🌴 Family-Friendly Sayulita, Mexico: A Warm-Weather Winter Break with Kids

Mexico has quickly become one of our favorite family vacation destinations—and our go-to Hawaii alternative—thanks to its great beaches, beginner-friendly surf, walkable towns, and affordability. For the past two Winter Breaks, we’ve traded cold, gray days at home for sunny beach mornings in Sayulita, Mexico, and it’s been a win for both parents and kids.

Sayulita is a vibrant, small beach town just north of Puerto Vallarta. Yes—it’s been “discovered,” which means it’s no longer an untouched secret. But that popularity comes with major perks for families traveling with kids:

Restaurants use purified water (you can safely eat the fruits and veggies)
English is widely spoken (high-school Spanish—or none at all—works)
The town is compact, walkable, and lively
Surf schools, restaurants, and shops are extremely kid-friendly

You may not get a fully off-the-grid cultural experience, but you will get an easy, low-stress international trip that works beautifully with little ones.

✈️ Getting There: Flying into Puerto Vallarta

Fly into Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). There are direct flights from major West Coast cities (including SFO), followed by an easy ~40-minute drive to Sayulita.

Transportation Options

Shuttle / Taxi / Uber: ~$50 each way, safe and easy
Rental Car: Optional (only needed if you plan day trips)

🚗 Rental Car vs. Shuttle: What We’d Do Next Time

We’ve done both—and here’s the honest take.

If You Rent a Car

We’ve had excellent experiences with:

Gecko Rent a Car (highly recommended)
- No hidden fees
- The car you book is the car you get
- Great customer service

Would We Rent Again?

Probably not.

Ubers/taxis between towns are affordable
Surf schools often provide transportation
Sayulita itself is 100% walkable

Bottom line: A car is a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have—and it can significantly increase trip costs.

🏨 Where to Stay in Sayulita with Kids: Azul Pitaya

Azul Pitaya was hands-down perfect for traveling with young kids.

What We Loved

Affordable price point
Complimentary hot breakfast (smoothies & pancakes for kids, egg dishes for adults)
Large, beautiful pool
Direct beach & surf access
Walkable to all restaurants
Surprisingly quiet at night

The rooms are simple and functional: a big comfy bed, kitchenette, and a sitting area that converts into twin beds—ideal for families with toddlers or older kids.

Our favorite daily rhythm:
Morning surf check → one parent surfs while the other hangs with kids at breakfast → pool time → nap (yes, the monitor works at the pool!) → afternoon beach play → walk to dinner.