If you absolutely HAD to stay somewhere other than Playa Las Tortugas for a couple nights, our choice would be San Pancho (a.k.a. San Francisco). It’s a charming, bustling beach town with good restaurants, energy, beach, surf and kind people.
San Pancho is 1 1/2 hours from Playa Las Tortugas, and an hour to Puerto Vallarta, making it a nice half-way point. San Pancho is the more mellow neighbor to Sayulita with restaurants, bars and hotels that have a lot of character.
The central part of San Pancho beach is quite busy with beach chairs for rent covering the entire beach and a hotel right up to the sand. But, the very south end is sheltered from the waves and the beach is more gradual and less crowded. The north is a nice option as well.
Where to stay in San Pancho
While you won’t find charming villas thoughtfully spaced out like Playa Las Tortugas, several boutique hotels are a good option. Check out Agua de Luna and Pal.Mar Hotel
For dinner we suggest Su Pancha Madre tucked away on a side street. We loved their sope (like tapas) and they deserve their 4.9 stars. We also recommend lively Maria’s which is right on the main street from the beach. Excellent cooked shrimp and ceviche. For coffee and a slice of cake head to Café Paraíso on the main street.