If you thought you had to travel all the way to South America to find a beachside getaway where locals outnumber tourists, think again: The beach towns of Riviera Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta, may just be your ideal escape. This is where travelers come looking for the Mexico they remember from the 1960s, before mega-resorts crowded the landscape of most coastlines.

Sleepy beach towns dot the landscape, and each town has its own charm. Bucerias offers a relaxed, village experience with easy access to the nightlife and shopping of Puerto Vallarta. Further north is Sayulita—a bohemian surf town that feels light-years away from Puerto Vallarta. Then comes San Francisco, where locals outnumber foreigners, and you feel a real sense of village life. Continue up the coast and you'll reach the fishing village of San Blas, which is a world-renowned habitat for migratory birds.