Explore

Pick your side of town

Where you stay shapes the trip: the plaza’s buzz, a quiet palm grove on the north beach, or a view from the hill. Already booked? See what’s around your stay

Which side?

Compare the sides in a table
SideWalk to the plazaWalk to the beachFeelsMost stays a nightStaysGood for
Centro1 min3 minlivelyUS$110–350112Nights out, and walking to everything
North side10 min3 mincalmUS$150–450169Families and groups: palms, pools and the long beach
South side7 min3 minmixedUS$130–40095The plaza and a quiet cove, both a short walk
Los Muertos11 min3 mincalmUS$200–90014Calm water for swimming and small kids
Nanzal20 min3 minquietUS$200–60036Big views from the hill; you'll want a cart
Up the valley13 min3 minmixedUS$80–25041Budget stays and everyday local life

Walks are on foot from the middle of each side, roughly; carts take about a third of the time. Prices are what places publish, the middle half of them.

Sunset on the long beach, looking north to the hills

The north side

Calmer streets behind the long north beach, palm groves and villas, with a flat walk into the plaza.

10 of 169 stays fit · feels calm

Stay · North end (Av. del Palmar)

Casablanca Sayulita Hotel

Spotless rooms around a central pool with a short path to the north beach. Suites from $145; the 3BR Casablanca Beach House starts at $500.

14 min from the plazaSleeps 2From $145

Stay · North Side (by bridge)

Macondo Bungalows

Owner-run bungalows with many repeat guests; some units fan-only.

7 min from the plazaFrom $60

Stay · 100 yards to beach

Casa Azul

Gorgeous 3BR close to the beach.

4 min from the plazaSleeps 8From $400

Stay · North side

Casa Ensueño

3BR with expansive ocean views.

5 min from the plazaSleeps 8From $70

Stay · North side, a few blocks from the beach

Casa Sorpresa

Walled hacienda-style house with two air-conditioned master suites, a saltwater pool with a waterfall and tropical gardens, three minutes from the beach. Sleeps six; five-night minimum.

8 min from the plazaSleeps 6From $220

Stay · North side

Rosetitta

One-bedroom apartment attached to a larger villa, with its own entrance, kitchen, patio and AC. Under two blocks from the beach and plaza.

9 min from the plazaSleeps 2From $75

Stay · North side

AzulPitaya

Beachfront hotel of 60 rooms on Avenida del Palmar, each with a king bed, balcony and kitchenette. Large heated pool, beach bar and restaurant, co-working space, breakfast included.

6 min from the plazaFrom $160

Stay · North side

Villas del Corazon

Large house of up to ten bedrooms with a heated pool, wraparound decks and a surf break out front, about three minutes from the plaza. Suits big groups and weddings.

6 min from the plazaFrom $995

← All sides of town

Requests to book go straight to the owner or manager on WhatsApp; we don’t take payments or a cut. Owners and managers can claim a listing.