The Best Things to do in Puerto Vallarta

The relaxed atmosphere, beach vibes, fun nights, and awesome getaways are what made me love Puerto Vallarta. I had skipped this lovely beach destination a few times because I always picked Cancun over it. But, boy, was I missing out on such an incredible city. I loved Vallarta!

Although it doesn’t have the nicest beaches, it has one of the best vibes compared to other touristic beaches in Mexico, such as Cancun and Los Cabos. Here, I felt the locals were friendlier, the prices were slightly lower, the vibe was more relaxed during the day, and the city lit up at night.

I spent my days in Vallarta on the boardwalk and watching the sunsets. Puerto Vallarta is also a great place to take day trips to nearby destinations that are also quite awesome. Here are some awesome things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

The Best Things to do in Puerto Vallarta

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Beach Hop

Beach hopping is a no-brainer. Coming to Puerto Vallarta means you’ll be hitting the beach. The best area would be Playa Los Muertos at the Zona Romántica, where there is more sand and space to lay out your things and a great place to refresh. You can also go beach hopping outside the Centro and head towards Yelapa.

Walk the Malecon

Walking the Malecon was by far my favorite thing to do in Vallarta. The boardwalk is about a mile long and filled with restaurants and places to have a drink or two. There are many statues to check out along the way as you take a stroll. You can relax at the beach, sit on a bench, go to the nightclubs, drink a coffee, or simply people-watch.

My favorite time to walk around was before sunset. It’s when the street vendors set up and sell delicious snacks. Then, in the evening, you can see the Voladores de Papantla, a Mesoamerican ceremony involving a dance of men spinning in the air from a very high pole.

That’s not all, as you’ll also find artists selling paintings and drawing portraits, cultural events in the small amphitheater, and plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants along the way.

Check out the Arches and The Vallarta Letters

On the boardwalk, you’ll find arches where people take pictures. They are smaller than I imagined, so I wasn’t impressed by them. But in the evening, right behind them, there are performances and shows that locals put on.

Nearby, you find the colorful letters with the city’s name that you see all over Mexico. Right behind this area is the Plaza de Armas, the town square, and the church, Parish of Our Lady Guadalupe.

Go For a Hike

If you love the outdoors and enjoy city views, you can go on a small hike to El Cerro de La Cruz or Hill of the Cross. It’s located near the Malecon and only takes about 20 minutes to go up. The reward is a lovely panoramic view of the beach and the town down below.

Have a Sunset Dinner at Zona Romantica

Zona Romantica is at the end of the boardwalk. There you will find restaurants that set up chairs and tables on the beach itself. It is a great place to have dinner and watch the sunset. Performers make the evening a little more special with the shows they put on.

Explore Zona Romántica

Nestled just south of the Río Cuale, Zona Romántica isn’t just a beach area but also a neighborhood worth exploring. It is home to more cobblestone streets, cafes, bakeries, restaurants, art galleries, and traditional Mexican pueblo-style architecture.

Check out the Marina

The Marina is an excellent place for staying in fancy hotels, but it is also a nice place to enjoy if you want to walk along the marina or catch a boat. It is where you will notice many of the tours that are offered. Nearby there is a Centro Commercial or a mall, in case you need to purchase anything.

Go Dancing

Puerto Vallarta is famous for its nightlife, and it’s one of the beach destinations where I found it to be very lively. The most popular nightclubs are on the boardwalk next to each other. So if you are staying in the area, it feels pretty safe to stay out late. Because of the pandemic, closing times are now at 3 am instead of 6 am.

Do Some Souvenir Shopping

In Mexico, handicraft shopping is a thing to do. I always enjoy wandering the markets to find art and handmade pieces. Make sure to check out the markets and grab a bracelet or small souvenir.

Day Trip to Sayulita

Sayulita is a popular destination from Vallarta. It is a Pueblo Magico. This hippie town does not have the best beaches, but it is perfect for surf-loving people.

You’ll find this destination to have many foreigners who stay here and therefore it may not be everyone’s favorite place because it loses a bit of culture.

However, I enjoyed checking it out and having a good time with my friends. To get there, my friends and I went by bus to save money. Some tours take you there, or you can spend a few days in this small magical town.

Day Trip to Yelapa

If you want to see some pretty beaches, I recommend going to Yelapa or the nearby beaches. The beaches here are bluer and nicer. You have the choice of renting a car and making your own stops or taking a tour.

My friends and I opted for a tour that cost 700 MXN pesos. A large boat stopped for snorkeling, had an open bar, then stopped at the beach and included lunch. I’d do it again.

Day Trip to Nuevo Vallarta

Although I didn’t go to Nuevo Vallarta, it was recommended. However, this destination is mainly a place for staying in nice all-inclusive resorts and relaxing at the beach. So if you’re looking to get away from the busy Puerto Vallarta, this is a great place to stay beachfront.

Go on a Tour

Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about sitting beachside with a drink. It is more than that. There are many tour options for those who like to get up and move. There is snorkeling, ziplining, ATV riding, food tours, island hopping, boat tours, night shows, and more.

Go ATV Riding

There are many activities to do in Puerto Vallarta. However, they are quite pricey because there are many foreigners. An ATV experience in the jungle is about $80USD. Some of these ATV tours will go on a hanging bridge, into the wilderness, and through the mud. If you’re up for an adventure, this is one of the many things you can do.

Rhythm of the Night

The Rhythm of the Night is a Cirque du Soleil-type show rated very well in Puerto Vallarta. On this tour, you are taken to a hidden beach, Las Caletas. There, you sit down for a buffet dinner to enjoy a show filled with dancing and acrobatics. The cost is about 140 USD, depending on where you book and what deal you are given. So, make sure to ask around before finalizing a booking.

Islas Marietas Tour

Islas Marietas are a group of uninhabited islands located in Banderas Bay. These hidden beaches are stunning and worthy of a stop if you have the time. The islands require you to travel quite a bit so leave a full day for visiting them. The costs run above 80 USD. Ask around on the Malecon so you can find the best deal. Some of the tours even include kayaking, snorkeling, open bars, and more. It’s sure to be a day full of fun!

Where to Stay

Vallarta has many great options for where to stay, and it all depends on what you’re looking for.

Marina

Many people stay near the Marina, where you find friendly chain hotels as well as all-inclusive resorts. It is an excellent spot for families and those who seek some quiet. It is also a great option if you have a car with you. However, if you don’t have a car and want to go downtown to the Malecon, you’ll need to Uber for about $7 each way or take the city bus for 10 pesos which run directly there.

Hotel Zone

The hotel zone is just after the Marina is the Hotel Zone. This area has plenty of shopping and dining options. There are all-inclusive resorts as well as regular hotels. It is a great spot to stay if you want to be away from the busy Centro.

5 de Diciembre

The “5th of December” neighborhood is a great place to stay in Puerto Vallarta. It’s after the Hotel Zone. It’s mainly a residential area, but there are some excellent choices for accommodation here as well. In addition, you can use this spot for access to the beach.

El Centro

You can stay in El Centro of Puerto Vallarta, which would be the city center or downtown. It is where the Malecon, main square, shopping stores, nightclubs, and dining locations are. It was my favorite spot because I’d walk out, and I was where all the commotion was at.

This area may be a little noisier because of the nightclubs, the music, and the crowds, so definitely read the reviews before picking a place. I loved where I stayed because I was at the beach in 10 seconds and felt completely safe walking around solo late into the night. I stayed at Casa Maria Malecon, and from my room, I could not hear the noise from the nightclubs.

Zona Romántica

Another spot to stay at is Zona Romántica or Romantic Zone, where you cross the river at the end of the Malecon at el Centro. Here you’ll find lots of restaurants, bars, shops, and cafes.

This area has a mix of decent-priced hotels and some fancier ones. Puerto is an LGBTQ-friendly city, and Zona Romántica is a popular spot for gay bars and hotels. This area also has the best beaches for swimming and big nightlife.

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit

Lastly, some people who prefer to have a more relaxed getaway may prefer to go to fancy hotels located in Nuevo Vallarta, which is actually in the neighboring state of Nayarit. This area is further away, but it will be where you’ll find all-inclusive hotels and a calm atmosphere.

How to Get Around

Getting around Puerto Vallarta is very easy. The city bus runs along the main street from the Marina to downtown for only 10 pesos each way. There are even buses that go all the way to Sayulita and Yelapa for about 6 USD.

Another option is to ride Uber and Taxi. The prices aren’t too bad, especially if you are sharing the ride with friends and family.

Lastly, you can rent a car. It is a great option for families and friends who plan to travel to nearby destinations. We wanted to do this, but because we were reserving last minute the prices were a little high and we didn’t find cars.

What to Pack

Here are some travel items to pack for your trip to Mexico.

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Sunglasses

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Shoes

Travel Booking Resources

Book Your Flight:

To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.

Book Your Accommodation:

Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:

Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.

Book Tours:

Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.

Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!

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