Puerto Vallarta's most beloved and vibrant beach stretches 630 meters of golden sand, offering calm swimming waters, beach clubs, sun loungers, and a busy pier. Its colorful pier arch and nearby bohemian Zona Romántica neighborhood make it a favorite gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
Los Muertos Beach fronts Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romántica neighborhood and is the city's most popular stretch of sand, running about 630 meters along Olas Altas with generally calm, swimmable water protected by the curve of Banderas Bay. Beach clubs and restaurants line the boardwalk behind the sand, renting loungers and umbrellas and serving food and drinks table-side, while the beach's pier, rebuilt with a distinctive whale-tail arch, extends into the bay and has become one of the most photographed spots in the city, especially at sunset. Visitors typically spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day, moving between swimming, a beach club lounger, and the surrounding Zona Romántica for lunch or shopping. The beach can be walked end to end from the pier to the Los Muertos steps in about 15 minutes, but most people plant themselves at one spot for hours. Mornings before 10AM are quietest with the most open lounger space, while afternoons draw the biggest crowds of sunbathers, vendors, and, in season, whale-watching tour groups departing nearby.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours; beach clubs 9AM-10PM
- Best time
- morning
- Best for
- beach lovers, couples, LGBTQ+ travelers, solo travelers
Location
Playa Los Muertos, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
20.5970, -105.2337 View on map
Highlights
- 630-meter stretch of sand with calm, swimmable water
- Whale-tail pier arch popular for sunset photos
- Beach clubs and restaurants lining the Olas Altas boardwalk
- Direct access to the Zona Romántica dining and nightlife district
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 10AM for the best sun lounger spots
- The pier at sunset is an Instagram hotspot
When to visit
Morning before 10AM is quietest for loungers; sunset is the busiest and most photographed time at the pier.
Accessibility
The boardwalk behind the beach is paved and wheelchair accessible, though the sand itself requires beach wheelchairs or assistance for full mobility access.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Visits range from a couple of hours to a full day, depending on whether visitors settle in at a beach club.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the calm water and gentle sand make it one of the more family-friendly beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is unrestricted on the public beach and pier, which is a popular spot for sunset pictures.