San Francisco offers a slice of Mexican coastal life
Nestled on Mexico's sun-kissed central Pacific coast, less than an hour by car from the cosmopolitan resort town of Puerto Vallerta, San Francisco offers an altogether more tranquil ambience than its internationally-renowned neighbor. Also commonly known as San Pancho, this once-sleepy fishing village occupies an idyllic spot, with a stretch of beach on one side, and the lush, expansive Sierra de Vallejo Biosphere Reserve on the other. A laid-pack pace of life prevails, but dynamic dining, music and arts scenes ensure that there's never a dull moment. San Francisco vacation rentals range from cozy condos to opulent beachfront estates.
Art and architecture around San Francisco
You'll find plenty of enthralling attractions within easy reach of your San Francisco vacation rental. The town is scattered with independent galleries and artisan stores such as Luna Layne, where you can peruse and purchase colorful folk art, ceramics and textiles inspired by local traditions and landscapes. Meanwhile, architecture and design buffs should set aside some time to explore nearby Puerto Vallarta. Here, you'll find the dazzling Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with its ornate bell tower, topped with a giant crown. Such established landmarks stand proudly alongside more recent additions to the skyline, like the futuristic Los Muertos pier, with its giant, sail-shaped centerpiece.
Sensational surfing in San Francisco
Once you've set foot on San Francisco's palm-fringed, soft white-sand beach, you might find it hard to tear yourself away. Even at its busiest, you're sure to find a peaceful spot to yourself. Its crashing waves offer prime conditions for thrill-seeking surfers, although beginners may be better off tackling the gentler waters of nearby Sayulita. The town also boasts a scenic seafront golf course. However you choose to spend your day, make sure you're back on the beach in time for sunset, when the sky often turns a breathtaking shade of deep red.
Scorching sunshine in San Francisco
San Francisco is blessed with a tropical climate, ensuring consistently warm weather all year round. San Francisco vacation rentals are in particularly high demand from December to February, when rainfall is low and vacationers flee chillier climes in the northern hemisphere for some much-needed winter sunshine. March and April are also lovely months to visit, with plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies. If you're visiting between June and September, heavy rainfall is probable, although this tends to be concentrated in dramatic downpours, so you'll also most likely enjoy plenty of dry spells.
Exploring the natural landscape of San Francisco
Whether you're an active traveler or just want to appreciate the scenery, San Francisco is a great place to get out in nature. Here are a few of the area's most enchanting natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Sayulita Beach (2.8 mi / 4.5 km)
- Lo de Marcos Beach (5.6 mi / 9.1 km)
- Playa Bucerias (9.8 mi / 15.8 km)
- Destiladeras Beach (10.4 mi / 16.8 km)
- Punta De Mita Beach (10.8 mi / 17.4 km)
- El Anclote Beach (11.2 mi / 18.1 km)
Transportation to and around San Francisco
Fly into Licenciado Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Intl. Airport (PVR), the closest airport, located 18.3 mi (29.5 km) from the city center.