Puerto Vallarta Things to Do 2026. 2026 guide to Puerto Vallarta top attractions and best things to do, covering iconic sights, outdoor experiences, cultural spots, beaches, and local adventures for your trip:
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1- Iconic Waterfront & City Highlights
Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant seaside and historic core are must-see starting points.
Puerto Vallarta Malecon. The city’s famous seaside promenade with sculptures, street performers, restaurants, bars, and sunset views. It is the heart of PV’s social scene.
Los Arcos. Natural rock formations off the Malecon that serve as an amphitheater and a hotspot for photo ops and local performances.
Plaza de Armas. Classic town square in downtown PV with shade trees, benches and traditional architecture.
2- Beaches, Piers & Water Activities
Enjoy sun, sand, sailing, whale-watching, and water sports.
Los Muertos Beach Pier. Central beach landmark in Zona Romántica with views over Banderas Bay and a lively vibe night and day.
Playa Camarones. Popular beach for jet skis, parasailing, paddleboarding, and social beacheside nightlife.
Whale watching tours. Seasonal (Dec–Mar) excursions from the marina or pier let you see humpbacks in Banderas Bay.
Day trip to nearby beaches. Water taxis from Los Muertos to Yelapa or Las Animas for quieter seaside escapes.
3- Nature & Outdoor Adventures
Exploration beyond the urban scene.
Palo Maria waterfall. Jungle hike and waterfall experience south of the city (great for nature lovers and cooling dips).
Vallarta Botanical Gardens (near PV) Tropical plant collections, hanging bridges, and scenic trails.
Sierra Madre adventures Zip-lining, ATV routes, horseback riding and jungle eco-tours into the mountains.
4- Cultural & Historic Spots
Immerse yourself in local art, history, and atmosphere.
Hill of the Cross Viewpoint. Panoramic lookout over the city and bay (good sunrise/sunset destination).
Gringo Gulch. Historic neighborhood with charming architecture.
Lazaro Cardenas Park. Relaxing park space in Zona Romántica.
Naval Museum Secretary of the Navy of Mexico. Museum covering naval history and regional maritime heritage.
Isla Cuale (Cuale River Island) Art galleries, cafés and cultural center with exhibitions.
5-Experiences & Entertainment
Activities, tours, events, and nightlife.
Pirate & family cruises. Pirate Ship Vallarta offers themed sight-seeing and adventure cruises.
Rhythms of the Night. Dinner and cultural cruise through Banderas Bay (book separately; widely recommended).
Local tours. Street art and mural walks, taco & food tasting tours, tequila/mezcal tastings and culinary experiences.
6- Marina, Markets & More
Relaxed strolls, shopping, food, and golf.
Marina Puerto Vallarta. Yachts, seaside dining, boutique cafes and charter departures.
Puerto Mágico. Family-oriented entertainment center with rides and carnival attractions.
Golf. Championship courses and coastal views near Marina Vallarta.
7- Special 2026 Events & Additions
Notable happenings worth planning around.
VidantaWorld Mexico Open (PGA Tour). Major golf event returning in late October 2026, drawing international competitors.
Marigalante pirate ship renewals. A refreshed pirate ship attraction and dining experience scheduled for 2026 following earlier changes.
Optional Local & Off-the-Beaten-Path Ideas
Street art tours and neighborhood murals.
Small local beaches like Conchas Chinas or Boca de Tomatlán & Colomitos (hiking + scenic coves).
Seasonal turtle releases and butterfly sanctuary visits (check local schedules).
Many more activities trouhout the year, like: Festival Ceviche Aguachile, Beer Festival, Carnaval Vallarta, Gay pride, Grill Festival, Mariachi Festival, Charro Festival, Day of The Dead, Festival Gourmet International, Wine Tasting Festival. Many are covered on this web site and our YouTube Channel. (link on top of the page)
Travel Tips for 2026
Best time for whale watching: December through March.
Transportation: Water taxis and local buses are affordable options for beach day trips.
Area clusters: Downtown, Zona Romántica and Marina Vallarta are walkable hubs with concentrated experiences.
References:
https://visitpuertovallarta.com/things-to-do/attractions?
https://promovisionpv.com/puerto-vallartas-top-attractions-things-to-do/
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