Just north of Sayulita is the small, charming and colorful beach town of San Pancho or San Francisco, Nayarit. It is now in its development where Sayulita was several years ago. It has a very nice beach with two nice restaurants and some casual beach bars. Along the main street there are some great shops, coffee shops, galleries and casual bars and restaurants. It is very walkable and fun for exploring. I really liked the vibe as it was far less crowded than Sayulita. You can stay there in local hotels or by renting a house, but I recommend staying further south in Nuevo Vallarta, Punta Mita or Puerto Vallarta and having a driver take you up for the day.
I recommend eating at Las Palmas Restaurant – Bar. Since 1974, this is a casual beach restaurant where you can sit looking at the water and enjoying a large selection of seafood. I loved the shrimp ceviche tostado, octopus tostado and the tuna tostado. The pina colada was huge and was one of the best I have ever had!! Ave. 3er Mundo.
Cafe Arte Restaurant & Wine Bar: This is a small bistro, coffee shop and wine bar in downtown San Pancho. 73 Avenida del Tercer Mundo.
La Selecta: This store carries a large selection of tequila and mezcal. Av. Tercer Mundo #71. They also have a store in Sayulita. Tastings are available.
