Happy Wednesday from the frozen tundra, friends! Dallas is having a full-blown identity crisis, and we have temps expected below zero…. I’m sorry, but what?! I did not sign up for this! And I’m certainly not equipped for it, my Texas blood is much too thin, ha!
Not gonna lie, I’m having a little PTSD to the last time we had an arctic blast like this! We lost power for four days and ended up having to move out of our house for the summer due to the damage from busted pipes. I got new floors out of it, but I like our floors in this house!! We’re taking every precaution this time, so fingers crossed the power holds.
So while we hunker in by the fire, I’m reminiscing of our girl’s trip to sunny San Pancho earlier this month. These are the friends I met when we used to work with Princess Cruises (see all those trips and incredible ports HERE), and we bonded over our love of travel.
When the partnership with Princess ended, we continued exploring together, and have since been to Whidbey Island (see that HERE) and Todos Santos (posted HERE). We live all over the US, so we look for spots relatively easy for each of us to get to, are still mostly under the radar, have a cultural or authentic feel, and with a lively food scene. San Pancho checked all the boxes, and we fell in love!
San Francisco, Mexico (locals refer to it as San Pancho) is a hidden gem along Mexico’s Pacific coast side of Riviera Nayarit, and is known for its stunning beaches and charming small-town vibe.
About an hour from Puerto Vallarta, and just up the road from bustling, popular Sayulita, San Pancho is a small dusty town of cobbled streets dotted with colorful flags, where dogs and chickens roam free. Hidden behind the colorful, rustic facade lies chic shops, charming bakeries, beautifully-curated galleries, street vendors and an abundance of good food.
While nearby Sayulita is more popular and known for its lively party scene, San Pancho is more relaxed with less tourist traffic. In fact, the locals far outweigh the tourists, giving it a quieter, community-oriented atmosphere. Plus, the art and food scene are really vibrant in San Pancho, attracting a creative group of artists, musicians, surfers, and free-spirited wanderers.
If you’re into outdoor activities, you can enjoy surfing, hiking, and even whale watching during the right season! Visiting in February gave us front-row seats to whales each day, and the most glorious weather!
Flowy Maxi Dress (XS) | Straw Hat | Dome Hoop Earrings | Love Bracelet | Heart Bracelet
How to Get to San Pancho //
We each flew in to Puerto Vallarta, a bustling metropolitan city nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains. We rented a car from National, and drove the 60 or so minutes to San Pancho. The freeways are easy to navigate, and we felt completely safe. (We did make sure to keep our speed in-check so as not to stand out.)
Depending on where you stay in San Pancho, you’ll likely need a car or golf cart (rentable through your hosts), but taxis are available, as well. We liked the freedom of a car, and it also allowed us to stop at La Comer, the most incredible grocery store I’ve ever seen, for provisions.
Our return flights were at different times, so a few of us arranged private taxis back to the airport through our Airbnb host.
Smocked Strappy Dress (Small) | Toe Strap Sandals | Rattan Crossbody Bag | Sunglasses | Love Bracelet | Heart Bracelet
Sugar and Cloth | Cassandra Lavalle | Christy Gehrig | Sugar and Charm
Smocked Strappy Dress (Small) | Toe Strap Sandals | Rattan Crossbody Bag | Sunglasses | Beach Charm Necklace | Dome Hoop Earrings | Love Bracelet | Heart Bracelet
Palm Frond Maxi Dress (XS) | Toe Strap Sandals | Beach Charm Necklace | Love Bracelet | Heart Bracelet
San Pancho has a large public beach in town, with rows of beach chairs, vendors, and pop-up tents of handmade bags, hats, bowls, and more. But for a more luxury escape, Tierra Tropical Beach Club about 10 minutes outside of town is a beautiful spot to spend the day!
They have a large beach-side infinity pool, plush loungers and umbrellas, attentive service… and fish tacos I’ll be dreaming about for years to come.
Sugarplum Travel Tip: Both the public beach and beach club are popular with locals on the weekend, so go early or make reservations!
Bandeau Swimsuit | Cover-Up Shirt (XS) | Straw Hat
Woven Jute Tote | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | Book | Orange Gelee Sunscreen (Also HERE)
Racerback Tank | Embroidered Midi Skirt (Small) | Gold Sandals | Straw Hat | Dome Hoop Earrings | Love Bracelet | Heart Bracelet
Sweatshirt (Small) | Jean Shorts | Sunglasses | Love Bracelet | Heart Bracelet
Where We Ate in San Pancho //
Towns like San Pancho always amaze me! At first glance, it’s a dusty, rugged town of brightly painted, yet slightly-crumbling buildings, no traffic lights or large stores, and chickens have the right-of-way… yet we had the absolute best meals of the most beautifully prepared, chef-centered food!
There are no shortage of great places to eat, but we were so smitten with our rental property, we had all our breakfasts, and even one dinner at home (one night the staff prepared a 3-course meal for five people for under $200!). But if you visit San Pancho, put these spots high on your list!
Ikan Restaurant // Ikan is owned and operated by a San Pancho native, internationally trained chef. Plates are served as a work of art, and are just as delicious as they are beautiful. This small corner restaurant has just a handful of tables inside and a few spilling out on the sidewalk.
Bistro Organico in Hotel Cielo Rojo // Located in a market-lit patio in the back of Hotel Cielo Rojo, Bistro Organico offers gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared from organically-sourced products from the region. They also have artisanal tequilas, national wines, and tasting menus.
El Punto Pizza // Delicious pizza by the slice, and perfect mid-day snack while exploring the shops of town.
Bar Pango // Small patio wedged behind a chic little shop, with great cocktails and impressive, local live music.
Tierra Tropical Beach Club // A swanky beach club just outside of town with a gorgeous pool, beach views, eager service, and a top 2 fish taco of my life! We loved our afternoon here, lounging and napping by the ocean… but those fish tacos!! I’ll dream of them.
Where We Stayed in San Pancho //
My friend, Cassie, has a knack for finding the most incredible rentals… and honestly, this rental is what sold us on San Pancho! About a 10 minute drive (or 30 minute walk) from town, Rosa Morada is four uniquely architectural units perched high on the cliffs of the jungle, each with sweeping views of the Pacific. (Airbnb listing HERE.)
We stayed in Unit 4, which was at the top of a very steep hill with a ton of steps… but we were rewarded with the most stunning sunset views and cool breezes. It had four bedrooms, each on different floors with exterior stairs (great for friends or couples, but not ideal for small kids). We had an open living area and kitchen, plus an infinity plunge pool that can be fully heated.
The house includes daily housekeeping, and the most beautiful homemade breakfasts! Each morning we’d sit on the patio watching the whales, then around 10am the lovely staff would arrive to set the table with a delicious breakfast of homemade breads, fresh fruit and yogurt, and an egg dish. Plus a fresh pot of local, organic coffee! Breakfast was different each day, and truly our favorite thing!
Sugarplum Travel Tip: The staff told us Unit 1 is their fave for the largest patio and more rooms with an ocean view. It also looks like it’s part of the Marriott Bonvoy program HERE, so you might be able book with points!
Blue Swimsuit | Sarong | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | Beach Charm Necklace
San Pancho was my favorite trip to date with these girls, and I’d return in a heartbeat. In fact, I’d love to plan a longer stay with Mr. Sugarplum, exploring many of the towns on the Pacific coast! Maybe with a final stop at the stunning One & Only Mandarina (see that trip HERE).
You can find more pics and video of the town, beaches, and our rental in my Instagram highlight HERE. Those highlights are a great resource for planning your own travels since I’m able to map and tag so much more!
Life is busy, and it’s easy to let girlfriend time slip, so we’ve found the best way to ensure our time together remains a priority is to block the same weekend every year. It gives us something fun to look forward to, and it’s easy to plan around it knowing the weekend is already blocked. Where should we go next year?! What’s the next undiscovered gem?!
[MORE SUGARPLUM PACKING & BEACH POSTS]
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My Travel Essentials
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Spring Break in St. John, USVI
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Great Stays | Four Seasons Bora Bora
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Vacation Vibes | The Styles I Pack On Repeat
Trip Report | Exuma, Bahamas
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Trip Report | Vieques, Puerto Rico
Trip Report | Pine Cay
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SO charming!! How did your group do in regard to staying heathy? We went to a wedding in Sayulita last year and more than half the group got norovirus. I loved the town so much and was so upset when we all got sick!! I would for sure check out this town though!
Yikes…that’s no fun! I steer clear of street food on most of my travels, and *knock wood* have stayed healthy when it comes to tummy stuff. Usually if I pick something up, it’s from someone on the plane. None of us had any issues this trip!
Oh, my. That last Dallas deep freeze for you was a nightmare that wouldn’t quit. I am still shuddering. What nightmares are made of!
Pancho looks like Cabo before it was “discovered”. Your trip reports are thee best SP(s). So beautifully written and so helpful. Always makes me want to drop everything and GO! -XO.
Thank you, Sandy!!! Pancho was beautiful! xo, C
Love this! Of course, I always love your travel posts. You have the best info and tips and great photos! I want to go to there.
Thank you so much, Amy!!!!
Where can I find those pretty gold aviators at?! So cute!!
All the sunglasses links lead to the tortoise shades, which I also added to my cart, lol!
Hi there! These are my go-to gold aviators, but they’re sold out right now!
Aviators: https://urlgeni.us/amzn/retro-gold-sunglasses