Must-See Spots in Riviera Nayarit | Best Family Vacation Spots

With miles of beaches as far as the eye can see and vibrant cobblestone streets, Riviera Nayarit is one of the top vacation spots in Mexico. Along this stretch of the Nayarit coastline, you’ll find bustling resort cities and quiet surfing villages, each with its own unique flavor and charm. Whether you’re looking for a tropical escape in the jungle or luxurious all-inclusive resorts, you can find your dream getaway in one of the best vacation spots in Riviera Nayarit. As you explore these Mexico vacation spots, make sure to visit the must-see attractions in Riviera Nayarit.

El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary

Nuevo Vallarta is one of the best family vacation spots in Mexico, and in the center of the town is the El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary. Without having to travel far from your resort, you can learn more about the local ecosystem and the creatures who have lived here for centuries. With specialized biologists, you can explore the wonders of the marshland and even interact with the crocodiles by feeding them. The sanctuary is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Having preserved landscapes and educational programs for the community are what make Nuevo Vallarta one of the best vacation spots in Riviera Nayarit.

Sayulita

If you’re looking for good vacation spots with laid-back vibes, colorful culture, and fantastic surfing, head north of the city to Sayulita. Despite its growth over the years, Sayulita is still one of the most unique Mexico vacation spots with its trendy local businesses, fresh fish tacos, and brightly painted homes. Time seems to slow down here as you pass the day away on the beach. For a classic Mexico getaway, this is one of the best vacation spots in Riviera Nayarit, and its just a relatively short taxi ride from the top all inclusive resorts in Nuevo Vallarta.

Petroglyphs at Altavista

Truly good vacation spots let you look back into ancient history, and in Altavista, you can stumble across signs of the ancient Aztec tribes: petroglyphs carved into rocks. After a drive up a rocky road, you can hike through the area to spot these carvings that date back thousands of years. You’ll see depictions of the sun and humans. While the exact meaning of all the drawings remains shrouded in mystery, these petroglyphs Mexico has to offer are truly inspirational. As one of the largest known concentrations of these types of carvings, this is a sight not to be missed on your Riviera Nayarit vacation.

The Marietas Islands

What makes Riviera Nayarit one of the most alluring Mexico vacation spots are the Marietas Islands. Within the islands lies one of the world’s most famous hidden beaches in the world. Originally shaped by military explosives testing, the dome of the island allows light to pour in through a massive hole in the roof, lighting up the sands of the beach. Since the islands are part of a marine conservation site, tourism is limited, so you’ll want to book a tour to the islands early. On your tour, you’ll learn about the natural ecosystem of the islands and even spot the famous blue-footed booby birds. Educational tours of the fascinating environment of Riviera Nayarit make it one of the best family vacation spots, and the unique beauty of the hidden beach makes it one of the top vacation spots in Mexico.

Bucerias Art Walk

During the tourist season, the quiet streets of Bucerias are filled with the sound of laughter, the bustle of waiters in restaurants, and art galleries opening their doors. For culture connoisseurs, this is one of the top vacation spots in Mexico. Every Thursday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., around 17 participating galleries open their doors and host local artists for the Bucerias Art Walk. As you browse the galleries, you can learn more about local artwork and even find out about workshops happening around town.

Riviera Nayarit is home to some of the best family vacation spots where you can explore the wild jungles and experience the vibrant culture of Mexico. As you explore these good vacation spots, don’t miss out on these local attractions along the golden coast of Mexico.