Things to Do in San Pancho
San Pancho is much more than a beautiful beach town. Depending on the season, you might watch humpback whales just offshore, help release newly hatched sea turtles, attend a polo match or music festival, or spend the day surfing, hiking or exploring the jungle.
And when you feel like doing very little, there’s always the long sandy beach, a good restaurant, live music, or a sunset margarita waiting in town.
Whales, Turtles & Wildlife
From December through March, humpback whales migrate along the coast. You may spot them right from Casa Melissa’s terrace, or take a boat trip for a closer look.
From July through December, San Pancho’s sea turtle conservation project protects nests along the beach and releases newly hatched turtles into the ocean. When releases are taking place, visitors can participate—an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.
San Pancho is also a wonderful destination for birdwatchers. Tropical birds frequently fly past Casa Melissa at eye level, and the San Pancho Bird Observatory offers another opportunity to discover the remarkable birdlife of the region. Local guides offer everything from short introductory birding walks to more extensive outings for serious birders.
Orchids, Polo & Music
Just north of town, La Perla Orchid Farm makes a lovely excursion for anyone interested in tropical plants and gardens. Its collection of orchids is set in the lush landscape surrounding San Pancho.
Polo is another unexpected part of life here. Tierra Tropical Polo Club hosts matches and exhibitions during the season—a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or early evening.
Every February, the San Pancho Music Festival brings musicians and music lovers together for several days of performances and gives the whole town an especially festive energy.
Beach & Outdoor Adventures
San Pancho’s wide sandy beach stretches for more than a mile and is wonderful for long walks, watching the sunset or simply spending the day beside the ocean.
For something more active, there’s surfing, hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing. Horseback rides take you along the beach and onto quiet jungle roads and trails surrounding town.
A Town with a Creative Spirit
One of the pleasures of San Pancho is simply spending time in town. You’ll find yoga and Pilates, massage, galleries and small shops, along with a surprisingly varied restaurant scene. Sample locally made craft beer, stop for a mezcal tasting, or wander into town for dinner. Live music is a regular part of evenings at many local restaurants and gathering places.
San Pancho also has a strong tradition of community and creativity. Entreamigos is a local nonprofit and community center with innovative education and recycling programs and a shop featuring locally made and up-cycled goods.
And then there is Circo de los Niños, San Pancho’s circus arts program for local children and young people. It was started by Gilles Ste-Croix, co-founder and former Creative Director of Cirque du Soleil, and his wife, Monique Voyer. Their shows combine circus, dance, acrobatics, and theater, providing wonderful entertainment for adults and children alike while supporting a much-loved local program.
Explore a Little Farther
If you feel like venturing beyond San Pancho, there is plenty to explore.
Sayulita, just to the south, is known for surfing, shopping and its lively atmosphere. Continue south toward Punta de Mita for beaches, snorkeling, restaurants and golf.
For a very different day trip, head north to historic San Blas, known for its birdlife and boat trips through mangrove estuaries. Or Puerto Vallarta offers a complete change of pace, with extensive shopping, restaurants, galleries and nightlife.