San Francisco Beach Travel Guide

San Francisco Beach Travel Guide

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Beach Destinations Near San Francisco

Travel Guides Near San Francisco

Mexico Beach Subregions

Beach Travel Destinations

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People on the beach watch the sun set in San Francisco, Mexico
Watching the sun set in San Francisco, Mexico (courtesy, Nayarit Secretariat of Tourism)
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San Francisco Beach Travel Tips

By Gary Chandler

  • Refer to San Francisco as San Pancho, its common Mexican nickname, to avoid strange looks.
  • Backed by a pleasant little village, this expansive beach has fine sand and few tourists.
  • Know your geography: San Pancho faces the open ocean and the surf can be quite rough.
  • Although very close to each other, San Pancho and Puerto Vallarta—including its international airport—are in different states and different time zones.

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1 Questions | 0 Answers
  • I will be travelling up the Calif. coast from Monterey in Sept. I am looking for some out of the way bars, places, beaches south of San Fran but not too close to the city for I like the non- bustling atomosphere. I am very very flexible with effort and ability--no wimp--- and have travelled and camped all over the country. I own property in the central coast area so I am looking for good adventure areas as well as secluded beaches. In land in these areas I would also like to explore---no fancy stuff. Just unique areas---possibly a pirate bar or two on or right near the coast above monetery --below San Fran
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San Francisco Travel Tips

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  • On a day when the surf at the main beach is too rough, walk to the end of the beach towards the South, and easily climb over the rocks to get to the more protected swimming area where the fishing boats are pulled up on the beach and there's good relaxing swimming to be had.
    Submitted by Emma, Los Angeles, CA
  • Make sure to catch the sunset over the ocean and the whole town at the hilltop restaurant Cafe del Mar at the corner of the streets Asia and China.
    Submitted by Emma, Los Angeles, CA
  • Read colorful news articles and interviews from the town published weekly at www.sanpancholife.com to get yourself oriented before you arrive.
    Submitted by Emma, Los Angeles, CA
  • Volunteer with EntreAmigos during your stay to get a feel for the unique spirit and activism in San Pancho.
    Submitted by Emma, Los Angeles, CA
  • Make sure to stake out a lounge chair at sunset in front of beach restaurant La Perla with a tropical cocktail while you watch local professional surfers in the waves and others playing fantastic beach volleyball.
    Submitted by Emma, Los Angeles, CA

Hotels

Bungalows Lydia

n/a
San Francisco Map

Distance: 0.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
from: $160

Villa Premiere Hotel and Spa Adults Only

Calle San Salvador 117
Puerto Vallarta 48350 Map

Distance: 23.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
4.0
from: $119

Marriott CasaMagna Resort Puerto Vallarta

Best Resorts & Lodges
Paseo de la Marina Number 5
Puerto Vallarta 48300 Map

Distance: 24.2 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
4.0
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Attractions

San Pancho

expert favorite attraction
Nayarit
San Francisco, Mexico

Distance: 1.2 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Backed by a pleasant little village, this expansive beach has fine, nearly white sand and few... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Playa Mismaloya

expert favorite attraction
Highway 200 Sur Km 11.5
48300

Distance: 22.8 mi. (from destination center)
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

Playa Principal

Main Beach
San Francisco, Mexico

Distance: 0.0 mi. (from destination center)

Description: San Pancho's playa principal (main beach) is a long swath of thick golden sand, pounded by... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
4_0
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Airports

Major Airports near San Francisco
We're sorry, we do not show any major airports within close proximity to this city.

Other Smaller Airports near San Francisco

Distance (mi.)
Puerto Vallarta Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Airport 20.5 map
Guadalajara Miguel Hidalgo Airport 135.0 map
Mazatlan Gen Rafael Buelna Airport 173.1 map

Feature Articles

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San Francisco Vacation Rentals

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Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Sleeps: 8
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Casa Melissa

Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Sleeps: 8
Amenities: Air Conditioning, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Ceiling fans, DVD Player, Full kitchen, Internet Access, Laundry, Oceanfront, Restaurant, Stereo, Swimming Pool, TV, VCR, Wireless Internet Access
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from: $595

Rancho Cascaditas

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 4
Sleeps: 6
Amenities: Air Conditioning, Fireplace, Jacuzzi
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