
Playa Camarones Puerto Vallarta
A local favorite beach in Puerto Vallarta, offering a relaxed vibe, stunning sunsets, and convenient access.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters for swimming & activities

Playa Camarones Puerto Vallarta
Best Time
Calm waters for swimming & activities

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A local favorite beach in Puerto Vallarta, offering a relaxed vibe, stunning sunsets, and convenient access.
"It’s away from the chaos and crowds down in Romantic Zone but still close enough to easily get to."

🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach can be rocky; slip-on booties make swimming and walking in the water much easier.
☀️ Early Bird Gets the Calm
For the best swimming and water sports, visit before 9 AM when the water is calmest.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Spectacle
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky over the Pacific. A perfect end to a day at this local favorite.

Local Beach Experience
Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with fewer crowds, frequented by locals and offering a genuine taste of Puerto Vallarta.

Morning Water Activities
Before the crowds, enjoy calm waters perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming. Horseback riding is also an option.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Timing is Key for Swimming
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach can be rocky; slip-on booties make swimming and walking in the water much easier.
☀️ Early Bird Gets the Calm
For the best swimming and water sports, visit before 9 AM when the water is calmest.
🚗 Convenient Parking
An underground parking garage is available just a block away, making access easy.
🛍️ Local Vendors
Support local vendors offering chair and umbrella rentals, as well as food and drinks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach can be rocky; slip-on booties make swimming and walking in the water much easier.
☀️ Early Bird Gets the Calm
For the best swimming and water sports, visit before 9 AM when the water is calmest.
🚗 Convenient Parking
An underground parking garage is available just a block away, making access easy.
🛍️ Local Vendors
Support local vendors offering chair and umbrella rentals, as well as food and drinks.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
This beach is a prime spot for capturing stunning sunset photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Camarones is appreciated for its local charm, beautiful sunsets, and convenient location near the Malecón. While some find it rocky for swimming, early mornings offer calmer waters. It's a great spot for those seeking a less crowded, more authentic beach experience.
"This long, beautiful beach stretches just beyond the end of the Malecón. It’s clean, uncrowded, and has soft, inviting sand. Conveniently, there’s a 24-hour underground parking garage just one block away."
G Whizz
"I love this beach. It’s away from the chaos and crowds down in Romantic Zone but still close enough to easily get to. It’s not too crowded, not over run with restaurants etc. The beach vendors were kind and everyone there was happy. The bonus was the whale watching from shore. What a beautiful place."
Lori Cullen
"There are too many rocks. I can't even beach here! At least there is plenty of parking and a public restroom."
Violet Pfeiffer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa Camarones is conveniently located just north of the Malecón, making it easily accessible. You can walk from the downtown area or take a short taxi or bus ride. There's also underground parking nearby if you're driving.
Yes, Playa Camarones is situated just beyond the northern end of the Malecón, making it a short and pleasant walk from the main boardwalk area.
You can easily reach Playa Camarones by walking from the Malecón, taking a local bus, or a taxi. If you're driving, there's convenient underground parking available nearby.
Yes, there is a 24-hour underground parking garage located just one block away from Playa Camarones, offering convenient access.
While water taxis are common in Puerto Vallarta, they typically serve more remote beaches. Playa Camarones is easily accessible by land.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Playa Camarones is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access it. You only pay for optional services like chair and umbrella rentals.
As a public beach, Playa Camarones is accessible at all hours. However, for swimming and water activities, early mornings are recommended due to calmer waters.
Yes, you can rent chairs and umbrellas from local vendors directly on the beach. It's a great way to get comfortable and enjoy your day.
Yes, public restrooms are available at Playa Camarones, adding to the convenience for visitors.
No, booking in advance is not necessary for accessing Playa Camarones. It's a public beach, and you can visit anytime.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Swimming can be challenging during the day due to rocks and uneven waves. Early mornings (before 9 AM) offer the calmest waters for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Water shoes are recommended.
Playa Camarones features a mix of sand and pebbles, with some rocky areas, especially in the water.
Yes, there are several restaurants located right on the beach, offering dining with ocean views. El Barracuda is noted as a good option.
Horseback riding on the beach is available in the mornings at Playa Camarones, offering a unique way to experience the coastline.
Playa Camarones is generally less crowded than beaches in the Romantic Zone, offering a more relaxed and local atmosphere.
Activities include swimming (best in the morning), paddleboarding, kayaking, horseback riding, and simply relaxing and enjoying the sunset.
While generally safe, the rocky and uneven seabed can make swimming tricky. It's best to be cautious, wear water shoes, and swim in the calmer morning hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are several restaurants directly on Playa Camarones, offering beachfront dining. El Barracuda is a recommended spot. You can also find options along the nearby Malecón.
Yes, you'll find various food vendors on the beach selling snacks and drinks, adding to the local beach experience.
Seafood is a specialty, with options like fish and octopus zarandeado, and camarones cucaracha.
Yes, you can get takeout from nearby restaurants or street food vendors to enjoy on the beach.
Street food vendors and casual beachside eateries offer more affordable options compared to upscale restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The sunsets at Playa Camarones are spectacular and make for incredible photos. The local atmosphere and beach vendors also offer great candid shots.
Yes, with its long stretch of sand, gentle waves (in the morning), and vibrant sunsets, Playa Camarones offers many picturesque scenes.
Early mornings offer soft light for activities, while late afternoons and evenings are perfect for capturing the dramatic colors of the sunset.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances before flying a drone in this area.
The rocky outcrops and the general expanse of the beach provide varied backdrops. Keep an eye out for local fishermen or beachgoers for authentic shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are beachfront restaurants offering convenient dining options, and local vendors provide chair and umbrella rentals for a comfortable family outing. The proximity to the Malecón also means you can easily combine a beach visit with other family-friendly activities in Puerto Vallarta.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are beachfront restaurants, exploring street food vendors or opting for takeout from casual eateries will provide more economical dining options. The beach itself offers plenty of opportunities for free enjoyment, from sunbathing to sunset watching.
couples
Consider a beachfront dinner at one of the local restaurants, like El Barracuda, for a memorable dining experience with ocean views. The availability of chair and umbrella rentals allows for a relaxed afternoon of sunbathing and conversation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Playa Camarones: From Rocks to Relaxation
For those seeking a smoother swimming experience, the early morning hours before 9 AM are ideal. During this time, the waters are significantly calmer, perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or a peaceful swim. This also presents opportunities for horseback riding along the shore. The beach is also a popular spot for sunset watchers, offering a beautiful backdrop as the day ends.
Accessibility is a strong point for Playa Camarones. It's conveniently located just north of the Malecón, with underground parking available nearby, making it easy to access whether you're walking, taking a taxi, or driving. The presence of local vendors offering chair and umbrella rentals, along with beachfront restaurants like El Barracuda, adds to the convenience and enjoyment of a day spent here.
Beyond the Beach: Local Life and Nearby Gems
While Playa Camarones itself offers a relaxed setting, Puerto Vallarta boasts other notable beaches nearby. Playa Punta Negra is a recommended spot, accessible by a short car ride and known for its beauty. Further south, Boca de Tomatlán offers a charming fishing village feel and is a departure point for water taxis to more secluded beaches like Las Ánimas.
For those interested in unique accommodations, areas around Puerto Vallarta, including near Playa Camarones, feature Airbnb rentals that offer beachfront or jungle experiences, perfect for families or groups looking for a private getaway. These options highlight the diverse range of experiences available in the Puerto Vallarta region, extending beyond just the main tourist beaches.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit