May 14, 2026

Puerto Vallarta for Soccer Fans: The Best Beaches For a Quick Match

I have a revelation for you: the most beautiful soccer stadium on the planet is an open-air venue in Puerto Vallarta. Just picture this: the ball rolls across the soft golden sand, the Pacific Ocean laps at your ankles, and the Jalisco sun bathes you in its warmth.

With the Grand Soccer Fiesta in Guadalajara just around the corner, Puerto Vallarta is rolling out the welcome mat for all those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds—soccer and the beach—in one unforgettable getaway.

If you find yourself drawn to both the ball and the sea, this guide is for you. We present our favorite beaches in Puerto Vallarta for a casual game of soccer below.

Los Muertos Beach

The Most Famous Field in the Romantic Zone

Los Muertos is probably the most famous beach in Puerto Vallarta. It is located at the southern end of the Malecon boardwalk. There, you'll find some of the city's best restaurants, bars, local vendors, and a variety of water activities such as kayak rentals, jet skis, and parasailing.

But what interests us here is something else: its stretch of compact sand and the always festive atmosphere make Los Muertos Beach a natural gathering spot for informal beach soccer matches. The lively atmosphere and iconic sail-shaped pier make it the beating heart of our favorite beaches in Puerto Vallarta. If you're looking for soccer and a great vibe, you have to start here.

Palmares

Soccer in Shades of Gold and Turquoise

Palmares' distinction as the first beach in the state of Jalisco to receive international Blue Flag certification is a guarantee of its cleanliness, safety, and water quality. Spanning roughly 850 meters, this beach boasts golden sand and azure waters, ranking among the widest and most accessible in the South Zone of Puerto Vallarta.

Palmares Beach is a popular destination for those who want to play a game without any distractions because of its open space. If you're looking for an extra challenge, the crystal-clear waters offer kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding opportunities, perfect for those seeking a more demanding workout. You can reach Palmares by bus from the Romantic Zone for a mere fraction of the cost of a soda

Esmeralda Beach

A Hidden Gem for an Intimate Match

Approximately 9 kilometers south of Puerto Vallarta's Historic Center, Esmeralda Beach captivates visitors with its golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Yeah, it's on the small and quiet side. But that's precisely why it's ideal for those who prefer a more intimate match among friends without the crowds.

Esmeralda Beach features a wide stretch of soft sand that is perfect for other sports like beach volleyball. Soccer fits just as well. Here's a local tip: Get there early and bring an umbrella, because there's hardly any natural shade and the sun is relentless.

Quimixto

Soccer Between the Sea and the Jungle

Quimixto is a destination that can be reached by boat. To get there, you can take a panga from the pier at Playa Los Muertos or Boca de Tomatlán. Once there, you can walk along the cobblestone streets of this peaceful fishing village until you reach the local waterfall, following the La Puerta River.

The beach itself is quiet and uncrowded, with plenty of space to improvise a game before or after the walk. The tropical jungle setting provides a movie-like backdrop for any game, offering players a visually stunning environment that adds to the immersive experience.

Majahuitas

The Most Exclusive Beach South of Vallarta

Only accessible by panga or water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán, Majahuitas is one of the most beautiful beaches south of Puerto Vallarta. Its greatest charm is also its isolation, offering visitors pristine sand, crystal-clear water, and the sounds of nature.

At Majahuitas, the space for a beach soccer game may not be as intimate as the surrounding landscape, but the game will still be a memorable one. There are no shops, no Wi-Fi, and no distractions. Merely the ball, the sea, and your teammates. After the game, visit the exclusive Majahuitas Beach Club to cool off, enjoy a delicious meal, and dance to the beats of Vallarta's best DJs.

Yelapa

The Best Way to End the Day.

Yelapa is a picturesque village accessible only by sea. You can reach it about 25 to 30 minutes by water taxi from Boca de Tomatlán or from the Los Muertos pier aboard the Ferry Vallarta. The village's bohemian atmosphere, friendly and welcoming people, and stunning natural beauty—a white-sand beach and turquoise sea in a bay that looks like it was designed by an artist—make it an unmissable destination.

Play a round of soccer in the late afternoon, when the sunset light bathes everything in orange, and then sit down at one of the beachfront restaurants to review the day's highlights while savoring fresh seafood and a delicious Yelapa pie. It's hard to think of many things that sound better than that.

Puerto Vallarta's beaches cater to every type of player, offering lively, crowded shores, accessible options, and secluded retreats. What they all share is that perfect combination of sand, sea, and sun that turns any beach soccer match into a true experience. The Grand Soccer Fiesta in Guadalajara is almost here. And you should be ready, too.