas! Regardless, Las Amapas is a bit secluded and a bit tougher to get to. There is a small path over some eroded, rocky steps that bring you down onto this undeveloped plot of sand. There are no amenities here so it’s just you, the sand and the water. You can find some shade under the Amapas trees which is where this beach got its name. 

5. Palmares Beach

Playa Palmares sits just over 4 miles south of downtown Puerto Vallarta and is a beach for everyone! There is plenty of room to mix and mingle with family and friends and there are enough things to do to keep you busy on and off the sand. Try a banana boat ride, or go body surfing in the warm, turquoise blue waters. Maybe you want to shop a bit? Palmares Beach has that too! Sometimes there are food carts there that offer up local goods like fish on a stick (a must-try) and other fun foods and souvenirs from vendors. Overall, Playa Palmares is a great destination and it is Blue Flag Certified! 

6. Garza Blanca 

Garza Blanca beach has recently been restored after years of erosion led to the beach losing a lot of real estate. In an effort to protect and restore this beach, a large boulder jetty juts out into the water to help minimize the swell and erosion that impacts the beach. It worked. This now Blue Flag Certified beach has beautiful, soft white sands and thanks to the new jetty, the swell is minimal making for a perfect dip in the cool blue waters. Garza Blanca beach is south of Puerto Vallarta and has all the amenities you’d want to make a day at the beach great. 

7. Sheraton Beach 

Sheraton Beach actually brings you to a beach in front of the Sheraton Hotel and Resort. This beach is also one of the Blue Flag Certified beaches in Puerto Vallarta and it is the neighboring beach to Playa Camarones. This little slice of tranquility is backdropped by the gorgeous Sheraton Resort. The surrounding landscapes are lush with palms and large ocean-carved rocks.

8. Conchas Chinas Beach II

As if one Conchas Chinas Beach isn’t enough, luckily, you’ll find a whole other section of Conchas Chinas Beach that is walking distance from the one you’ll likely get dropped off at. Around the bend and over a few larger rocks that have parked themselves in the sand is the north side of Conchas Chinas Beach, a separately recognized Blue Flag Beach. 

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