ArboursAbroad contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase using one of the affiliated links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.
Rosita Beach is a beach in Puerto Vallarta right on the Malecon. In our fourteen weeks in Puerto Vallarta, we never saw someone swimming at Rosita Beach. Instead, this beach in Puerto Vallarta is more for just sitting and enjoying the waves crashing in.
At Rosita Beach, you’ll also find the famous Flying Men of Puerto Vallarta. These men climb up a huge pole, tie themselves with rope to a bar, and then fall backwards, spinning in circles as they get closer and closer to the ground.
The Flying Men are a very traditional cultural thing to see in Puerto Vallarta, but other than The Flying Men, what does Rosita Beach offer?
Rosita Beach Quick Facts
- Location | 20.613398, -105.233498
- Best For | relaxing with a beer
- Beach Vibe | loud from Malecon
What Is Rosita Beach?
Rosita Beach is the beach that lines the Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s Boardwalk. It’s a beach in Puerto Vallarta where you’ll find sand art, the Flying Men of Puerto Vallarta, and people doing crazy rock stacking too.
This beach isn’t so much a beach in Puerto Vallarta where you pack a day pack and sit there all day. Instead, it’s best for a semi-quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta, or a break for your tired legs from walking the Malecon!
Where Is Rosita Beach Puerto Vallarta?
Rosita Beach, sometimes referred to as the Malecon beach, is the beach that literally lines the Malecon. You’ll find it in front of the nightclubs, towards the northern end of the Malecon.
LEARN MORE | Don’t miss these things to do on the Malecon.
Best Hotels Near Rosita Beach Puerto Vallarta
Check Prices And Availability Here
- Loft Hotel | our friends stayed here, and it’s absolutely lovely
- Hotel Rosita | a waterfront hotel, and it has a pool
How Do I Get To Rosita Beach?
Getting To Playa Rosita By Foot
Walk right down the Malecon, and you’ll find Rosita Beach. There are multiple different paved walkways that lead down to the beach, and a couple of stair entry points. The paved access is pretty covered in sand as of March 2024, so it’s not completely accessible at this point.
Getting To Rosita Beach By Car
There is a paid for underground parking area off of Mexico Street, underneath Parque Hidalgo. Here you can park and then walk less than a mile to Rosita Beach.
Alternatively, there is street parking along 31 de Octubre.
Is Rosita Beach Worth A Trip?
Like we mentioned above, Rosita Beach isn’t really a beach that’s good for a day trip. There are plenty of other great beaches near Puerto Vallarta that are good for that.
Instead, Rosita beach is a good beach when you need to take a break from the sun, or simply dip your toes in the water to cool off. We really enjoyed grabbing a beer and sitting on the cement overlooking the beach instead of actually hanging out on the beach itself.
READ MORE | Check out these 15 beaches in Puerto Vallarta, better than Rosita Beach.
Staying Safe At Playa Rosita
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards on duty at Rosita Beach. And we’ve never seen anyone swim here before, so I really don’t recommend getting in the water here.
Flag Warnings
Rosita Beach isn’t much of a swimming beach, so you won’t find the flag warnings of the water danger here. However, if you go to nearby Playa Camarones, you can find flags to determine if the water is safe for swimming.
Keeping Your Belongings Safe
This beach is in the heart of the tourist area of Puerto Vallarta. As such, it’s important to not flaunt your stuff around and then leave it behind. We always carried our camera openly in this area, and I have even run by this beach at night by myself and never ran into any issues!
Puerto Vallarta is actually a really safe place to visit!
Rosita Beach FAQs
Can I swim at Rosita Beach?
It’s not recommended that you swim at Rosita Beach, but I’m only saying that because I’ve never seen anyone swim there before. That’s usually a sign that it’s not a good swimming spot.
Is there snorkeling at Rosita Beach?
No.
Is there shade at Rosita Beach in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. The palm trees that are along this beach provide some great shaded areas to sit and enjoy the waves crashing in.
Is it hard to get to Rosita Beach?
No, it’s super simple to find Rosita Beach as it’s right along the Malecon. And accessing the beach is done with a paved beach access ramp in multiple different areas. It’s actually really easy to get to the sand here.
Are there food and drinks offered at Rosita Beach?
Along the beach itself, there is one restaurant that has tables and chairs right in the sand. Other than that, you can purchase drinks and food from nearby restaurants and take them to go, or pop into an OXXO and grab snacks and beverages!
Are there bathrooms at Rosita Beach?
Yes, there are bathrooms and showers at Rosita Beach. In March 2024, the showers were not working. The bathrooms cost 10 pesos per use, and area located towards the restaurant on Rosita Beach.
What Should I Pack For Puerto Vallarta?
Other than cash and snacks — we recommend the following…
More on Puerto Vallarta
We’ve visited Puerto Vallarta for extended trips on two different occasions. Our first time in Puerto Vallarta was for six weeks in June / July (during the off-season), and the second time was eight weeks in January, February, and March – during the high season.
Our time in Puerto Vallarta led to a lot of research and experiences in the city that we’re sharing here. Check out more of our Puerto Vallarta resources below.
READ MORE | 15 Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
LEARN MORE | Is Puerto Vallarta Safe + 10 Scams To Avoid
MORE PUERTO VALLARTA BEACHES | Conchas Chinas | a perfect beach hike
EXPLORE MORE | Puerto Vallarta Excursions | the best ones + questions to ask when booking
PUERTO VALLARTA RESOURCE | Our Puerto Valllarta Travel Guide | all our PV posts on one page
Save + Share
Not heading to Puerto Vallarta yet? Save this guide to Rosita Beach for later.
