A Gorgeous Coastal Town In Nayarit, Mexico, Offers Pristine Beachfront Activities And Fun

One of the greatest joys of travel is finding new, under-the-radar places to explore. Whether it's hidden gem bucket list islands filled with unique and interesting wildlife, empty beaches that tourist crowds have yet to find, or unusual, out-of-the-way attractions, heading somewhere off the beaten track almost always offers a fantastic experience.

In a place like Mexico, this is particularly important. This gorgeous country is filled with fascinating things to see, like immersive art exhibits that transport you to heaven on Earth, surrounded by lush jungle, or underground rivers and sacred sinkholes. It's all too easy for visitors to stick to the common destinations like Cancun, Los Cabos, or Puerto Vallarta, where you'll find yourself surrounded by tourists and inauthentic culture and cuisine. But you don't have to venture far from some of the most famous spots to find pristine beaches, authentic culture, and fun without the crowds. Just a few towns away from the beach resorts of Puerto Vallarta and the renowned surf destinations of Punta de Mita and Sayulita, Lo de Marcos is a little slice of peace, serenity, and genuine Mexico, and a fabulous alternative to somewhere like San Pancho. 

Lo de Marcos is a small town on Mexico's Pacific Coast, situated on the Riviera Nayarit, about 30 miles from Puerto Vallarta and just a short drive north from the beaches of Sayulita and San Pancho. It's just under an hour's drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, either by the longer toll road or the more scenic coastal highway. The Compostela bus line runs direct buses from the airport along the coast, which stop at Lo de Marcos, and cost around $4.

If you are looking for beach bars pumping reggaeton from midday to midnight and a cocktail hour that starts at 3PM, then Lo de Marcos probably isn't for you. The vibe here is so laid-back that it's almost horizontal. It's an idyllic, secluded town with few major attractions but packed with atmosphere at every turn. 

The town is small, so exploring doesn't take long. The main square is a great place to start, exquisitely beautiful with a vibrant, pastel-colored bandstand in the middle, plenty of tropical greenery, and adorned with ornate and picturesque papel picado flags, streamers, and bunting. There are several excellent restaurants and cafes around the square, making it a great spot to sit back with a coffee or a fresh juice, grab a bite to eat in the morning or the afternoon, or enjoy the fading light of the day with something stronger. Las Glorias is one of the best spots, celebrated by tourists and locals alike for its great breakfasts and delicious fish tacos, while La Marea serves up some of the best margaritas in town.  

The main attraction of Lo de Marcos is its glorious golden-sand beach. This long, wide stretch of sand is uncrowded even during the most popular times of the year, and outside of high season, you'll often find you have it all to yourself. The waves can be lively — this is the wild Pacific Ocean, not the flat-calm turquoise of the Caribbean — but it's usually calm enough to swim safely, and the bigger breaks mean that Lo de Marcos boasts an array of beachfront activities. From world-class surfing, sea kayaking, and amazing wind and kite surfing, to horse riding and fishing, it's hard to find yourself bored in this charming town.

Given how quiet Lo de Marcos is, it's no surprise that it's heaven for nature lovers. Just sitting on the beach, you'll see pelicans gliding majestically in formation across the skyline, before plunging beneath the waves in search of fish. Humpback and grey whales are regular visitors, and can usually be seen from the shoreline during mornings and evenings, although whale-watching boat trips are also a great way to see these majestic beasts up-close. 

Beyond the beach, the nearby lagoons are home to crocodiles, wading birds, and an array of different iguanas, while the trees are filled with unusual bird species like red-crested woodpeckers and brightly colored flycatchers. The jungle-covered hills overlooking the town have some fantastic hiking trails, which are ideal for wildlife watchers, and offer the chance to spot coatis, deer, and on rare occasions, big cats like jaguar, ocelot, or jaguarundi.

A highlight of the region for many is the chance to take part in the local turtle conservation efforts. Campamento Tortuga is dedicated to protecting and preserving the sea turtle species that are at risk from climate change and poachers, and from July to November, visitors can enjoy the amazing sight of turtle hatchlings being guided from the beach to the sea for the first time!