This is more than just a coastal resort getaway. Puerto Vallarta also maintains a small-town atmosphere, while still boasting one of the most unique and sophisticated oceanfronts in Mexico. The dining options and the hotel choices reflect more of the same, you will find both elegance and efficiency mingled together within the hotel and restaurant areas.
The Banderas Bay that snakes along the coast or the palm tree-lined Sierra Madre mountains that stand tall in the east but Puerto Vallarta is more than its scenery. Take some time to discover its other perks for yourself by sampling the delicious food, discovering a hidden boutique in the Zona Romantica, sipping a signature cocktail at a bar along the Malecón or dancing to a salsa beat in a Havana-style nightclub, you will be delighted.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico offers an endless number of activities and adventures for travelers of all ages, and all in an environment that is unceasingly inclusive. With incredible fine dining restaurants serving up fresh seafood favorites, cute boutiques and shops everywhere, stunning beaches, a thriving LGBTQ+ community and clubs that pump out music until 5 in the morning, this Pacific coast treasure is not only relaxing to visit but also a ton of fun.
If you only have only a day to spend here, go to the beautiful Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta, the lively boardwalk that runs parallel to Banderas Bay. You can spend time strolling past the unusual statues and intricate sand sculptures that abound, stopping for pictures or looking inside one of the art galleries along the way. You will probably end your walk at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most iconic images of the city. You can also book a whale watching tour or boat tour, or plan an adventure activity like scuba diving or zip line.
If you have more than a day to spare, plan on spending one or two hours at the Botanical Gardens of Vallarta or in the northern seaside town of Bucerías. You can also set out to explore the Sierra Madre Mountains on a full-day or half-day tour to get in some exercise and get up close and personal to nature. Also consider visiting Los Arcos Marine Park if your goal is enjoying the scenery outdoors. Signing up for one of the best Puerto Vallarta tours is another great way to explore Puerto Vallarta with the help of a local.
El Malecón
El Malecón is a great place to stroll any time of day, but especially in the evenings. Along the way, visitors will see everything from sand sculptures and bronze sculptures to the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. El Malecón is also home to the open-air Los Arcos Amphitheater, another iconic symbol of Puerto Vallarta that plays host to free performances, featuring live musicians and traditional Mexican dance troupes, just about every night.
Grabg a bite along the way and enjoy the ambiance of the night. You can nosh on all sorts of eats and treats along this stretch of urban beauty, including churros, street corn, tacos and more. Be at sunset to snap some spectacular photos of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean.
Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone)
This charming south side neighborhood is like a detached, unpretentious beach village that serves PV’s more laid-back and less resort-conscious tourists. It is also the center of the city’s thriving gay scene and has a bevy of gay beaches, bars and restaurants lining Olas Atlas. This area is also known as Old Vallarta or Old Town.
Zona Romantica is a must-see. The area contains a number of the city’s best restaurants, excellent cultural opportunities and the most popular beach in the city: Los Muertos Beach. It is also home to a pier built in 2013 that offers seating for pedestrians and illuminates each evening with a kaleidoscope of colors. From the pier, travelers can board water taxis to some of the area’s more secluded beaches. You will find a bunch of smaller grocery stores, restaurants and cafes away from the beach, as well as fewer peddlers selling souvenirs. Lázaro Cardenas Park (also known as Tile Park) is another popular stop here thanks to the colorful mosaics adorning the benches, columns and planters.
Many past visitors recommended booking your accommodations in this neighborhood. If you decide to stay elsewhere, you’ll find this area of PV bordered by Rio Cuale (River Markets) on the north, Santa Barbara Street on the south, Insurgentes Street on the east, and Playa Los Muertos on the west.
Playa de los Muertos
The most popular shoreline in Puerto Vallarta, Playa de los Muertos (Deadmen’s Beach) in the Zona Romantica, offers opportunities to Jet Ski, windsurf and even parasail, as well as an assortment of excellent restaurants and bars. Try out some of the land sports as well, such as beach volleyball, which can be equally fun but cheaper than the water sports.
Playa de los Muertos is a nice area with plenty of space and a great spot for people-watching. The high concentration of gay-friendly accommodations along the southern shore, Playa de los Muertos is also considered a party haven for PV’s LGBTQ travelers.
Yelapa
For a break from the tourist crowds of Puerto Vallarta, head about 20 miles south to Yelapa. One of Mexico’s few “undiscovered” beach towns, Yelapa is only reachable by boat, which is part of the reason why it sees relatively fewer travelers than other popular areas along Bahía de Banderas.
Yelapa for its unspoiled beach, but if you are looking for a little more adventure, you will not be disappointed. There is a waterfall not too far from town that you can reach via a paved walking path. Swimming in the water hole beneath the waterfall, praising the clean, refreshing waters. Because of the paved path and short hike, many said it was suitable for children.
To reach Yelapa from Puerto Vallarta, hop on a water taxi. Water taxis from Puerto Vallarta’s Los Muertos pier depart several times daily starting at 11 a.m. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs 550 pesos (or about $25) round trip. You can also take a water taxi from the small town of Boca de Tomatlan, but that will require that you take a local bus from the Romantic Zone to Boca de Tomatlan. There are restaurants in the area, but if you are hoping to save a little money, plan to pack your own food and drinks.
Playa Las Animas
This beautiful beach just south of Puerto Vallarta makes for a lovely day trip. Best accessed via water taxi, Playa Las Animas offers a stunning shoreline, calm waters and restaurants dishing out tasty food. Plus, recent visitors report that this stretch of sand is less crowded than other popular beaches like Playa de los Muertos, as long as you arrive in the morning).
This beach is also home to the Las Animas Beach Adventure Park, which offers zip lining, canopy tours and other adventure activities just steps from the ocean.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens
To explore beyond Puerto Vallarta, you might want to try the popular Jardín Botánico Vallarta (Vallarta Botanical Gardens). The gardens feature an assortment of wildflowers, including orchids, and insect life that provides a relaxing and romantic getaway from the day-to-day hustle of Vallarta’s downtown.
Staying the entire day since along with enjoying the magnificent plant life, you can also boulder the jungle’s rocks and swim a section of the river. Be sure to buy a meal or, at the very least, a drink at the on-site restaurant, which comes highly recommended by both travelers and experts. If you plan to hike, you will want to bring insect repellent (it’s also available to purchase on-site) and consider wearing long sleeves and pants.
The gardens are generally open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours can vary depending on the season. Keep in mind: The gardens are closed on Mondays April through November. The special “El Tuito” bus from the corner of Basilio Badillo and Aguacate in the Romantic Zone. Bus fare is 50 pesos (about $2.50) each way; buses leave every 30 minutes.
Admission to gardens costs 300 pesos (around $15) per adult and is free for kids 3 and younger. For information on tours and more, visit the website.
Los Arcos National Marine Park
Los Arcos National Marine Park is an iconic natural area that sits just 20 minutes south of the main square in downtown Puerto Vallarta. This park is protected marine activities, so it has become a haven for a range of bird species as well as sea life, including tropical fish.
Visitors can take advantage of a range of adventure activities in and out of the water, including diving, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling and more. There are also guided tours you can book that include transportation and entry into the marine park, some of which include Jet Ski rides or snorkeling.
Getting up close and personal with nature, especially during snorkeling and diving sessions. Be aware that the Pacific waters can be relatively cold for swimming compared to the warmer waters of the Caribbean.
Los Arcos National Marine Park is located about 10 miles south of downtown Puerto Vallarta, Taking the bus a Basilio Badillo and Contitution in Old Vallarta (romatic zone) 10 pesos (April 2025)
Mirador de La Cruz
Mirador de La Cruz is a lookout that offers spectacular views of the city of Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas. While frequently referred to as a “hike,” visitors can get to this lookout with a walk uphill and a set of stairs. Mirador de La Cruz is popular among travelers in search of incredible views of the sunrise or the city’s overwater sunsets, as well as those who want to stay active during their Puerto Vallarta vacation.
The trek to the lookout is well worth the time and effort, but that people in poor shape may find the uphill climb and stairs fairly strenuous. Bringing water, and note that there are restrooms you can use at the top (for a fee), so make sure to bring cash.
You can begin the hike to Mirador de La Cruz directly from the Malecón in downtown Puerto Vallarta by taking Calle Abasolo away from the water and walking in the direction of the hills. A few blocks later, you’ll turn left on Calle Emilio Carranza and take a right on Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, at which point you can look out for signs that lead the way.
Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The silhouette of this church in downtown PV is one of the most defining images of the resort town and its chiming church bells are one of the most recognizable sounds. During the Feast of Guadalupe, held every year from Dec. 1 to Dec. 12, the church is a hub of activity. During the annual festival, there is plenty of music, dancing and street processionals.
Known by locals as La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the church is open daily; bells ring 30 and 15 minutes before each Mass.
Isla Río Cuale Island
Isla Río Cuale is in the heart of the city, simply walk south from El Malecón until you reach a bridge that spans the river, and you will discover the island, which is home to market stalls selling local wares. Visitors enjoy acar-free ambiance and is worth at least one visit during your time in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta is generally safe for travelers. It is a good idea to keep an eye on your valuables when out and be aware of your surroundings.
Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the world’s most LGBT-friendly destinations.
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