We took 18 individuals from our Project Live Your Life contest to Sayulita, Mexico for an adventure of road, waves, and freedom. Check out our behind the scenes footage and tell us about your endless Summer style in the comments.
At American Eagle Outfitters, we believe the journey is in the destination. To that end, we’re introducing a new feature on our blog. Every Friday, we’ll be featuring a different city—perfect to plan your upcoming weekend getaways throughout the summer, right? We’re kicking things off with a guide to Sayulita, Mexico, which was the location of our Summer 2013 photo shoot. Queue up the AEO Summer 2013 playlist and get inspired to pack your bags…
Pack
The best part of going on vacation is shopping for new clothes. Since you’re headed to the beach, a swimsuit is essential. Show off your tan with the AE Macrame Triangle Bikini and take your look from beach to bonfire with the AE Open Stitch Hoodie and AE Hi Rise Festival Shortie. Save space in your bag with the AE Ruffled Romper in case you need a dressier look. Round out your suitcase with surf-inspired accessories like the AEO Beaded Wedge Sandal, AEO Laceless Espadrille, AE Bustier Cami, AEO Macrame Bag, AEO Floppy Hat, AE Sunglasses, and a bunch of bracelets.
Girls’ Sayulita style.
Guys’ surf style is easy because you can start any look with your swimwear, like the AE Printed Board Short. Throw on an AE Photo Real Tank and layer with the AE Signature Hoodie Tee for cooler temps when the sun goes down. Pack brightly-colored AE Longboard Shorts and the AE Plaid Short Sleeve Button-Down for a dressier look. Finish your look with the AEO Straw Fedora, AE Destroyed Denim Cutoff Shorts, AE Flip-Flops, and AE Sunglasses.
Guys’ Sayulita style.
Eat
El Itacate: It’s no secret that we love tacos at AE (see our past travel guides). El Itacate, located right outside the main plaza, is one step above a taco cart with a few seats outside, but the food makes up for the lack of ambiance. Portions are large and cheap – we say go for the steak and mahi mahi tacos.
If you’ve had one too many tacos, head over to Orangy for a fresh-pressed juice or smoothie. Located a few blocks from the beach, Orangy is the perfect place to fuel-up for a day of surfing.
Grab a fresh-pressed juice at Orangy.
Before you leave town, don’t forget to stop by ChocoBanana, overlooking the town plaza. Their house roasted coffee is the best in Sayulita and their namesake ChocoBananas are world-famous. Grab a frozen chocolate banana covered in your choice of granola, coconut, or sprinkles to cool down after a day on the beach.
Do
Sayulita is above all else a surf town. Don’t worry about packing your board – the beach is lined with surf rental and instruction shops. Not into the surf scene? Try stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP. Most of the shops will have SUP boards for rent and it’s a great total body work out.
Don’t leave Sayulita without learning how to surf.
If you prefer a day of relaxing to hitting the waves… well, you’re on the beach! Spend the morning catching some rays and after lunch, wander the streets of Sayulita and load up on handmade jewelry, tote bags, and trinkets to bring home to your friends.
Handmade bracelets created especially for our shoot.
Need a little more inspiration for your Sayulita trip? Check out our Sayulita Pinterest board and book your plane ticket now.
