Playa Las Gemelas, Puerto Vallarta
Escape the busy beaches and murky waters of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and head south of the city to find true peace and beauty at places like Playa Las Gemelas in the Conchas Chinas area. The beach is actually two beaches, which is where the name Las Gemelas (The Twins) actually comes from. They are both short stretches of near-perfect white sand lined by resorts like the Grand Park Royal Puerto Vallarta and the Condiminios Girasol Sur and are open to the public by entering a beach access point on the north beach. The south beach can only be accessed by either staying in one of the resorts or entering through the north beach and climbing over some large rocks. There are very few salesmen at this beach and only one or two vendors are selling coconuts and other refreshments. There are also chairs and tables available for rent from one of the vendors.
It is only a 20-minute ride from the city and is easy to get to by either hopping on a bus or catching an Uber ride. Once you are dropped off you will see that Playa Las Gemelas is surrounded by large luxury beach resorts, just find the staircase in between them and head down. As you descend the stairs you will be blown away as the view opens up to a mesmerizing white sand beach with stunning blue crystal clear water. Find your spot on the beach and relax. Try to get to these beaches early as they tend to fill up as the day goes on.
From Play Las Gemelas you can also hike over to Playa Paredon or Playa La Garza Blanca and enjoy a full day of beach hopping.