Puerto Vallarta Beach Guide

Playa Los Muertos

Located in the heart of Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone, Playa Los Muertos combines golden sand, calm waters, waterfront dining, beach clubs, and one of Mexico's most energetic seaside atmospheres. Whether you're relaxing under an umbrella, enjoying fresh seafood, taking a sunset cruise, or exploring the famous Los Muertos Pier, this beach offers something for every traveler.

Location
Water
gentle_waves, sandy_entry
Vibe
family_friendly, lively, tourist_favorite
Dining
About the Beach

A Closer Look at Playa Los Muertos

Playa Los Muertos is Puerto Vallarta’s most recognizable beach and the social heart of the Romantic Zone. Stretching along Banderas Bay, it blends beautiful scenery with an energetic atmosphere, offering everything from swimming and paddleboarding to waterfront restaurants, beach clubs, sunset cruises, and local culture. While lively throughout the day, evenings transform the beach into one of the city’s most picturesque places to watch the sun disappear behind the Pacific.

Gallery

Moments from Playa Los Muertos

From colorful beachfront umbrellas and lively restaurants to spectacular sunsets over Banderas Bay, Playa Los Muertos captures the vibrant spirit of Puerto Vallarta in every season.

The Experience

Experience Playa Los Muertos from sunrise to sunset with aerial views, the iconic pier, beachfront dining, water activities, and the lively atmosphere that has made it Puerto Vallarta's most famous beach.

Experiences

Beyond the Beach

From sailing excursions and snorkeling adventures to paddleboarding, parasailing, sunset cruises, and seasonal whale watching, Playa Los Muertos is one of Puerto Vallarta's premier gateways to exploring beautiful Banderas Bay.

Polaris RZR UTV carrying helmeted riders through a shallow rocky stream surrounded by tropical forest during the All-Terrain Safari in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta

All-Terrain Safari

Follow mountain trails by Polaris RZR, with a coastal drive and time beside a forest waterfall.
Fireworks over Puerto Vallarta with pirate ship on Banderas Bay during Pirates of the Bay night tour
Puerto Mágico

Pirates of the Bay

A spectacular night of pirate theater, dinner, open bar and fireworks on Banderas Bay.
Mexican salsa with dried chiles, garlic and cilantro for the Hecho Aquí Mexican Salsas Masterclass in Puerto Vallarta
Romantic Zone

Salsas with Chef Rafa

Create a signature Mexican salsa with Chef Rafael Sotomayor, followed by a meal and tequila cocktails.

Dining

Nearby Dining

Chef preparing a traditional Oaxacan tlayuda at La Tlayudería in Avida Market, Puerto Vallarta.
Restaurant

Tlayudería

Authentic Oaxacan tacos and traditional tlayudas.
Fresh salmon nigiri sushi with thin slices of orange salmon over white sushi rice against a black background at Satori Sushi in Puerto Vallarta.
Restaurant

Satori

Contemporary Japanese cuisine at Avida Market.
Interior of Avida Market food hall in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta.
Bar & Nightlife, Café & Bakery, Flowers, Gallery, Restaurant

Avida Market

A vibrant marketplace of dining, shopping, and local culture.

Explore

Nearby Beaches & Places

Explore neighboring beaches, the iconic Los Muertos Pier, the Malecón, the Romantic Zone, Isla Cuale, local art galleries, boutique shopping, and charming streets that make this one of Puerto Vallarta's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Stay

Exceptional Stays

Stay just moments from Playa Los Muertos with a wide selection of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, stylish condominiums, vacation rentals, and beachfront accommodations offering convenient access to Puerto Vallarta's top attractions.

Beach Guide

A Closer Look at Playa Los Muertos

Best For
swimming, families, sunsets

Playa Los Muertos is the vibrant heart of Puerto Vallarta’s beach culture and one of the city’s most recognizable waterfront destinations. Stretching along the Romantic Zone, this lively beach is known for its wide golden shoreline, calm waters, iconic Los Muertos Pier, and energetic atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors throughout the year.

Unlike many resort beaches, Playa Los Muertos blends authentic Mexican charm with modern amenities. Beach clubs, restaurants, cafés, and local vendors line the waterfront, while water taxis depart regularly for secluded beaches farther south including Yelapa, Quimixto, Las Ánimas, and Majahuitas. The beach is equally popular for swimming, paddleboarding, parasailing, beach volleyball, and simply relaxing beneath an umbrella while watching life unfold along Banderas Bay.

One of the area’s defining landmarks is Los Muertos Pier, an award-winning architectural centerpiece that has become a symbol of Puerto Vallarta. During the day it serves as the departure point for boat excursions and water taxis, while evenings bring spectacular sunsets that illuminate the bay and surrounding Sierra Madre mountains.

Beyond the shoreline, Playa Los Muertos provides immediate access to Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, where cobblestone streets lead to art galleries, boutique shopping, lively cafés, and some of the city’s finest restaurants and nightlife. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or staying nearby for an extended vacation, Playa Los Muertos offers an ideal balance of relaxation, adventure, culture, and entertainment, making it one of Mexico’s premier urban beach destinations.

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