Favorite Spots in Town
When we host friends in town we like to provide a loose itinerary for their stay. This allows us to guide them while soaking in town at their own pace. Below are a few must do and must see and must eats in town curated by us!
A collection of curated objects at Elote, a favorite spot to shop for home and personal goods.
Welcome drinks:
Kick off your trip with sunset and drinks on the beach. Our favorite spot, Terraya, is to the left once you get to the turn around at the end of the road/ beginning of the beach. You can often find live music playing or a DJ spinning. The food is straightforward yet elevated Mexican beach food basics: fish tacos, tuna tostadas, margaritas and papas fritas. Please note that Terraya is closed on Wednesdays.
First Morning in town:
No matter when you wake up we suggest breakfast, brunch or lunch at hotel Marii’s Cafe Floresta. The chilaquiles are a unique and gorgeous spin on the traditional Mexican breakfast typically loaded with local and seasonal veggies. The funghi toast is also a hit.
Daytime at the beach:
We recommend renting an umbrella and beach chairs so you can spend the afternoon lounging oceanside. Waiters walk along the beach with menus from beachfront restaurants and can bring you food or drink from any of them.
Tacos for dinner:
Any trip to Mexico is not complete with out street tacos. Arbolitos is a large restaurant with ample outdoor seating. Coming back from the beach take a left down Calle Latino America and once you spot the red plastic chairs you have found the perfect casual dinner spot.
Something a little posher:
During a week day visit the beach club, Tierra Tropical, at the north end of town. The beach club has a $25 day pass with private pool and roped off lounge chairs on the beach. Enjoy lunch and happy hour in this posh corner of town. Alternatively, on a weekend visit the sister site of Tierra Tropical tucked away in the jungle is La Patrona Polo Club. Yes, you heard that right. Weekends in San Pancho you can attend brunch on the polo field and catch a match!
Got kids with you?
We highly recommend visiting EntreAmigos the community center in town is full of toys, games, books and daily workshops for kids free of charge. The cafe in the back has an ever changing vegan menu and fresh smoothies and agua frescas.
Additionally, Circo De Los Niños, just next to EntreAmigos offers drop in acrobatics and tumbling classes for kids and families on Saturdays. Their annual show is in March each year and a really beautiful production of Mexican inspired Cirque du Soleil.
Punta las Olas offers childcare most nights in the back of the space. Joanna who runs Corazon del Mar lets about five kids in at a time to the playspace where she has toys, art supplies and movies for kids.
A few other must eat/see/do:
Pizza al Punto is fantastic foccacia style pizza made by Luca and Soleil a couple from Italy.
Cielo Rojo is a hotel with a fantastic restaurant and little gift shop. Their house bottled tequila is extremely good and makes for a great souvenir.
If you need a break from Mexican food check out Arigato on calle Asia. Delicious Japanese hand rolls.
Dough Joe offers donuts, espresso drinks, fresh juices and traditional American breakfast dishes that can rival your favorite spot in the states. We frequent this spot on Saturdays and recommend the classic, the blueberry pancakes and the BLT.
If you are looking for homegoods Elote and Huapango have the best selection of quality artisanal Mexican pieces. Check out Barpango wine bar behind Huapango- open on the weekends.
Habibi opened this year and is located on Calle Africa. It is a more upscale dining program but still a good casual spot for families. Chef Andres cooks up Mediterranean Italian cuisine and is a great departure from tacos when the time finally comes that you want something different.
Maria’s is a classic and iconic San Pancho restaurant. It is run by Maria Garcia a local treasure. If you are looking for traditional Mexican dishes definitely add this to your list.
Ajala is our favorite coffee shop on Tercer Mundo right before you hit the beach. It also offers simple breakfast dishes and the chai is extra yummy.
Lastly, for a special dinner to cap off your trip we suggest Limbo for a beautiful meal. The food is inventive yet comforting. We are always impressed.
Let us know any specific requests or additional favorites you find!
xx Ly
