The 15 closest beaches to Guadalajara

The coasts of the state of Jalisco, in Mexico, are bathed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean, with beaches, coves and bays, which invite you to enjoy and rest.

Let’s get to know some of these sandy areas in this top 15 of the closest beaches to Guadalajara, Jalisco.

1. Jackal

Playa Chalaca is the closest to Guadalajara, 3 hours by car on Highway 200 towards Puerto Vallarta, in Chacala Bay.

It is a beautiful and quiet beach with many palm trees where, in addition to enjoying the sun, you can taste a tasty fish dish by the sea.

In the area it is possible to visit three other beaches: Las Cuevas, Chacalilla and La Caleta.

The town of Chalaca was given the name of Pueblo Galería in 2002, due to its wide variety of birds such as pelicans, herons, seagulls, magpies and many others.

2. Las Cuevas Beach

A hidden beach between rocky cliffs, one of the closest to Guadalajara, as it is 246.4 kilometers from Jalisco (2 hours and 45 minutes by private car).

It is a place with beautiful landscapes full of tranquility, solitude, a pleasant atmosphere and mysterious caves, some of which can only be seen at low tide.

To get to Las Cuevas beach, you must first go through “El Divisadero”, south of Chacala.

3. Chacalilla Beach

Beach with calm waves and white sand to lie down to sunbathe. On its rocky promontory or “rock” there is a rich variety of marine fauna.

Its people offer visitors walks and fishing days, which together with its camping area and self-service store, constitute its entertainment.

Chacalilla is 250 kilometers from the city, a trip of 2 hours and 45 minutes by car. An ideal place for those who prefer beaches with few people.

4. La Caleta Beach

Beach 3 kilometers north of Chacala going along the coast, so it is 325 kilometers from Guadalajara, a trip of almost 4 hours.

When the days are good, its waves reach ideal heights for surfing, which has made it a favorite beach for Mexican and foreign surfers.

5. Christmas bar

Little-known beach with a quiet and relaxed atmosphere 344 kilometers from Guadalajara, a distance that can be traveled in 4 hours by private car.

Its pleasant surroundings and the value of the services available to everyone have made families choose it as their favorite beach destination for their vacations. Nearby there are picturesque towns such as Melaque or Cuastecomates.

From Melaque you could go to Toriz Island and the Lobos Marinos islets, hiring excursions at solidarity prices.

In Barra Navidad you can explore the mangrove lagoons in the area, where crocodiles, exotic birds, lizards and other marine species live. You can also take a boat excursion to see the Costalegre area, where there are many small islands.

6. Sayulita

Sayulita is 330 kilometers from the city of Guadalajara, a 4-hour drive. For a long time it was the iconic beach of the hippies, which after being declared a Magical Town, gained even more fame.

The combination of its features as a Magical Town with a beach that recreates “paradise” has made everyone who knows it affirm that it is one of the most beautiful places in Mexico.

Sayulita has a lot of entertainment such as walks on the beach, tasting Mexican food, shopping in the market and even taking surf lessons. You can also visit the shops and art galleries and, of course, lie down on the sand of the beach to sunbathe.

7. Nuevo Vallarta

Nuevo Vallarta is 318 kilometers from Guadalajara, which makes it one of the closest tourist destinations to the city as it is 3 hours and 50 minutes away by car.

Its beaches, surrounded by a large hotel infrastructure, are beautiful and perfect for ecotourism activities.

Children have Aquaventuras Park, a fabulous water park with slides, a lazy river and where they can swim with sea lions and dolphins.

You can visit, stroll and get to know little towns such as Bucerías and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, both with quiet beaches, rich gastronomy and handicrafts.

Nuevo Vallarta is a destination that you should not miss. It is in the Riviera Nayarit, which allows you to go to and from easily.

8. Chamomile

Manzanillo is one of the closest beaches to Guadalajara. It is only 295 kilometers from the city in a trip of 3 hours and 25 minutes by car.

There you can visit several beaches, all suitable for swimming, such as Olas Altas, Santiago, Miramar and La Audiencia, each with its own attractions and charms.

Manzanillo also has its boardwalk, the port and the sculpture of the Pez Vela. You won’t want to miss their delicious “nieves de garrafa”, an ice cream made by local artisans.

The access roads to Manzanillo are in excellent condition, with services and hotels for all tastes.

9. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is 331 kilometers from Guadalajara on a 4-hour drive. It is a seaside resort with beautiful sandy beaches, sun and lots of fun. It combines the sea with an exotic tropical jungle, so there is plenty to do.

Its gastronomic offer is accessible to all budgets. From the snacks that they offer you on the boardwalk and in the seafood and seafood places, to 5-star restaurants.

The hotels in the area have an unbeatable infrastructure and offers for tourists. Some, in addition to offering swimming pools with loungers for rest and relaxation, have equipped kitchens in the rooms, gyms, tennis courts, and beautiful gardens.

10. Yelapa

Yelapa is 409 kilometers from the capital, a trip of 5 hours and 26 minutes by car. It is a bit hidden in Banderas Bay, but those who know it affirm that it is a “paradise on earth” that can only be accessed by sea by boarding a “water taxi” from Playa Los Muertos, in Puerto Vallarta.

Yelapa has one of the richest biodiversities in the area. It also has two freshwater waterfalls and abundant vegetation.

Although there are no large hotels or luxurious or junk food restaurants, the residents strive to offer visitors the best of their cuisines.

Its beaches invite you to lie down in the sun while you rest or if you prefer, you can practice some water sport.

For the nights and while you have a romantic candlelight dinner, you will listen to young musicians playing drums and making bonfires on the beach.

11. Las Gemelas Beach

Two beaches with transparent waters and soft white sand. A place 341 kilometers from Guadalajara, which means a 4-hour drive.

Each one has its peculiarities, being of soft waves and an indomitable sea, respectively.

The area is for adventures and extreme sports. Of course, it is not the best to go with children, the elderly or people with some physical difficulty.

12. Mismaloya Beach

Mismaloya beach is very close to Puerto Vallarta, just 15 minutes by car. Its landscape of turquoise blue waters and pearly gray sands is unique.

The sandbank is wide but not long, only 350 meters long. However, it is enough space to sunbathe, enjoy the water and taste the typical dishes of the place.

As for lodging, it has a resort with capacity for 300 people.

Unlike Las Gemelas, Mismaloya is ideal to go with children. It is very easy to get to it by various means of transport.

13. Los Muertos Beach

Los Muertos is 333 kilometers from Guadalajara, a 4-hour drive. It is a beach of fine sand and deep blue waters, which has become one of the favorites of local and foreign tourists.

As it is so popular, its hotel offer is usually insufficient, so it is best to book your accommodation well in advance.

The cuisine of the area has typical dishes and specialties in seafood, in places where you can also sit down and enjoy a coffee while you watch the landscape.

At Los Muertos beach you can enjoy its nights with street mariachis and other singers on public roads. Also nightclubs.

14. Cuixmala Beach

Cuixmala is one of the closest beaches to Guadalajara as it is 402 kilometers from the city, which is the same as 5 hours and 38 minutes by car.

This sandy area is considered the tourist jewel of the Mexican Pacific for its natural landscape full of greenery and beauty, coupled with the wide and extensive beaches of golden sands and turquoise blue waters.

It is part of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, which makes it a special area for ecotourism.

Cuixmala can be reached from Manzanillo or Puerto Vallarta by road. Once there, in addition to sunbathing and swimming, you can practice outdoor sports, hiking, family recreational activities or if you prefer, be alone in contact with nature.

The observation of exotic animals is one of the most exciting adventures in Cuixmala, since the ecological reserve has animals such as zebras and antelopes that move freely.

On the Caleta Blanca and Escondida beaches you can go horseback riding and biking, practice yoga and do other activities, with solidarity prices.

15. El Venado Beach

To get to El Venado beach you must travel 340 kilometers from Guadalajara, a 4-hour drive. It is on the side of the road that takes you to Mismaloya.

It is a place with white sands and waters of a beautiful dark blue hue, complemented by abundant vegetation. It is perfect to rest, because it is not very visited.

How long does it take from Guadalajara to Nayarit?

To go from Guadalajara to Nayarit by car or bus takes three hours; the distance between both cities is 243 kilometers. By plane it only takes 15 minutes of flight.

How long does it take from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta by bus?

The duration of the trip from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta by bus is 5 hours; there is a distance of 334 kilometers.

What are the most beautiful beaches in Jalisco?

Among the most beautiful beaches in Jalisco are Mismaloya, Cuixmala, Los Muertos, Sayulita, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Nuevo Vallarta.

What are the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta?

Among the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta are La Caleta, Yelapa, Las Gemelas, Los Muertos, Nuevo Vallarta, Garza Blanca and Sayulita.

Camping beaches near Guadalajara

The main beach for camping is Yelapa. It is also possible to do it in Melaque, La Manzanilla, Boca de Iguanas and Punta Pérula.

The cleanest beaches in Jalisco

The cleanest beaches in Jalisco are Yelapa, Quimixto, Las Ánimas, Mismaloya, Las Gemelas, Los Muertos, Oasis, Camarones, Palmas and Río Cuale.

The State of Jalisco is one of the best destinations when it comes to seeking relaxation, adventure and beach fun, because most of its beaches have crystal clear waters, soft sand and are close to the capital.

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