As of late, Riviera Maya has been Mexico's most talked-about strip of beach, thanks to hot Tulum swooping in on all of our attention. But if you're looking for a beachy Mexican vacation where you won't be overwhelmed by fellow tourists whose green juice sipping and yoga retreat attending will make you feel bad about yourself, you should go west, young man, to another palm tree eden: Riviera Nayarit.

Surf travelers have known about the West Coast destination since the 70s thanks to the region's juicy waves, but the state of Nayarit is drawing in visitors from around the world whether or not they've set foot on a longboard. There's something about the 200 miles of twinkling Pacific Ocean coastline, or the sunshine, or the soft sandy beaches, or access to top-notch Mexican food that appeals to people. We can't put our finger on it.

But before you dig into a vacation in Nayarit, you'll need to start in the state of Jalisco. Most visitors will fly into Puerto Vallarta international airport, then head north to their beachy oasis of choice. But don't even think about doing that until you've made a very short detour across the street from the airport to Tacón de Marlin for a portable meal that comes recommended by Mexico City- and LA-based chef and restaurateur Maycoll Calderon, who recommends the marlin burrito - the house specialty - with spicy sauce. "They even smoke the marlin themselves," Calderon says. "It's a family spot. I love that place." When you see the dark cerulean blue-painted storefront - coupled with the smell of delightful things cooking on a plancha - you know you've made it to burrito paradise.

On the highway out of Puerto Vallarta, you'll find that every tenth car seems to be strapped with surfboards, and you'll be happily reminded that you've landed in surf country. An easy 20 minute drive will get you to W Punta de Mita, the sort of resort you'll find difficult to leave. The modern architecture of the place feels like you've been transported to some other faraway jungle-y planet, which is a good thing when you're trying to escape the doldrums of your own earthly life. It's like the resort was designed to annihilate any stress in the world you tried to bring along with you.

From the moment you waltz through the lobby to the tune of Blood Orange or Sampha or some other equally cool, calm, collected music, you'll settle into a feel-good ease that doesn't tend to go away, partly because everything here is taken care of for you in true resort style. The staff is incredibly helpful and chill, there if you need them but not in your business. Should you desire a surf lesson, a fresh coconut, or trip to town, someone's nearby to make your dreams come true. Some things at the resort relatively standard, like poolside smoothies (and tacos!). Other things are unique to your new Nayarit home, like the Chevycheria, a forever-parked vintage Chevy truck planted right on the beach for your fresh ceviche needs. It sounds kitschier than it is IRL, we swear.

While you can lounge away your entire vacation in the confines of a beautiful resort, there are many other great places to see while you're in Nayarit. (Resort life is wonderful, but also incredibly insular.)

The most well-known is the tiny town of Sayulita, once a fishing village that's now a surf hub slash tourist magnet. When the sun goes down, this place heats up with party opportunities. Before you leave the city center, stop by the Sayulita Wine Shop to taste under-the-radar Mexican wine, tequila, raicilla, and mezcal.

The next town over is San Francisco, also known as San Pancho. Not only is it one of the best surf spots in the region, it's about ten times more laid back than its Sayulita neighbor. The soft sandy beach is sprinkled with beach chairs to rent, as well as water bowls for thirsty dogs. The people of San Pancho are considerate that way. You'll want to grab lunch or dinner at Las Palmas, a third-generation beachfront restaurant that opened in 1974. Check out the passionfruit aguachile (a chili-heavy Mexican ceviche) and the fried onion-laced tuna tostada with your requisite beachside beer.

And if you somehow tire of the lazing on the beach, Nayarit is a "But wait, there's more!" kind of place. There's jungle, and lakes, and mountains, and farmland to see, if you've got the time. Perhaps most attractive to those coming from colder climates: There's sunshine, and plenty of it.