I've been living in Puerto Vallarta for years now, and I can tell you something most travel guides won't: the best beaches here aren't the ones everyone's talking about.
Sure, Los Muertos is beautiful. Playa Conchas Chinas gets all the attention. But if you're looking for that secret spot where it's just you and your partner (or just you and the sound of waves), you need to know where the locals go.
Finding Your Private Paradise
The thing about Puerto Vallarta is that it's built into the Sierra Madre mountains. This means hidden coves. Lots of them.
My favorite discovery happened completely by accident. I was staying at one of our properties in the south side, and I decided to walk past where the typical tourist beaches end. Twenty minutes later, I found myself on a stretch of sand with literally nobody else in sight.
Just me, the ocean, and a sunset that made me stop walking entirely.
The Magic of Timing
Here's what I've learned about having a beach to yourself: timing is everything.
Most visitors hit the beach between 10 AM and 4 PM. Which makes sense if you're on vacation and want to maximize sun time. But if you're after seclusion? Wake up early or go late.
I'm talking 6:30 AM when the sand is still cool and the light is golden. Or 5 PM onwards when everyone else has gone back to shower and get ready for dinner.
Those are your windows.
The south side beaches – the ones near rental property in puerto vallarta mexico – are particularly magical at sunrise. The way the light hits the Bay of Banderas is something you need to see in person.
Creating Your Beach Sanctuary
When I plan a proper beach escape, I don't just show up with a towel anymore. I've gotten strategic about it.
Pack a small cooler with cold drinks and fresh fruit from the local market. Bring a book you've been meaning to read. Download a few podcasts. Most importantly, leave your laptop behind.
This isn't about checking emails from a beach chair. This is about actually disconnecting.
The southern beaches offer something special – rock formations that create natural shade and privacy. You can tuck yourself into these spots and feel like you're in your own private resort.
Why Puerto Vallarta Works for Couples
I've had so many guests tell me they came here expecting another crowded beach destination. Then they discover that Puerto Vallarta has layers.
Yes, there's the vibrant Old Town. Yes, there's nightlife and restaurants. But drive ten minutes in any direction and you can find yourself completely alone with nature.
The rental condos in Puerto Vallarta we manage give you the perfect base for this kind of exploration. You're close enough to everything but positioned to access the quieter spots easily.
My Favorite Secret Spots
I'm going to share a few locations, but promise me you'll keep them relatively quiet?
South of Conchas Chinas, there are several small beaches accessible by rocky paths. They're not marked. You just have to walk and explore. Bring good sandals.
Playa Palmares gets some visitors, but if you walk to the far southern end, you'll often have that section entirely to yourself. The water is incredibly calm there.
Colomitos is technically not a secret anymore, but it's only accessible by boat or a steep hike. That keeps the crowds manageable. The cove is stunning – absolutely worth the effort.
The Evening Ritual
Here's what I do, and what I recommend to every couple who asks for advice:
Pick your beach spot around 5 PM. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and maybe a bottle of wine if you're feeling fancy. Watch the sunset without your phone.
Stay until the stars come out.
The sky here is remarkable. Away from the town lights, on a quiet beach, you can see everything.
This is the Puerto Vallarta nobody posts on Instagram but everybody remembers.
Making It Work Logistically
You don't need to rent a car for all of this, but it helps. Taxis and Ubers work fine for getting to southern beaches. Just make sure you have a way to get back – not all spots have reliable cell service.
Water shoes are essential. The prettiest beaches often have rocky entrances.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen. The bay's ecosystem is delicate and worth protecting.
Pack light but pack smart. A small backpack with water, snacks, a towel, and sunscreen will do.
The Solo Traveler's Beach Experience
I travel solo constantly, and I actually prefer beach time alone sometimes.
There's something meditative about sitting on empty sand with just your thoughts. No conversation. No plans. Just presence.
Puerto Vallarta feels incredibly safe for solo beach-going. I've never felt uncomfortable, even on more secluded stretches. Just use common sense – tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.
Beyond the Beach
When you're ready for a break from sand and sun, the Old Town is right there waiting. Amazing food. Art galleries. That perfect blend of Mexican culture and coastal charm.
I love that about staying here. You can have your secluded morning on a private beach, then be sipping mezcal at a rooftop bar by evening.
The work-from-anywhere lifestyle works perfectly here too. I've had guests who spend mornings working from their condo, then reward themselves with afternoon beach sessions.
What Makes This Place Special
I've been to a lot of beach destinations. The Maldives are stunning. The Caribbean is gorgeous. European coastlines are beautiful.
But Puerto Vallarta has something different. It's the combination of developed enough to be comfortable but wild enough to feel adventurous.
You can have breakfast in a modern condo with ocean views, then be hiking to a hidden beach within thirty minutes.
The Mexican warmth is real here too. Locals are genuinely friendly and helpful when you're trying to find those secret spots. They appreciate when visitors want to see the authentic side of their home.
My Honest Recommendation
If you're looking for that perfect couples getaway where you can actually escape – not just change locations while staying glued to your normal routine – Puerto Vallarta delivers.
Stay somewhere comfortable. We've set up our rentals specifically for people who want that balance of adventure and relaxation.
Wake up early. Explore. Find your beach. Make it yours for a few hours.
That's the secret really. It's not about finding the single most hidden beach in Mexico. It's about taking any beach and making space in your schedule to truly be there.
No agenda. No rush. Just you and the ocean and whoever you're sharing it with.
Follow along on Instagram where I share more of these hidden spots as I discover them.
Trust me on this – the best beach escape is the one where you actually escape. Puerto Vallarta makes that easier than anywhere else I've found.
About the Author