The Low-Down on Low Season – What To Do & Where to Go
Low season in Sayulita— often when we think of low season, we tend to think of the excruciating humidity, the rainy, sloppy streets that so quickly turn to muck, the businesses that close, the quiet streets, and the idea that this may be the time to get out of town.
However, like me, many residents of Sayulita find excitement in the peacefulness that is low season. In fact, I personally think it is the best time of year to be here; with less tourists and calmer streets, low season allows you to experience a different Sayulita, maybe one you haven’t yet seen. Yes, it rains. Yes, some businesses do close. And yes, it is hot, at times unbearably so; in the summer in Sayulita, simply breathing equates non-stop sweating. Nonetheless, because of this, my personal mantra has always been that here in Sayulita, to sweat means to be alive—and how beautiful it is to have a daily reminder of the splendor of being alive in Sayulita.
There is still so much to do in our little pueblo during the summer months. Do not let the slowing of tourism and the increase in rain and humidity scare you away—low season has just as much to offer as any other time of year in Sayulita. Here is the low-down on low season so that you can make the most of this special time in Sayulita.
–El Centro Creativo, Sayulita’s community center, is open year round, rain or shine. They have weekly workshops in the summer, including arts and crafts, as well as Friday night movie nights, which is open to all ages. Best of all, most of these workshops are totally free to the community! El Centro will also have their “Mar y Vida” camp from July 2nd-July 6th for kids age eight-twelve years old. The camp is free and will have a mixture of workshops and events. Check out their Facebook page for more information and a detailed schedule.
-A great way to spend a rainy or cloudy evening is to snuggle up and watch a movie. Palmar Trapiche has movie nights every week on Wednesdays. The films usually begin around 9:00 p.m. or whenever it gets dark. Come and watch a movie under the beautiful palm groves and enjoy a delicious beverage and food. Check out their Facebook page for updates on movie titles and playing times.
–Xymena’z Restaurant at the new El Pueblito Hotel has delicious food in a beautiful setting (the guacamole is to die for). Xymena’z has a wonderful happy hour every single day of the week from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Furthermore, if you are looking for an escape from the heat, you can enjoy the hotel pool by making use of their all-inclusive day-passes. For $300 pesos you can buy a day-pass which grants access to use of the pool, and includes food and a beverage during your stay.
–Don Pedro’s restaurant will continue to have salsa night until the middle of July. This is something you must experience! The live salsa music with salsa dancing usually starts around 8:30 p.m. and ends around 11:00 p.m. Make Monday the new Friday! First, treat yourself to a tasty dinner on their beautiful terrace overlooking the beach, watch the sun set over the ocean while enjoying the rhythm and soul of live salsa music from their very talented local band, then have a margarita and hit the dance floor! The after party at Don Pato’s bar continues the dance party if you haven’t gotten enough of your Salsa fix.
-If you need an escape from the rain, or are looking for fun, Matiz Restaurant has dance classes (such as Salsa and Bachata) every week on Thursday nights. Additionally, Thursday is “ladies night”, offering ladies a special treat of 2×1 drink specials and tapas.
-If you are a soccer fan, then you know that the World Cup is currently going on until July 15th. Not only is watching the games a fun way to enjoy the day, but it is a wonderful way to bring people and cultures together through the love of soccer. Going to watch a game is the perfect way to spend a hot or rainy day. A great place to view the games is at La Rustica. While enjoying delicious Italian food, craft beer and cocktails, you can watch the games from their big screen, or from one of their large TVs. They have a full bar and kids are also welcome.
–Coco’s Sports Bar (as indicated by the name) is a bar for sports fans of all kinds. Not only do they show games on numerous screens, they have pool tables, darts, and a large drink selection. If the rain is getting you down, take cover inside Cocos Sports
–Public House is one of Sayulita’s only Euro-style pubs. Public house is open year round and also plays World Cup games and other sports on their screens. They have indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar, and a menu including appetizers and main dishes. Take advantage of their “Tequila Tuesdays”, with specials on Tequila and half-off on appetizers with the purchase of a tequila. Enjoy a beer, play a game of pool, or watch your favorite team in action.
–Chillum Surf House has live music on both Monday and Thursday nights starting around 9:30 p.m. The type of music ranges from salsa and reggaeton, to hip hop and rap. They also have a delicious sushi menu year round.
-Want to spend a day trying something new and getting in touch with your artistic side? Check out Mosaico Workshops Sayulita. Mosaico Workshops Sayulita is an art school open daily from 11:30-2:30 p.m. They offer fun and creative workshops on making mosaics on all types of mediums, such as a canvas art piece, a mirror, or decorative lettering. Mosaico Workshops are open for all ages. Check out their Facebook Page for information on class times and prices.
-Perfect your palate for tequila and stop by Sayuquila Tequila & Art for a tasting! Sayuquila Tequila & Art offers a wide variety of select tequila, raicilla, and mezcal. Jose is very knowledgeable about his products and will make your tasting experience fun and enjoyable. Drinking and admiring beautiful locally made art at the same time? Why not!
-Another way to escape the rain or heat is to treat yourself to a spa day! Nirvana Spa is open every day of the week, and offers services such as massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials.
-Finally, nothing beats curling up with your favorite book and a delicious cup of coffee. Yah-Yah Café’s new location has a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, an outdoor patio, spacious indoor seating, and free Wi-Fi. Yah-Yah Cafe uses 100% Mexican beans in roasting their coffee, and they have a wide selection of baked goods and home-made desserts goods to satisfy your taste buds. Gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options are also available.
So there you have it Sayulita: the full low-down on low season. As you can see, low season in Sayulita doesn’t mean you’ll be feeling low! Low season in Sayulita has plenty to offer so that you can stay busy, have fun, and enjoy new experiences—it is just up to you to make the most of it!
Written by Aanya Sheik Taheri
Photos by Ed Dorsett