I’ve lived in Sayulita for 10 years now, and every high season my house fills up with visiting friends and family. They always ask the same thing: “What should we do?”

Sure, there’s the beach, the surf and the tacos. You’ll do all of that. But these are the experiences I actually book when people come to visit, the ones that show off a side of Sayulita most visitors miss.

1. Explore Sayulita on Horseback

This is so much more than a trail ride. It’s an experience.

Picture riding up to a coffee shop and ordering your latte without ever leaving the saddle. Or following a little hidden jungle trail to a beach you can only reach that way, just in time for sunset. Maybe a margarita is involved.

And the horses are wonderful: happy, healthy and so well cared for. That makes all the difference, especially if you’re riding with kids or it’s your first time in the saddle.

Rides are family-friendly and open to all ages and experience levels, and there are lessons for kids and adults too. My own daughter takes lessons, and she counts down the days.

Book with Surf Cowgirls →

2. Cook and Mix at the Cachasol Culinary Workshop

Just outside town on the Punta Mita highway, Cachasol Farm Distillery hosts a hands-on, 90-minute culinary workshop surrounded by agave fields and gardens.

You’ll pick fresh herbs from the garden, mix two cocktails with Cachasol’s own tequila, make guacamole in a molcajete and try your hand at cooking tortillas on the comal. Then you sit down to eat what you made. Adults also get a taste of raicilla made right on the farm.

Kids 6 and up can join in with mocktails, so it works great for families. It runs every day in the afternoon.

Book the Cachasol Culinary Workshop →

3. Taste Tequila and Mezcal with Taste of Sayulita

This team is SO fun, and they know their tequila and mezcal.

Taste of Sayulita brings a private agave tasting right to your vacation rental, hotel or villa. You’ll try tequila, mezcal or raicilla from small, family-owned producers, served the traditional way in a jícara, with food from the region each spirit comes from. You’ll laugh a lot and leave knowing way more than you expected.

It’s perfect for a group night in, a birthday or any celebration. They also offer private bartending if you’re throwing a party.

Book a tasting with Taste of Sayulita →

4. Have the “ATHEA Experience”

ATHEA makes the best frozen yogurt I’ve ever had. It’s 100% Greek yogurt with no added sugar and no preservatives, and it’s packed with protein, so it’s the perfect afternoon snack after the beach.

My must-order is the Greek Experience: frozen yogurt with Greek olive oil and salt. I know it sounds crazy. Just trust me. I also love the Creamy Pistachio with Baklava.

You’ll find ATHEA on Calle José Mariscal in the center of town.

Visit ATHEA Greek Frozen Yogurt →

5. Switch Up Your Yoga with Private Pilates

Sayulita is a yoga town, and there are some really wonderful studios here. But why not change it up?

Brooke of Bodies By Brooke is a certified personal trainer and Mat Pilates instructor who has lived in Sayulita since 2011. Best part: she comes to you. She’ll set up at your villa or vacation rental and lead your whole group through a fun, challenging class.

It’s a great workout and a super fun group activity, especially for girls’ trips, bachelorettes and family get-togethers. Your whole group will love her.

Book Bodies By Brooke →

Bonus: Traveling with Little Ones?

I have a 5-year-old daughter, so I get it. Sometimes you need a little adult time, even on vacation.

If I were visiting, Ola Nana is who I’d trust with my kid. They offer bilingual babysitting that comes right to your vacation rental, whether it’s for a date night, a day trip or an evening out with friends.

Book Babysitting & Nursery Ola Nana →

High season is one of my favorite times of year in Sayulita. The weather cools down, the town comes alive and there’s something fun happening every night.

If you try any of these, I’d love to hear what you think. See you around town!

Joanna, SayulitaLife