Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead), Puerto Vallarta
Beach of the Dead is one of Puerto Vallarta鈥檚 most iconic and talked-about beaches鈥攏ot only for its vibrant energy and golden shoreline, but also for its curious name. Located just south of the famed Boardwalk, the beach features a dramatic pier, shaded palapas, and a festive atmosphere filled with vendors selling grilled seafood, chilled tuba drinks, and fruit topped with lime and chili. Musicians drift from group to group playing traditional tunes, while beachgoers relax in the sun, splash in the bay鈥檚 calm waters, or enjoy a massage by the shore. Despite attempts in the past to rename it, locals resisted, and the original name remains鈥攐ne that inspires more curiosity than solemnity.
Historically, Beach of the Dead has been a cherished spot for locals since long before Puerto Vallarta鈥檚 rise as a tourist destination. In the 1950s and early 鈥�60s, families would flock here on Sundays for homemade taco picnics, shaded by palm-leaf shelters. Children played in the clean, shallow surf, watched over by their parents, while the only water running into the sea came from gravity-fed showers up the River Cuale. Long before sunscreen and speedboats, the beach carried the aroma of sea breeze, grilled fish, and salt鈥攎arking it as a place of joy and community.
Today, Beach of the Dead remains a lively hub, popular among all visitors, thanks to its welcoming beach clubs and colorful vibe. It鈥檚 also home to the original 鈥淏oy on the Seahorse鈥� sculpture by Rafael Zamarripa, an emblem of the city since 1968. On weekends, nearby farmers markets add to the charm, offering fresh snacks and souvenirs. While many still wonder about the beach鈥檚 spooky name, locals associate it with fond memories, not funerals鈥攎aking it a place where tradition, culture, and fun live on.
Historically, Beach of the Dead has been a cherished spot for locals since long before Puerto Vallarta鈥檚 rise as a tourist destination. In the 1950s and early 鈥�60s, families would flock here on Sundays for homemade taco picnics, shaded by palm-leaf shelters. Children played in the clean, shallow surf, watched over by their parents, while the only water running into the sea came from gravity-fed showers up the River Cuale. Long before sunscreen and speedboats, the beach carried the aroma of sea breeze, grilled fish, and salt鈥攎arking it as a place of joy and community.
Today, Beach of the Dead remains a lively hub, popular among all visitors, thanks to its welcoming beach clubs and colorful vibe. It鈥檚 also home to the original 鈥淏oy on the Seahorse鈥� sculpture by Rafael Zamarripa, an emblem of the city since 1968. On weekends, nearby farmers markets add to the charm, offering fresh snacks and souvenirs. While many still wonder about the beach鈥檚 spooky name, locals associate it with fond memories, not funerals鈥攎aking it a place where tradition, culture, and fun live on.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Puerto Vallarta. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead) on Map
Sight Name: Playa de los Muertos (Beach of the Dead)
Sight Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (See walking tours in Puerto Vallarta)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (See walking tours in Puerto Vallarta)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Puerto Vallarta
Creating your own self-guided walk in Puerto Vallarta is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Puerto Vallarta Introduction Walking Tour
Puerto Vallarta is defined by the natural charm of its beaches embraced by the Sierra Madre mountains; the essence of its culture, gastronomy and traditions; and the warmth and hospitality of being welcomed like a friend. This magical destination has an authentic Mexican taste and spirit. ***PH***
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles