Nayarit

Nayarit sits on Mexico's Pacific coast, directly north of Jalisco, and covers everything from the Sierra Madre Occidental highlands to a long stretch of coastline. The state capital is Tepic, set inland, but most visitors and buyers focus on the coastal corridor, particularly the Riviera Nayarit, which runs from Nuevo Vallarta up through Sayulita, San Pancho, and beyond.

The southern end of Nayarit shares Banderas Bay with Puerto Vallarta across the state line. That bay area includes communities like La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a working fishing village with a major marina that draws both local and international boaters. It operates at a different pace than a resort zone, local markets, waterfront restaurants, and an active dock alongside a growing expat presence.

Further up the coast, towns like Sayulita and San Pancho have a well-established surf and arts scene, while Punta Mita at the bay's northern tip is home to some of the coast's most recognized resort and residential developments. Inland Nayarit is tobacco-farming country, quieter and less visited, with a different character entirely.

Local video tours filmed in the area, including a walkthrough of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, give you a ground-level look at what life actually looks like in these communities before you visit or make a move.