Puerto Vallarta is one destination that, once you’ve been there, it will stick with you for the remainder of your life. While other beach destinations in Mexico were all-but built around tourism. Puerto Vallarta has retained it’s cultural roots and is still just as much as an authentic port town as it was a century ago. It’s a place that it bursting with history, culture, and soul. As such, we firmly believe it’s one of the top vacation destinations in Mexico.
Here, the mountains, jungles, and sea all come together in an stunningly beautiful way. Puerto Vallarta’s downtown district, Zona Romantica, with it’s cobblestone streets and charming shops, will make you feel like you just stepped back in time to a period when life was simpler and slower yet somehow happier.
In almost every single way, Puerto Vallarta is simply stunning. It’s also got plenty heart, with endless things to do and see at just about any time of the day. It’s a rare example of a city where tourists, expats, and locals all live together harmoniously. The combination of all of those cultural influences is nothing short of remarkable.
If you’re looking to escape the cold of winter, there’s no better place than Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This beautiful area has warm weather year-round and an interesting culture to boot. Keep watching to learn more about some of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta so you can start planning your trip!
Zona Romantica
Whether you’re trying to get lucky or are just looking for a relaxing afternoon, Zona Romantica is a great place to spend an afternoon. The cobblestone streets, bright colors and beautifully landscaped plazas make it hard not to fall in love with Zona Romantica. With great shopping and wonderful restaurants (many with outside seating), you can take a romantic stroll through some of the many bustling shops or simply enjoy a lazy day people-watching. If you’re up for more adventure, hop on one of numerous water taxis that offer tours around Banderas Bay or hop on a ferry headed towards the Marietas Islands.
Puerto Vallerta Beaches
One of Puertos Vallarta’s biggest attractions is its lush natural environment. The beaches here are undeniably beautiful and they’re only getting better as local developers rebuild after a devastating hurricane hit back in 2014. You can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs on nearly every shoreline you see and enjoy water sports like jet skiing or parasailing. A ferry will take you out into ocean waters where you can swim with dolphins, go fishing or explore a shipwreck. If swimming isn’t your thing, Puertos Vallarta has plenty of land-based activities that offer just as much fun without getting sand in your swimsuit.
The Malecon
The Malecon is Puerto Vallarta’s main tourist strip and home to some of its most famous hotels and restaurants. This pedestrian-only path is great for window shopping, people-watching or leisurely strolls. Many of Puerto Vallarta’s cultural offerings also happen here. There are local craftsmen set up every day selling their wares as well as live music and other performances on stages scattered throughout the strip.
Molecon Art Walk
One of Puerto Vallarta’s most famous attractions is its Malecon Sculpture Art Walk. Many years ago, an artist decided to turn a section of concrete wall along a popular tourist street into a mosaic-filled art walk. Today there are over 70 different works of art that use mosaics as well as several small exhibits and local shops. The best way to see them all is by renting a bike – you’ll be able to coast down cobblestone streets with great views and not break too much of a sweat. Just remember that it gets crowded during the day on weekends so if you go mid-morning on weekdays or during sunset or early evening it can be quieter—though still busy!
Isla Marietas
This national park features a unique rock formation with seven small islands and is accessible only by boat. Spend your day snorkeling on one of these picturesque isles. While you’re there, keep an eye out for sea turtles. But be careful, swimming can be dangerous here—the ocean floor can be unstable and visibility often isn’t great. Before you head out on your own, be sure to check with one of the local tour guides who are licensed to lead trips in these waters. While they aren’t always required to have life jackets on hand, it’s best not to take any chances. Plus, as you’re snorkeling around some of these amazing coral reefs, it’s nice to know that someone has your back!
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Keep watching to learn several more reasons why Puerto Vallarta should be your next vacation destination.
Our Lady Of Guadalupe Parish
The first stop on our list is a place that will become surely synonymous with your time in Puerto Vallarta. During your tour of Vallarta, you’ll notice there are many beautiful churches—but none more prominent than Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish. Being the pride of Puerto Vallarta’s religious community, you can’t visit without stopping by and seeing one of their mass celebrations. And even if you aren’t particularly religious yourself, it’s an incredible opportunity to see Mexican culture and join in on a procession through town.
Bay of Banderas
Surrounded by beautiful sand beaches and warm turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkeling or swimming; Bay of Banderas is a great area for anyone looking to explore nature. The bay’s underwater garden is known as one of the most diverse ecosystems on planet earth and is filled with sea lions, sea turtles, dolphins and tropical fish. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, watch as locals catch fish from dugout canoes called pangas. From your spot on Punta Mita’s shoreline it’s easy to see why Bay of Banderas was chosen as a location for The Night Manager, based on John le Carré’s novel.
Mirador Cerro de La Cruz
If you’re looking for a way to experience paradise without having to trek through jungles or float through surging surf, head over to Mirador Cerro de La Cruz and enjoy an amazing view of Banderas Bay. The lighthouse is not only a landmark but also an excellent place for sightseeing. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets while surrounded by locals and tourists alike. Don’t forget your camera! There are some beautiful photo opportunities here. A visit to Mirador Cerro de La Cruz will give you plenty of time to take in the sights and soak up some culture before heading back down below into town. If possible, try going on a clear day so that you can really appreciate how pretty Puerto Vallarta is from above. There are many fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, including climbing hills and admiring vistas—and they almost always involve seeing some truly stunning scenery.
Casa Kimberly
This beautiful and secluded property is located just outside of downtown Puerto Vallarta. The charming boutique hotel offers five different types of rooms, including junior suites with Jacuzzis and ocean views. Each room comes equipped with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Many have hot tubs on their balconies overlooking a tropical garden or a spectacular view of Banderas Bay. A full breakfast is served daily at Casa Kimberly’s restaurant, which also has an oceanfront terrace. Activities include scuba diving, snorkeling and kayaking. Other services include airport transfers, concierge service and car rentals.
Yelapa
This small town is a quick ferry ride from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. It’s known for its rough-hewn charms, as well as its host of expat writers and artists who call it home. The landscape is dotted with tiny fishing villages and hidden coves—one of which has several secluded beaches that make for an excellent day trip. Be sure to bring your snorkel gear! There are also some great spots for surfing and kiteboarding. If you’re looking for something more low-key, spend a few hours hiking through Parque Nacional Constituciones (the largest national park in Jalisco). You can also visit Yelapa’s sister city: El Cardonal. Both have stunning views of Isla de Todos Santos!
Vallarta Botanical Garden
Puerto Vallarta’s lush botanical garden has a number of plants, trees and flowers native to various tropical climates around the world. The trails are about five miles long—plenty for an afternoon stroll—and worth it just for their views of Pacific beaches and Nayarit Mountains. More than 1,200 species of tropical plants grow throughout the grounds; during your visit you can see many varieties that aren’t found anywhere else on Earth. This is one of Puerto Vallarta’s best places for a quiet weekend walk or a spot where you can feel like you’re back in nature without having to go too far from your hotel.
Sayulita
This little town is filled with charm and cute cobblestone streets. The perfect place for people who love a more off-the-beaten path tourist destination. Try kayaking down their river or walking around and taking in all of its unique street art. Make sure you check out La Casona, which is a restaurant that serves fresh seafood by an open fire pit. It’s definitely one of our favorite places in Sayulita!
So, what do you think? Are you ready to book your flight and accomadations?
Puerto Vallarta is by far one of our favorite resort beach towns in Mexico. As opposed to some of the country’s other popular seaside destinations which feel a lot like little American enclaves, Puerto Vallarta has managed to retain much of it’s cultural heritage while staying true to it’s it’s roots.
What are you most excited to see on your upcoming trip to Puerto Vallarta? If you’ve already had the pleasure of visiting, what are some of your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments.
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As always, thanks for watching and happy travels!