Looking for the best beachfront bars in Puerto Vallarta? From barefoot hangouts to bougie beach clubs, here are personal favorites where the drinks are strong, the sunsets unforgettable, and the vibes are pure Vallarta.
There’s something about Puerto Vallarta that just begs for a drink at golden hour. Maybe it’s the way the sun melts into the Pacific like it’s being swallowed whole. Maybe it’s the mix of reggae, mariachi, and crashing waves. Or maybe it’s just that life here feels like a permanent vacation, even when you live here full time.
As someone who called Vallarta home for over 15 years, I can tell you this: the city knows how to do beachfront bars. Whether you’re after a cold beer and bare feet in the sand, a mojito with live salsa music, or a craft cocktail under twinkling lights — there’s a spot for that. And the best part? These bars aren’t just for tourists. They’re woven into the fabric of daily life, where locals and expats gather, lovers meet, birthdays are toasted, and hangovers are earned.
Here’s my personal guide to Puerto Vallarta’s best beachfront bars, from the casual to the classy, the rowdy to the romantic — and a few hidden gems you might not find in the guidebooks.
El Solar – Where Locals and Expats Collide
Let’s start with the place I probably spent way too much time at: El Solar. Located right on Playa Camarones in downtown Vallarta, this beach bar is a vibe. Picture mismatched beach chairs, cold beers, fish tacos, DJs spinning lo-fi beats as the sun sets — and a crowd that’s refreshingly mixed.
This is where you’ll find expats who’ve lived here for years rubbing shoulders with tatted-up locals, visiting surfers, and off-duty bartenders. No shoes required. No attitude allowed.
The drinks aren’t fancy, but they’re solid. My go-to? A mezcal margarita with a salt rim, paired with their grilled octopus tostadas. They also make a killer michelada if you’re feeling the aftermath of the night before.
Best time to go: Late afternoon for sunset, especially on weekends when the DJ brings chill energy.
Address: Paraguay 1294, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Mantamar Beach Club – Gay, Glamorous, and Unapologetically Extra
If El Solar is flip-flops and faded tattoos, Mantamar is muscle boys and designer speedos. And I love it for exactly that.
Located right in the heart of the Zona Romántica, this gay beach club is where the party really kicks off. Think bottle service, go-go dancers, infinity pools, and a DJ that turns up the energy as the sun goes down. But even if you’re not looking to dance shirtless until midnight, you can still enjoy Mantamar for its beachfront loungers, strong cocktails, and panoramic ocean views.
Yes, it’s more expensive than your average beach bar — and yes, sometimes the crowd gets a little… over the top — but that’s the fun of it. It’s unapologetically fabulous.
What to order: The frozen mango mezcalitas. Dangerous in the best way.
Pro tip: Reserve a daybed if you’re planning to spend the whole day. And don’t forget sunscreen — this is not the place for tan lines.
Address: Malecón 169, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Swell Beach Bar – No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem
Swell is one of those places you stumble into barefoot, sunburned, and ready for “just one more” drink… and somehow end up staying for four hours.
Located on Los Muertos Beach, it’s got a chill, surfy vibe with just enough bustle to feel social, but never overwhelming. The staff are friendly without being fake, the chairs are actually comfortable (a rarity!), and the people-watching is chef’s kiss.
It’s not fancy — the plastic menus are faded, the margaritas come in pint glasses, and there’s always sand on your seat. But it’s the kind of casual perfection that Vallarta does best.
My drink order: Pacifico with a shot of tequila on the side. Classic.
Food rec: Their coconut shrimp is solid, especially if you’re splitting with friends.
Bonus: Great place to strike up conversations with strangers. Some of my closest PV friendships started here.
Address: Amapas 182, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
La Palapa – Bougie but Worth It
Alright, let’s talk La Palapa. If most beach bars are the charming divey type, this one is the grown-up with good lighting and linen pants.
Located right on Playa Los Muertos, La Palapa is upscale without being pretentious. You can sit literally on the sand with your feet tucked under the table, sipping a signature cocktail and nibbling on tuna tartare while a live band plays something jazzy.
It’s the perfect date spot. I’ve had first dates, anniversary dinners, and even one very romantic break-up here (yes, it was still classy). The view at sunset is unbeatable, and their wine list is surprisingly good.
Try: Their jalapeño cucumber martini or a caipirinha — both dangerously refreshing.
Pro tip: Go during happy hour (usually 3–5 PM) for better prices on drinks and apps.
Address: Púlpito 105-3, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Cuates y Cuetes – Music, Magic, and Margaritas
If you’re a live music lover, Cuates y Cuetes is your jam. Literally.
Tucked in next to the pier at Playa Los Muertos, this unpretentious bar has a little bit of everything — cheap beer, a million kinds of margaritas, fantastic guacamole, and live jazz or Latin music nearly every night.
The tables spill onto the sand, often filled with a mix of old-school locals, long-time expats, and travelers who just wandered over after a swim. It has a warm, bohemian feel — the kind of place where a spontaneous drum circle wouldn’t feel out of place.
Best time to go: Sunset, especially when there’s a band. Order a margarita and let the music do the rest.
Address: Francisca Rodríguez 101, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
The Blue Shrimp – Family-Friendly Fun with Killer Cocktails
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s named after a crustacean. But The Blue Shrimp is actually a pretty solid beachfront bar/restaurant — especially if you’ve got a crew with mixed tastes.
It’s big, open-air, and right on the beach. Their cocktail menu is surprisingly creative (they do a tamarind margarita that’s out of this world), and the staff are always game for a laugh. You can get everything from nachos to filet mignon, and it’s one of the few places where you can sit with a giant group and not feel like you’re overwhelming the staff.
Also: they don’t skimp on the tequila pours.
Great for: Birthday dinners, big friend groups, or when you just want a dependable spot with strong drinks and a beach view.
Address: Olas Altas 336, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48328 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Langostinos – Underrated, Unfussy, Unbelievably Relaxing
Langostinos is like that bar your cool aunt used to take you to. It’s low-key, right on the water, and never trying too hard. The chairs are those classic yellow-striped loungers that scream “holiday.” The beers are ice cold. And the view? Pure ocean therapy.
It’s one of the few places that manages to feel both nostalgic and timeless. I’ve had everything from lazy solo afternoons here to messy nights with tequila and new friends.
Get: A margarita (simple, classic, lime-forward), and their shrimp tacos.
Secret tip: They serve a mean Bloody Mary in the mornings — spicy, salty, and guaranteed to cure whatever you got into the night before.
Address: Playa de los Muertos, Manuel M. Dieguez 109, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Barracuda – Northside Cool with Killer Ceviche
Over on Playa Camarones (yes, again — it’s that good), Barracuda is a local legend. It’s where you go when you want fresh seafood, an ocean breeze, and a cold drink — minus the frills.
Their fish tacos and ceviche are some of the best in the city. Their cocktails are simple but well-made (try the passionfruit mojito), and the crowd skews younger, artsier, and more local. It’s a great place to catch the sunset, listen to music, and eavesdrop on the couple next to you (no judgment — we all do it).
Side note: Right next door is El Barracuda’s sister cocktail bar, El Habanero, which is a tiny mezcal-forward spot tucked into a palm grove. It’s intimate, a little weird, and totally awesome.
Address: Paraguay 1290, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.
Xalli Club – A Little Secret Worth Finding
Okay, I debated whether to include this one — mostly because I kind of want to keep it to myself — but it’s too good not to share.
Xalli Club is a tucked-away beachfront bar south of town (between Conchas Chinas and Mismaloya). It’s smaller, quieter, and feels like a secret retreat. They’ve got hammocks, hand-crafted cocktails, and a rotating menu of locally inspired bites. The music is always just right, the breeze feels cooler, and the crowd is usually chill locals and in-the-know expats.
It’s not easy to get to without a car or taxi, but if you make the effort, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most peaceful beachfront bars in the Vallarta area.
Final Thoughts: Find Your Spot, Find Your Rhythm
One of the things I love most about Puerto Vallarta is how easy it is to find your place. Whether you’re the type who wants DJ-fueled beach parties, quiet mojitos with your Kindle, or sunset margaritas with your toes in the sand — there’s a beachfront bar with your name on it.
And the beauty is, your favorite spot might not be the flashiest or the most Instagrammable — it might be the one where the bartender remembers your name, where the fish tacos hit just right, or where you once watched a thunderstorm roll in with a stranger who became a friend.
So take your time, wander the beach, and try a little bit of everything. That’s the Vallarta way.
Looking for the best beachfront bars in Puerto Vallarta? From barefoot hangouts to bougie beach clubs, here are personal favorites where the drinks . . .
