I skipped Mexico's party cities for this under-the-radar beach town that feels like a secret. I think it should be on every travel list in 2023.

Lisa Marion SmithJan 21, 2023, 16:44 IST

The author on the beach in San Pancho, Mexico.Lisa Marion Smith

While looking for a weekend getaway on Mexico's Pacific coast, my first thought was Puerto Vallarta.
But I realized it wasn't the intimate vibe I wanted. Friends suggested a small surf town: San Pancho

Craving a beach getaway, I wanted to plan a trip to Mexico that would be relatively cheap and easy to reach from my home in Los Angeles.

The welcome sign at the beach in San Pancho.Lisa Marion Smith

San Pancho is just 33 miles from Puerto Vallarta, but I thought it felt a world away.

Surfers and dogs share the sand in San Pancho.Lisa Marion Smith

I stayed in Agua de Luna Boutique Hotel in San Pancho. I thought it was an architectural jewel that exemplified the town's ethos of sustainability and character of quiet coastal cool.

The lobby at Agua de Luna Boutique Hotel in San Pancho.Lisa Marion Smith

I stayed in Agua de Luna Boutique Hotel in San Pancho. I thought it was an architectural jewel that exemplified the town's ethos of sustainability and character of quiet coastal cool.

Every morning, I started my day with cappuccinos to-go to bring back to my private balcony.

The ground floor of the coffee shop at Agua de Luna Boutique Hotel in San Pancho.Lisa Marion Smith

I thought that the hotel was ideal for a water lover like me. It was a short walk to the beach and had multiple spaces for swimming.

The backyard pool at Agua de Luna Boutique Hotel.Lisa Marion Smith

While I enjoyed the pool and beach, the two rooftop hot tubs were my favorite spots to enjoy an evening glass of wine.

One of two rooftop hot tubs at Agua de Luna Boutique Hotel.Lisa Marion Smith

Beyond the hotel, I was equally impressed by my first impression of San Pancho. I thought it was a laid back, family-friendly beach town with good restaurants and shopping.

Diners enjoying lunch on the beach in San Pancho.Lisa Marion Smith

Beyond the hotel, I was equally impressed by my first impression of San Pancho. I thought it was a laid back, family-friendly beach town with good restaurants and shopping.

While I'm sure Puerto Vallarta offers plenty of shopping, I suspect I got more for my money in San Pancho.

Blankets for sale on the streets of San Pancho.Lisa Marion Smith

I learned that surfing is a big draw in San Pancho and saw many shops in town and huts on the beach offering rentals and lessons.

Shops and huts on the beach in San Pancho offer surf gear and lessons.Lisa Marion Smith

I saw surfers and beachcombers share the sand with the local dogs, who were always up for a game of fetch.

The author on the beach in San Pancho, Mexico.Lisa Marion Smith

Everywhere I went, local fish was on the menu with oysters, shrimp, and mahi-mahi all available right on the beach.

Fresh local oysters purchased on the beach in San Pancho.Lisa Marion Smith

The most raucous nightlife I found in San Pancho were the roosters who crow through the night.

A rooster and chickens on the street in San Pancho.Lisa Marion Smith

I was so impressed by my visit, I'm already planning another trip back to San Pancho.

Sunset swimming and surfing in San Pancho.Lisa Marion Smith

I asked ChatGPT for real-estate advice, and it's not a bad starting point if you have no idea where to begin

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I skipped Mexico's party cities for this under-the-radar beach town that feels like a secret. I think it should be on every travel list in 2023.

Craving a beach getaway, I wanted to plan a trip to Mexico that would be relatively cheap and easy to reach from my home in Los Angeles.

San Pancho is just 33 miles from Puerto Vallarta, but I thought it felt a world away.

I stayed in Agua de Luna Boutique Hotel in San Pancho. I thought it was an architectural jewel that exemplified the town's ethos of sustainability and character of quiet coastal cool.

Every morning, I started my day with cappuccinos to-go to bring back to my private balcony.

I thought that the hotel was ideal for a water lover like me. It was a short walk to the beach and had multiple spaces for swimming.

While I enjoyed the pool and beach, the two rooftop hot tubs were my favorite spots to enjoy an evening glass of wine.

Beyond the hotel, I was equally impressed by my first impression of San Pancho. I thought it was a laid back, family-friendly beach town with good restaurants and shopping.

While I'm sure Puerto Vallarta offers plenty of shopping, I suspect I got more for my money in San Pancho.

I learned that surfing is a big draw in San Pancho and saw many shops in town and huts on the beach offering rentals and lessons.

I saw surfers and beachcombers share the sand with the local dogs, who were always up for a game of fetch.

Everywhere I went, local fish was on the menu with oysters, shrimp, and mahi-mahi all available right on the beach.

The most raucous nightlife I found in San Pancho were the roosters who crow through the night.

I was so impressed by my visit, I'm already planning another trip back to San Pancho.