Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta . Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is not just a beach destination, it is a living, breathing city where centuries of Mexican culture, jaw-dropping natural beauty, and a thriving international scene collide in the most spectacular way. Nestled along the Banderas Bay on the Pacific Coast of Jalisco, this gem has long been one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations, and for very good reason.
Whether you are planning your first visit or your tenth, the things to do in Puerto Vallarta are as diverse as they are extraordinary and they never get old.
From surfing turquoise waves and snorkeling crystal-clear coves to sipping mezcal in a centuries-old cobblestone district, Puerto Vallarta activities range from wild outdoor adventure to pure laid-back indulgence. Families, couples, solo travelers, digital nomads, and retirees from around the world all find their perfect version of paradise here. The city’s unique mix of authentic Mexican culture, lush jungle landscapes, and world-class hospitality makes it unlike anywhere else in Latin America.
In this complete Puerto Vallarta travel guide, we break down everything you need to know from the best beaches and must-see landmarks to hidden gems, foodie hotspots, and day trips to the stunning Riviera Nayarit. Let’s dive in.
🏖️ Puerto Vallarta Beaches
🌿 Eco Adventures
🏛️ Culture & Art
🍽️ Food & Restaurants
🎶 Nightlife
🗺️ Riviera Nayarit
ℹ️ Travel Tips
Top Categories
The Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Six worlds in one city. Pick your adventure or do them all.
Ocean & Water Sports
Whale watching, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, sailing, snorkeling, and surfing — all from Puerto Vallarta’s 25-mile coastline.
Water Sports
Jungle & Eco Tourism
Canopy zip-lines, ATV tours, river expeditions, horseback riding, hiking Sierra Madre trails, and visiting hidden waterfalls in the lush tropical jungle.
Eco Tourism
Culture & Art
Walking the iconic Malecón, exploring Zona Romántica, visiting the Cathedral, admiring street art, and attending local festivals like Día de los Muertos.
Culture & Heritage
Food & Gastronomy
Taste fresh ceviche, birria tacos, gourmet seafood restaurants, street-food markets, cooking classes, and the world-famous Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival.
Food & Drink
Nightlife & Entertainment
Live mariachi performances, rooftop bars, LGBTQ-friendly clubs, beachfront lounges, Mexican fiestas, dinner cruises, and vibrant salsa venues.
Nightlife
Wellness & Relaxation
Luxury spa retreats, yoga on the beach, temazcal sweat-lodge ceremonies, thermal pools, and quiet hammock time at remote bay beaches.
Wellness & Spa
Sun & Sand
Puerto Vallarta Beaches: Find Your Perfect Stretch of Sand
With over 25 miles of pristine Pacific coastline, Puerto Vallarta beaches are among the most varied in Mexico. Whether you want a buzzing beach club in front of luxury hotels or a secluded cove reachable only by water taxi, this city delivers. The best beaches in Puerto Vallarta suit every mood, budget, and travel style.
Top Beaches in Puerto Vallarta
Playa Los Muertos
The most popular city beach, in the heart of Zona Romántica. Lined with beach bars, watersport rentals, and the famous Los Muertos Pier. Great for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
Playa Las Caletas
One of Mexico’s most exclusive private beach clubs, accessible by boat only. Ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and watching spectacular sea life.
Yelapa
A remote fishing village and waterfall paradise accessible only by water taxi. Pure, off-the-grid magic. Learn more about Yelapa → https://promovisionpv.com/yelapa/
Mismaloya Beach
Famous as the filming location of Night of the Iguana, this quiet south-shore bay offers calm water and excellent diving. Discover Mismaloya → https://promovisionpv.com/mismaloya/
Playa Conchas Chinas
Rocky, crystalline coves perfect for snorkeling with tropical fish. A residential south-side beach that feels like a hidden gem.
Tehuamixtle & Mayto
Remote unspoiled beaches over an hour south of the city, beloved by those who want raw, untouched coastline. Explore Tehuamixtle–Mayto → https://promovisionpv.com/tehuamixtle-mayto/
Whale Watching in Puerto Vallarta
From December through March, humpback whales migrate into Banderas Bay to breed and calve — one of the most reliable whale watching destinations in the Pacific. Book a morning boat tour for guaranteed sightings, often just minutes from shore. This is one of the most extraordinary Puerto Vallarta activities you can experience and something no visitor should miss.
Nature & Adventure
Jungle Eco-Tourism & Outdoor Adventure
Puerto Vallarta sits where the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains meet the sea, giving it a rare combination of ocean, jungle, and river ecosystems within minutes of each other. Eco tourism in Puerto Vallarta is a massive draw for adventure travelers, and the range of options is staggering. https://promovisionpv.com/eco-tourism-puerto-vallarta/
Top Outdoor Activities in Puerto Vallarta
Canopy Zip-Line Tours
Fly through the jungle canopy over rivers and ravines on some of Mexico’s longest and most thrilling zip-line tours. Several operators depart daily from central Puerto Vallarta.
ATV & Jeep Safari Tours
Explore remote villages, jungle trails, and hidden swimming holes in off-road vehicles. A great full-day Puerto Vallarta excursion for groups and families.
Horseback Riding in the Sierra Madre
Ride through tropical forests and along Pacific beaches. Several ranches offer half-day and sunset rides with stunning mountain and ocean views.
River Expeditions & Kayaking
Paddle through lush river valleys, swim under jungle waterfalls, and experience the unspoiled nature that most beach tourists never see.
Hiking & Walking Tours
Guided treks through local neighborhoods and up into hillside viewpoints offer a 360-degree panorama of Banderas Bay and the city below. See guided tour options → https://promovisionpv.com/100s-of-things-to-do-in-puerto-vallarta-and-riviera-nayarit/
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Banderas Bay is a world-class dive site with sea turtles, manta rays, moray eels, and vibrant reef systems. Both beginners and certified divers are well catered for.
Puerto Vallarta’s tropical surroundings offer exciting jungle, river, beach, and ocean activities that make every day here feel like a new discovery.
Vallarta Botanical Garden
One of the most unique things to do in Puerto Vallarta is a visit to the Vallarta Botanical Garden, an internationally acclaimed 64-acre sanctuary of native tropical plants, orchids, cacti, and flowering trees nestled 30 minutes south of the city. It has won multiple awards as the best day attraction in the region. Entry is just 200 pesos — extraordinary value for a full day of exploration. You can learn about medicinal plants, swim in a river, and dine in a jungle restaurant all in one visit. Widely considered one of Puerto Vallarta’s most important landmarks.
History & Culture
Culture, Art & the Soul of Old Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta’s historic Zona Romántica and the cobblestone streets of El Centro are the cultural heartbeat of the city. The downtown area is a UNESCO-recognized example of colonial Mexican architecture — whitewashed buildings with terracotta rooftops, wrought-iron balconies overflowing with bougainvillea, and hand-painted tiles on every corner. It is a photographer’s dream.
Cultural Highlights & Puerto Vallarta Attractions
El Malecón Boardwalk
A 1.5-mile oceanfront promenade lined with bronze sculptures, street performers, restaurants, and sweeping views of Banderas Bay. The spiritual center of Puerto Vallarta’s public life. Walk it at sunset for maximum effect.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral
The iconic crown-topped church is Puerto Vallarta’s most recognizable symbol. Built in the 1930s, it remains an active place of worship and a stunning architectural landmark in the middle of El Centro.
Art Galleries & Gallery Night
Puerto Vallarta has one of Mexico’s most vibrant art scenes. Every Wednesday from October to May, the Zona Romántica hosts Gallery Night, where dozens of galleries open their doors for free, offering wine, local art, and live music.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Puerto Vallarta’s Day of the Dead celebrations are among the most authentic and moving in Mexico. Colorful altars, face painting, marigold-lined streets, and community processions make this an unforgettable experience if you visit in late October or early November.
Puerto Vallarta Walking Tours
Expert-led cultural walking tours immerse you in the city’s history, architecture, local legends, and neighborhood life. Eight different walk routes take you from the port to hidden hillside barrios. Find a walking tour →
Mercado Municipal & Artisan Markets
Browse handmade Huichol art, Talavera ceramics, embroidered textiles, and carved wood sculptures. The downtown artisan market is one of the best places to buy authentic Mexican crafts in the country.
Puerto Vallarta Private Guides
For the deepest cultural experience, hire a private guide in Puerto Vallarta who can customize a tour around your interests from food and history to photography and architecture. The difference between a generic group tour and a knowledgeable local guide is the difference between seeing a city and truly understanding it.
Gastronomy
Puerto Vallarta Cuisine: Eat Your Way Through Paradise
Few coastal cities in Mexico match Puerto Vallarta when it comes to food. The Puerto Vallarta restaurant scene spans everything from rustic taco stands serving handmade tortillas with fresh-caught fish to fine-dining terraces serving contemporary Mexican cuisine with Michelin-level creativity. Food is deeply woven into the city’s identity and eating here is one of the greatest pleasures of any vacation in Puerto Vallarta.
Must-Try Foods & Puerto Vallarta Restaurants
Birria Tacos
Jalisco-style slow-braised beef tacos dipped in rich consomé broth. One of the signature flavors of the region and absolutely unmissable.
Fresh Ceviche & Aguachile
Made with fish caught the same morning, lime-cured ceviches and spicy aguachile are the quintessential Puerto Vallarta seafood experience. Head to any beachfront palapa for the freshest version.
Pozole & Enchiladas
Traditional Jaliscan comfort food. Pozole — a rich hominy soup — and enchiladas verdes or rojas are staples of every local family table and many downtown restaurants.
Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival
Held annually in November, this world-class food and wine festival attracts acclaimed chefs from across Mexico and internationally. Multi-course dinners, wine pairings, cooking demonstrations, and rooftop receptions fill the city for ten days.
Mezcal & Tequila Tastings
Jalisco is the birthplace of tequila. Many bars and restaurants offer serious tasting flights and cocktail menus. Day trips to the town of Tequila itself are also popular. Day trip to Tequila → The REAL Tequila Mexico and It Was Incredible! The REAL Tequila Mexico and It Was Incredible! https://promovisionpv.com/the-real-tequila-mexico-and-it-was-incredible/
Puerto Vallarta also has a thriving street food culture. The Mercado Municipal is the best place for budget-friendly, authentic meals. Look for gorditas, tlayudas, fresh juices, and sugary churros around El Centro and the Zona Romántica at any time of day or night. The Promovision food and culture guide covers dozens of must-visit spots across all neighborhoods.
After Dark
Puerto Vallarta Nightlife: The City That Dances All Night
When the sun goes down, Puerto Vallarta nightlife comes magnificently alive. The city holds the rare distinction of being one of Mexico’s premier nightlife destinations while simultaneously being a place where you can find genuine peace and quiet if you want it. The Zona Romántica also known as the Romantic Zone or Old Town is the epicenter of after-dark activity, especially among the city’s famously welcoming LGBTQ+ community.
Live Mariachi & Banda Performances
Several restaurants and bars in El Centro feature live mariachi bands nightly. The Plaza de Armas (main square) often hosts free evening concerts and community performances.
Rooftop Bars & Sunset Cocktails
Puerto Vallarta has some of Mexico’s best rooftop bars, offering panoramic views of the bay, the city, and Pacific sunsets that will stay with you for years.
Dinner & Party Cruises
Sunset dinner cruises, pirate ship adventures, and full-moon bay tours depart nightly from the Marina. A uniquely Puerto Vallarta way to experience the city’s legendary golden-hour atmosphere.
Mexican Fiesta Nights
Full traditional fiesta experiences with folkloric dance, live music, regional food, and tequila tastings. These are staged for tourists but deliver genuine cultural entertainment that everyone loves.
Beyond the City
Day Trips: Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit
Puerto Vallarta is your launchpad for exploring one of Mexico’s most beautiful coastal corridors. These nearby towns are all worth a day or a week.
Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit
Bucerías, Riviera Nayarit
Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit
San Pancho, Riviera Nayarit
Yelapa, South Bay Puerto Vallarta
Lo de Marcos, Riviera Nayarit
San Blas, Nayarit
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Travel Smart
Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know
Planning your Puerto Vallarta vacation? Here are the key facts that every first-time and returning visitor should know to make the most of their trip.
Best Time to Visit
November–April — Dry season, perfect weather, whale watching
December–March — Peak season, busiest crowds, best rates secured in advance
May–June — Shoulder season, fewer crowds, still warm
July–October — Rainy season, lush jungle, budget prices
Getting Around
Local buses are cheap and reliable throughout the city
Taxis and ride-share apps (Uber) are widely available
Water taxis connect south-bay villages like Yelapa
Walking is ideal in Zona Romántica and El Centro
Budget Guide
Street tacos: 25–35 pesos each
Botanical Garden entry: 300 pesos
Zip-line tours: from $75 USD
Whale watching: from $75 USD
A ll-inclusive resorts: varies widely
Helpful Resources
How to Get Around PV
FYI Puerto Vallarta
Health & Safety in PV
Puerto Vallarta Real Estate
Promovision YouTube Channel
Watch Puerto Vallarta Come to Life
Before you book or once you are hooked subscribe to the Promovision YouTube Channel for hundreds of videos covering Puerto Vallarta activities, Riviera Nayarit destinations, Jalisco culture, food, and travel tips. The best visual guide to the region, created by locals who live it every day.
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Written by Promovision — Travel Guide Jalisco & Riviera Nayarit · Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México ·
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