Just barely 30 minutes outside the hustle and crowds of Puerta Vallarta lies charming Bucerías, a beach town offering the best of two experiences: Traditional Mexican beach town with lots of over-ocean restaurants, a town square and cobblestone streets and a more modern, upscale district offering trendy boutiques, rental condos and a variety of cuisine options.
Long a popular getaway and destination spot for Puerta Vallarta residents and seasonal snowbirds, Bucerías has been growing with more ex-pats choosing to Digital Nomad from here during Covid thanks to the location’s quick connection to many destinations via the nearby international airport and a larger influx of Americans and Canadians deciding to relocate to the location permanently.
The city has two sides, divided by a pedestrian bridge over a natural stream bed running to the ocean – Each part of the charm that makes Bucerías such an easy place to visit. The newer, southern section is known as “Zona Dorada” (or Golden Zone) and is dotted with many condo/hotel towers and diverse restaurant choices. The northern end of town is the traditional central area with a classic town square, more cobblestone streets with vendors, a larger residential zone and schools as well as a number of established restaurants offering ocean front views and dining.
Time in Bucerías is usually spent in one of a few ways: On the beach, lounging by a pool, in the water or wandering into any number of unique stores and galleries scattered throughout. There is an established art scene here with Art Walk Bucerías Art Center offering a walk on Thursdays during most of the year. Nearby Jan Marie Gallery curates a collection of pieces from all over Mexico, ranging from furniture and decor to jewelry and clothing and Galeria Monarca bursts with color both inside and out.
Travelers are frequently attracted to Bucerías for its accessible layout. Unlike nearby Sayulita where the most stunning views come from rentals and condos usually up a steep hill, many spots right in town offer breathtaking views thanks to more oceanfront options and multi-level buildings that seem to blend effortlessly with the older, more traditional construction all around. A car is not needed and streets are organized in fairly straightforward grid pattern and for those with limited mobility you will find more actual paved sidewalks and streets here. Complexes such as Costa Dorada feature two, three and four bedroom condos with sweeping balconies, easily accessed by stairs or elevator.
The calm waters and relative shelter inside the Bahia de Banderas make Bucerías a great swimming or paddle boarding spot. You won’t see throngs of surfers here as the waves simply don’t break high enough but that makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a more chill beach experience. During the first half of the year, afternoon onshore breezes pick up and you will frequently see kite and wind surfers taking advantage. Local companies such as The Kite Zone offer both lessons and equipment sales for those interested in trying it out.
Spending your days in Mexico enjoying delicious food and drink is often high on the list for most travelers and Bucerías has no shortage of options in both the older section and Zona Dorada. You can feast on traditional Mexican cuisine and local seafood at spots such as The Fat Boy Seafood (a local institution) or any number of taco stands up and down the beach and beyond. Breakfast choices such as Mr. Cream are frequently filled with tourists and locals (try the French Toast!) and just off the beach is Cafe de Bucerías with some of the best Tacos Gobenador around, along with a full complement of breakfast and lunch choices.
While the dollar has fallen slightly against the Mexican Peso of late, Bucerías remains a strong value destination and a great choice for those seeking an easy, breezy vacation with minimal hassle and crowds!