Overview

Punta Mita crowns the northern rim of Bahía de Banderas with a 1,500-acre peninsula framed by palm-lined coves, Pacific surf, and low-rise luxury resorts. Surrounded on three sides by ocean, this once-sleepy fishing village has become a premier destination for relaxation and adventure. Guarded by a gated entry yet edged with swimmable public beaches, Punta Mita blends five-star indulgence with small-town sunsets: golfers tee off beside crashing waves; panga captains haul dorado at dawn; and every evening ends with pelicans skimming a pink horizon.

The peninsula is home to two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, upscale beachfront dining, and access to the protected Marietas Islands, where snorkelers explore coral beds and volcanic sea caves.

History and Culture

The name "Mita" derives from the Náhuatl word for "gateway to paradise." Long before luxury brands arrived, coastal Cora and Huichol communities lived here, trading shells and salt and leaving petroglyphs on shoreline rocks near Careyeros Hill. In the 1500s, Spanish ships paused in these waters for fresh water before sailing west to the Philippines. For much of the 20th century, the land supported coconut plantations and artisanal fishing. That changed in 1999 when development began on what is now a master-planned resort hub. Yet despite the exclusivity, many Punta Mita residents still fish by hand and host annual processions like the Feast of Saint Francis, honoring old rhythms beneath a polished surface.

Weather

Days in Punta Mita hover in the mid-80s Fahrenheit year-round. From December through May, the air is dry and skies are clear, with evenings cooling to the mid-60s, ideal for outdoor dining and whale watching. From June through October, humidity rises and short afternoon showers sweep across the hills, greening golf courses and jungled trails. Though late August into early October carries the highest chance for hurricanes, serious storms are rare. Sea breezes help balance the heat; bring airy layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light jacket for winter nights on the beach.

Must-See Sights in Punta Mita

A few sights should be on your radar. Let's start with El Anclote Beach: a broad, mellow cove perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or learning to surf. The beach is lined with seafood palapas and small hotels; it's also the departure point for many boat tours. Then, offshore, there's Islas Marietas National Park. These volcanic islets feature sea caves, coral beds, and the famous Hidden Beach. Permitted boats (200–300 MXP, approx. $11–$16 USD) often spot dolphins or humpbacks along the way.

Two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses (the Punta Mita Golf Club) anchor the peninsula. The Pacifico Course is home to "Tail of the Whale," a natural island green. The Bahia Course climbs through jungle ridges with dramatic ocean views.

Cerro del Mono, also known as Monkey Mountain, is a moderate hike that begins just outside Punta Mita. The summit offers panoramic views of the peninsula and coastline; guided tours are available from local outfitters.

Finally, take some time out for Kupuri Beach. It's a quieter, swimmable beach popular with families and villa guests, shaded by palapas and fronted by calm water. It's home to one of Punta Mita's most exclusive beach clubs.

Activities

Mornings begin with yoga or paddleboard sessions off Kupuri Beach. El Anclote offers gentle waves for first-time surfers, while more seasoned riders charter boats to La Lancha, known for its peeling lefts. From December to March, whale watching tours depart daily, often catching glimpses of humpbacks breaching offshore. Anglers head out at dawn for roosterfish, dorado, and tuna (350–450 MXP per hour, ~ $19–$24). Inland, horseback rides and ATV tours pass blooming tabachín trees and thatched-roof ranches near Higuera Blanca. For a slower pace, join a cooking class or Huichol beading workshop at Mita Aventuras, a community-based experience hub.

Shopping

Punta Mita Village offers compact but stylish shopping, with boutiques like MITA MITA curating airy linen dresses and beaded bags. Mita Vinos stocks fine tequilas and small-batch Mexican wines, while Jane Maroni Organic Designs (two locations within a short ride of Punta Mita) offers handmade jewelry crafted from river stones and silver. Friday markets in Plaza Ollin feature woven beach totes, embroidered caftans, and huaraches sized to order by local artisans.

Nightlife

Evenings start with tamarind margaritas at La Rústica, where wood-fired pizza and indie playlists draw a mellow crowd. Rooftop drinks and ocean views await at Sea Breeze Beach Club (St. Regis Punta Mita), while Mita Mary's serves cocktails and ceviche right from the seaside. Late-night revelry is rare here, but weekends can stretch past midnight with live jazz at Hectors Kitchen or DJ sets at Punta Mercedes, a newer lounge attracting both locals and travelers.

Food & Drink

Seafood leads the menu across Punta Mita: grilled pescado zarandeado smoked over mangrove wood, citrusy aguachile spiked with serrano, and tacos stuffed with smoked marlín. Upscale restaurants like Casa dos Vistas and Casa Teresa reinterpret regional flavors (think hibiscus-glazed pork belly or beetroot ceviche with mezcal foam). The latter restaurant envisions the local flavors with an Italian twist.

Beach palapas serve fresh oysters by the dozen, while juice bars press tuba (fermented coconut water) sweetened with piloncillo. Finish with a cup of café de olla or a scoop of nieve de garrafa churned with coconut and lime.