Things to do in Puerto Vallarta
Welcome to Puerto Vallarta
Travelers seeking sun-drenched coastal beauty and outdoor adventure, look no further—Puerto Vallarta has it all. After spending a day on dazzling white-sand beaches or wandering the town’s quaint central streets, it’s easy to see why it ranks as one of Mexico’s most popular coastal destinations. Traditional markets and fragrant street-food stands make for delicious food tours, while nearby rainforests and the Sierra Madre mountains create opportunities for horseback riding, ziplining, and ATV driving. For water lovers, the reefs surrounding the Marietas Islands and Banderas Bay teem with tropical fish and bottlenose dolphins, ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. El Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s hip-and-happening oceanfront boardwalk, and Zona Romantica (Old Town) are ideal spots for sunset strolls. Once the sun has set, revelers flock to the neon glow of Marina Vallarta, a modern strip pulsing with restaurants, bars, and clubs. Dedicated party animals take a VIP nightclub tour of Puerto Vallarta to enjoy an open bar and skip-the-line entry to the city’s trendiest venues. With summer comes the chance to observe humpback whales on a whale-watching cruise while in the tropical paradise of Las Caletas, jungles and caves harbor wildlife year-round. Guided day trips to traditional Mexican villages and tequila distilleries offer an opportunity to get to know the local culture.
Top 15 attractions in Puerto Vallarta
Banderas Bay (Bahia de Banderas)
El Malecon
Marietas Islands (Islas Marietas)
Los Arcos National Marine Park
Nuevo Vallarta
Zona Romantica
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe)
Marina Vallarta
Vallarta Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico de Vallarta)
Las Caletas Beach (Playa Las Caletas)
Los Muertos Beach (Playa Los Muertos)
Boca de Tomatlán
Gringo Gulch
El Tuito
Aquaventuras Park
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All about Puerto Vallarta
When to visit
During the summer months of December through February, migratory humpback whales flock to the warm Pacific waters of Puerto Vallarta, bringing hundreds of nature lovers and sun worshippers with them. For fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and lower room rates, visit in April just before the rainy season begins.
A local’s pocket guide to Puerto Vallarta
Born in Yorkshire and based in Mexico City, Lauren has lived in Mexico for close to a decade. Puerto Vallarta is one of the few coastal destinations she returns to regularly, despite sand being her greatest nemesis.
visit the Malecón, the lively boardwalk that runs the length of the Old Town. Watch out for the Voladores de Papantla performances and try tuba, a fermented coconut-y drink.
starts with brunch at a café in the Versalles neighborhood (or the Los Coapinoles buffet in the mountains), involves a stroll around the Marina, a seafood lunch, and drinks in El Faro bar at sunset.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Just a 45-minute coastal bus ride from the center, the gardens include a quiet river, nature trails, curated greenhouses, and even an orchid house. They’re gorgeous.
go beyond the central Los Muertos Beach. Head south down the coast to Conchas Chinas or Playa Palmares for quiet, sandy shores without the crowds.
climb to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint. The slopes and steps are steep and unforgiving but the cool breeze and panoramic views make it more than worthwhile.
is that Puerto Vallarta is a spring break destination. For some people it is, but it’s also a beautiful and historic coastal city with more to offer than cheap booze, boat rides, and bars.
People Also Ask
Puerto Vallarta, located in Jalisco state on Mexico's Pacific coast, is famous for its pristine beaches, nightlife, and colonial-era historical center. The former fishing village has options for every type of traveler: Expect everything from high-end coastal resorts to family-run backpacker inns, and up-market dining options right down to street taco stands.
...MoreIt may be tempting to find a beach and stick to it, especially if your accommodation boasts its own stretch of sand. But beach-hoppers will be rewarded with a range of diverse coastlines. Consider palm-fringed Las Caletas and Lover’s Beach on craggy, sun-drenched Marietas Island, both only reachable by boat.
...MoreHead to the Zona Romantica, the quaint and colorful downtown area, to browse artisan markets and grab a boozy lunch in one of the LGBTQ-friendly restaurants. Soak up the scenery with a stroll along the pier and end up at Los Muertos Beach, a bar-lined coastline spot buzzing with tourists and locals alike.
...MoreAlternate your beach days with an excursion to San Sebastian del Oeste, a mining village in the Sierra Madre mountains 37 miles (60 km) from Puerto Vallarta, and a whale watching tour on Banderas Bay.
...MoreYes, Puerto Vallarta has great nightlife. Take a stroll down the 1-mile-long (1.6-km-long) boardwalk known as the Malecon after sunset and you’ll find a string of high-energy bars and nightclubs. Pop in for a spin on the dance floor and to taste local tequila or mezcal.
...MoreNo, Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest areas in Mexico and is a popular destination for international travelers, expats, and retirees. That said, you’ll need to exercise the same caution you would in any big city, because common crimes like bag-snatching and pickpocketing can still occur.
...MorePuerto Vallarta information
Number of Attractions | 19 |
|---|---|
Number of Tours | 661 |
Number of Reviews | 27,324 |
Currency | MXN |
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