Two different sides of Mexico’s lowkey Riviera Nayarit—one rooted in Sayulita’s bohemian surf culture, another shaped by Punta de Mita’s dining scene. Dorothy Day and Daniela Soto-Innes share the local haunts they return to again and again.
DOROTHY DAY’S SAYULITA
One of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos,” Sayulita is a surf town whose secret is very much out, but the magic feeling is still there. Colorful “papel picado” flutter above cobblestone streets that slope from the hilly jungle down towards the Pacific, and while the famous break still draws surfers from all over, the town has evolved into a mix of barefoot beach culture, new-age cafés, and a steady stream of digital nomads. Still, it’s easy to tap into the local rhythm: lunches of the best fish tacos a la plancha in low-key taquerías, and evenings sipping margaritas to the soundtrack of the ocean. Dorothy Day, founder of swimwear brand Dos Gardenias, has been coming to Sayulita for years—eventually opening a shop in town—and shared some of her go-to spots to eat, surf, shop, and settle into the pace of life.
Food + Drinks
Mary’s Traditional Mexican Cuisine – The best chilaquiles and chile relleno you’ll ever have. Eating here feels like you’re part of the family.
Mariscos Purillo (Purillo Fish Tacos) – Fresh fish and their house salsa trio is incredible – I douse the habanero salsa on everything, you can’t get enough!
Wakika Heladeria – Nothing is better after a long, hot beach day, then an ice-cold paleta. I love Wakika—everything is 100% handmade with real fresh fruit, my favorite flavors are coconut or strawberry.
Tacos Al Pastor Diaz – On the corner of the town plaza, the BEST Al Pastor taco you will ever have. After a late night with friends, a perfect Al Pastor taco on a paper plate is a great night cap.
Bar Le Zouave – A sexy little spot with a Moroccan inspired ambiance, from the Hotel Hafa. Interesting cocktail combinations and DJ nights for a fun night on the town. Get the Cucumber Serrano Margarita if you can handle the heat.
Shop
Dos Gardenias Sayulita – Our store front in the heart of the town plaza is filled with our best selling and classic styles, inspired by the surf culture of the area. There are even some exclusive styles and prints you can only get at this location.
Evoke the Spirit – A beautiful curation of amazing homewares all crafted by artisans and collaborations with many of Mexico’s indigenous and local artists. Textiles, ceramics, cow skulls, as well the jewelry—all incredible pieces to bring home and to learn about the rich culture of art in the area.
Ula Boutique & Art Gallery – Our friend and artist, Paloa, owns and curates this beautiful boutique with one-of-a-kind art, jewelry dresses, and accessories. You won’t be able to leave without a piece that has a unique story of its own.
Explore
Risa Machuca Surf Lessons – I love supporting women-owned and -operated businesses. Risa and her team offer a beautiful, luxe experience that is as much about tending to your inner world as it is about learning to commune with the ocean.
Tigre Fishing – A dear friend of mine who offers surf lessons, rentals, surf trips, snorkeling and sport fishing
Rose Room Yoga – This is yoga with thoughtful and attuned locals in a beautiful open-air studio located above the Don Bonito Hotel. The vibe is playful and diverse.
Chops Papillon Tattoo Shop – I got my FIRST tattoo at Chops two years ago.
Horseback riding with Manuel
Stays
Teitiare Estate – My long-time friend and photographer Ann Menke created these properties with her family to encapsulate what living in Sayulita is all about. Located where the jungle and coastline meet, you are immersed in nature and the homes blend living spaces that are open to the elements while still feeling the comfort and relaxation of home.
Petit Hotel Hafa – This spot is notoriously booked out, typically by surfers traveling through town or the cool kids looking to stay within the center of Sayulita, while still having a laid back charm. It’s a bright red building in town so it’s impossible to miss, I love that it has Morocco-meets-Mexico design to it and the bar downstairs has great drinks and a lounge that fills up quite quickly during the nighttime.
Casa Pata Salada – These two locations are run by a long time friend, Julie, who has lived in the area for years. Both are in the city of Sayulita, close to the town and beach for prime access to restaurants, shopping, surf lessons or fishing boat excursions. The vibe is more like staying at someone’s home, with rooms and casitas neighboring one another. It’s perfect for when we have groups of friends staying with us, and makes it feel like our own little village. Each room has personal touches of Mexican flair curated by Julie herself and the gems she has found throughout the years.
To do
Day trip to San Pancho – Tierra Tropical Beach Club is a trendy spot in San Pancho, just outside of Sayulita. A favorite stop whenever we visit for great food, local shopping, and the polo fields. Anyone can reserve a ride, take a lesson, attend and/or play a polo match at the Polo & Equestrian Club, such a one-of-a-kind experience to learn the sport and enjoy a different side to Mexico not many know about. After a day with the horses or exploring the town, a day pass at Tierra is a great way to cool off at the pool and enjoy a sunset bite on the beach.
Surfing – Playa La Lancha, South of Sayulita, near Punta Mita is the best beach for this. The beach draws locals and tourists but it’s a surfer’s beach for sure. It’s no frills and great for longboarding with consistent mellow waves. A great spot for beginners and intermediates as the waves are normally very calm here.
DANIELA SOTO-INNES’ PUNTA DE MITA
North of Puerto Vallarta, Punta de Mita has long been synonymous with polished resorts and groomed beaches, but just beyond the foot-shaped peninsula, a more unbuttoned vibe exists in the surrounding towns. Here, languid beach days end with detours for roadside tacos on the drive home, and fishermen pull in the day’s catch just miles from the tables it will land on that night.
We tapped Mexican-born chef Daniela Soto-Innes—who trained under Pujol’s Enrique Olvera before going on to open Cosme and Alta in NYC with him—for her favorites in the area. She opened her restaurant Rubra in a tropical garden at the W Punta de Mita in 2025, offering a coastal, veg-and-fish-focused menu. Returning to her roots was a long-held dream, and she found the perfect canvas here. “I’ve always dreamed of having a restaurant in Mexico, especially near the beach, where I could blend my passion for food with the vibrant local culture,” she says. “When the opportunity came to open a restaurant in Punta Mita, I didn’t think twice—it felt like the perfect place to bring my vision to life. The traditions, fresh local ingredients, and the creative energy of the area have been incredibly inspiring.”
After several years immersed in the region—sourcing from local farmers, spending days off exploring hidden beaches and seeking out the best family-run taquerías and fresh seafood stands—Daniela shared her go-to spots to eat, explore, and embrace the laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Food + Drinks
Rubra – We take great pride in sourcing our ingredients from the best possible places, with a strong focus on freshness, quality, and sustainability. Most of our ingredients come from Nayarit and Jalisco, where we work closely with local farmers and producers. Our seafood is sourced locally and also from the Pacific, ranging from Baja California to Campeche. Additionally, we have our own garden, where we grow a selection of herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers. Many of our ingredients are harvested just steps away from the kitchen.
The seafood on the Pacific Coast is incredible. Try the tostadas at Mariscos Garcia (La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit), and if you’re bold and like spice, the house chili sauce.
Columba Restaurante, also in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, is the place for authentic, traditional dishes like stingray stew and marlin.
Tacos on the Street, a family-owned establishment in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, Mexico, has been serving delectable ribeye beef tacos grilled over mesquite charcoal with fresh accompaniments like onions, cilantro, and guacamole since 1993, along with a simple yet flavorful menu featuring tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas, all prepared to perfection.
Makai Punta de Mita is perfect after a morning surfing Playa la Lancha. They serve local ceviche and the restaurant embodies the beauty of Punta Mita: unpretentious, fresh ingredients in a beautiful jungly setting.
Tora Tora in Punta de Mita offers something a little different – Japanese tapas in a motorcycle studio. I love the interpretation of local ingredients through a global approach.
Tukari in Sayulita is a hidden gem. The food is incredible and fresh, but they also have an amazing wine selection and a staff that knows their stuff.
Pizza may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sayulita, but El Italiano is not to be missed. It’s not just an alternative to tacos, it’s some of the best pizza you will ever have.
The Mercado San Pancho has vendors with locally handmade treasures. You can also find food and local music.
Stays
Hacienda de los Milagros – Punta Mita
W Punta de Mita – Punta de Mita
Imanta – Punta Mita
Rosa Morada – San Pancho
Casa Rosada – Sayulita
To Do
Cerro del Mono, also known as Monkey Mountain, is one of the highest points in the area. It’s a moderately challenging hike but the reward of the views is so worth the challenge.
La Lancha is a surfer’s paradise, but even if you don’t surf, it is a gorgeous spot to enjoy the views.
Patzcuaros Beach
Carrilleros Beach
Take a 2.5 hr trip to Tequila or Guadalajara.
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