Have you ever wondered if Puerto Vallarta is worth visiting? The short answer is YES. Well, let me take you on a journey to uncover the magic of this beautiful Mexican coastal city. Recently, our dear friends Eileen and Mike, who have been visiting Puerto Vallarta for over 20 years, invited us to join them in their favorite destination. With their deep knowledge and love for the area, we felt like we had our own private guides, showing us the best of what Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Join me as I share all you need to know about this enchanting city and why it’s definitely a must-visit on your travel list!
Table of Contents
Introduction
Puerto Vallarta is a popular beach destination located on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Jalisco. Known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, and lively nightlife scene, Puerto Vallarta has become a top vacation spot for travelers from Mexico, the United States, Canada and beyond.
Nicknamed “PV” by frequent visitors, Puerto Vallarta enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with average highs in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. Located where the Sierra Madre mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, the topography around Puerto Vallarta creates a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. From relaxing on sandy beaches to whale watching, zip lining through jungle canopies to exploring Marietas Islands, Puerto Vallarta offers something for every type of traveler.
Puerto Vallarta’s casual, laidback vibe also makes it appealing as a beach vacation destination. While the city has luxury resorts and upscale restaurants, Puerto Vallarta maintains a certain small-town charm. Friendly locals, affordable beachfront accommodations, and a thriving LGBTQ scene all contribute to its reputation as an inviting travel destination for beachgoers. Whether traveling solo, as a couple or with the entire family, Puerto Vallarta deserves consideration for an upcoming vacation thanks to its beautiful setting and welcoming atmosphere.
Beaches
Puerto Vallarta is famous for its beautiful beaches along Banderas Bay. Miles of golden sand and calm, warm waters make PV a beach lover’s paradise.
The most popular beach is Los Muertos Beach right in the Romantic Zone. Its picturesque shoreline and amenities like beach clubs and water sports make it a hub of activity. Nearby Blue Chair Beach is ideal for relaxing under palapas.
Further south, Conchas Chinas is known for its seaside villas and rocky outcrops. The scenic coves around Mismaloya Beach are great spots for snorkeling and diving. North of downtown, Camarones Beach offers calmer surf and shallow waters perfect for families.
Some of the best beaches are south of the city. Quimixto Beach is a secluded haven only accessible by boat. Yelapa Beach is similarly remote but has palapa restaurants and small hotels. Majahuitas Beach is a breathtaking spot for swimming in tide pools and waterfalls.
With so many options for sunbathing, swimming, boating, paddleboarding, and more, Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful beaches are a huge draw. The warm Banderas Bay waters offer the perfect playground for aquatic adventures and relaxation.
The Amazing Food of Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a food lover’s paradise, offering delicious authentic Mexican cuisine and some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. The local chefs excel at traditional dishes from across Mexico like mole poblano, chile rellenos, pozole, and cochinita pibil. Be sure to try specialties unique to the Puerto Vallarta area as well, such as shrimp ceviche and fish tacos made with freshly caught fish like mahi mahi, snapper, and tuna.
The Malecón boardwalk along the oceanfront is lined with restaurants featuring unbeatable ocean views. Many restaurants source seafood directly from the fishing boats that dock just steps away. Some can’t-miss seafood restaurants include La Palapa, El Dorado, and La Leche. Or grab some ceviche, aguachile or fish tacos from the street food carts.
In Puerto Vallarta’s lively Zona Romántica, you’ll find everything from casual taco joints to gourmet restaurants. For a romantic night out, try Cava de Oro with its exquisite Mexican cuisine and extensive wine cellar. Other excellent high-end options include Café des Artistes for French-Mexican fusion and La Leche Gourmet Restaurant for crab stuffed shrimp and tenderloin carpaccio.
Don’t miss trying authentic Mexican breakfast and brunch classics like chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and fresh juice. Some local favorites for breakfast include Fredy’s Tucan, Pancho’s Takos, and Mangos Cafe. With its amazing traditional dishes and abundance of fresh seafood, Puerto Vallarta offers some of the best food in all of Mexico.
Nightlife
Puerto Vallarta has a vibrant nightlife scene centered around the downtown area and the Malecón boardwalk. Live music and dancing can be found at many bars and clubs that stay open late into the night.
Some of the most popular nightlife spots in Puerto Vallarta include:
- La Vaquita: This lively club located right on the Malecón offers DJs spinning electronic music and dancing. It’s a great place to go for a wild night out.
- Mandala: With its beautiful rooftop patio overlooking the ocean, Mandala is a hip spot for cocktails and dancing. There’s also a large dance floor where they often have live bands perform.
- Los Muertos Brewing: This local microbrewery not only serves great craft beer but also frequently has live music at night. It attracts a mix of tourists and locals.
- La Bodeguita del Medio: Inspired by the famous bar in Havana, Cuba, this vibrant Cuban-style nightclub and restaurant has live Latin music and dancing every night.
- El Squid Roe: Known for its crazy party atmosphere, this bar/club has DJs, dancing, and potent drinks. It’s especially popular with college students on spring break.
Puerto Vallarta’s gay nightlife scene is centered around the Zona Romantica neighborhood. Popular gay bars and clubs include CC Slaughters, Paco’s Ranch, and Blue Chairs. Many hotels and resorts in Puerto Vallarta also host lively nighttime pool parties.
So whether you’re looking for live music, dancing, craft cocktails or just an energetic party vibe, Puerto Vallarta offers exciting nightlife options for visitors of all ages and interests. The lively downtown and beachfront clubs stay open until the early morning hours. With its vibrant mix of bars, lounges and nightclubs, Puerto Vallarta’s nightlife does not disappoint.
Shopping
Puerto Vallarta is a shopper’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities to purchase unique items to remember your trip.
The city has numerous art galleries featuring work by local artists. Galleries like Galeria Dante showcase paintings, sculptures, and pottery by contemporary Mexican artists. Galeria Pacifico specializes in Huichol Indian art, selling colorful beaded art and yarn paintings. Galleria Vallarta sells original artwork and handcrafted furniture.
In addition to art, Puerto Vallarta has no shortage of boutique shops selling apparel, jewelry, housewares, and more. Boutiques like Armando’s Meson Vallarta and Aristofine Jewelers offer quality handmade and custom items. At boutiques near the beach you can find swimwear, cover-ups, hats, and beach-themed home decor.
No trip to Puerto Vallarta would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s many mercados (markets). The Isla Cuale Isla Flea Market is a maze of stalls selling souvenirs, leather goods, clothing, and handicrafts. Mercado Municipal Cuale has food stalls, restaurants, and shops. And Mercado Artesanias features authentic Mexican folk art and handicrafts made by local artisans. Haggling is expected, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices at the markets.
With such a wide variety of shopping opportunities, ranging from high-end to bargain, Puerto Vallarta truly offers something for every taste and budget. The abundance of art galleries, boutiques, and mercados makes it a shopper’s dream destination.
Outdoor Activities
Puerto Vallarta is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Hiking
Puerto Vallarta has an abundance of great hiking trails to explore. Some popular options include El Tuito, a challenging 4-hour hike with gorgeous jungle and river views. The hike up to The Cross (La Cruz) offers spectacular panoramic views over Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas. For an easier hike, head to Boca de Tomates where you can walk along the sand and rock formations carved by the river.
Zip Lining
For an adrenaline rush, try zip-lining through the jungle canopy. Companies like Vallarta Adventures and Canopy River have courses with lines stretching over 1,000 feet long and 200 feet high above the ground. You’ll get beautiful views of the scenery as you soar over the treetops. Some operations even have zip lines that send you directly into the river for a refreshing finish.
ATV Tours
ATV tours take you off-roading through rural areas around Puerto Vallarta. You can ride through farmlands, villages, jungle trails and river crossings for a fun-filled outdoor adventure. Some companies like Vallarta Adventures combine ATV riding with other activities like zip lining. Riding an ATV is a great way to explore Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful natural surroundings.
Watersports
With Puerto Vallarta located on the Pacific Ocean, there is no shortage of opportunities for watersports. Popular activities include snorkeling to see tropical fish and manta rays, scuba diving to explore underwater reefs, kayaking in the calm bay waters, and sailing chartered boats. Those seeking an adrenaline rush can try jet skiing or parasailing for amazing views. No matter your preference, Puerto Vallarta offers endless aquatic adventures.
Family Fun
Puerto Vallarta is a great destination for families. There are many kid-friendly resorts to choose from, like the Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and Spa, which has an expansive poolscape with waterslides and a kids club with supervised activities. The Grand Fiesta Americana also gets rave reviews from families for its children’s pool and spacious rooms that easily accommodate families.
In terms of attractions, your kids will love the free Dolphin Encounter at Marina Vallarta where they can see dolphins up close in their natural habitat. At Vallarta Adventures Park, kids can swim with dolphins, see birds and reptiles, and visit a botanical garden. The Las Caletas Beach Adventure includes a stop at the kid-friendly Rhythms of the Night dinner show. Pirates of the Bay offers a pirate-themed cruise with water gun battles and treasure hunts.
For a treat, take the kids to Parque El Vergel or to Le Kliff restaurant where they can see birds in the wild while you dine on delicious local cuisine. With so many family-friendly activities, Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful destination for a memorable family vacation.
Romantic Getaway
Puerto Vallarta is a top destination for couples looking for a romantic vacation. The beautiful beaches, sunsets over the ocean, and lush jungles make for an idyllic setting.
There are several luxury couples-only resorts, many specializing in adults-only, all-inclusive vacations. These provide amenities like private plunge pools, butler service, and couples massages. Some of the top options are Garza Blanca, Secrets, and Marival Resorts.
Going on a sunset cruise is a classic romantic activity in Puerto Vallarta. Sipping champagne and taking in the views as the sun dips below the horizon is unforgettable. Some cruises feature live music and dancing under the stars. Others provide a gourmet dinner on board. Cruises typically last 2-3 hours and depart in the late afternoon.
For a uniquely romantic experience, book a private yacht charter. Set your own itinerary while sailing along the picturesque coastline. Stop at secluded beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Charter companies offer a captain and crew to pamper you.
End your nights cozied up together watching outdoor screenings at Los Arcos Amphitheater. Located overlooking the ocean, you can enjoy movies under the stars. Pack a blanket and snacks for a casual date.
With its stunning scenery, luxury resorts, and activities for couples, Puerto Vallarta offers an ideal setting for a romantic getaway.
Safety
Puerto Vallarta is relatively safe compared to many other destinations. However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to take common-sense precautions. Here are some safety tips for Puerto Vallarta:
- Only take registered taxis and make sure they use the meter. Ask your hotel to call a trusted company.
- Avoid walking alone late at night, especially on secluded beaches or empty streets. Stick to the main tourist areas if out late.
- Don’t flash expensive jewelry, cameras, phones, or other valuables. Keep valuables in your hotel safe.
- Only drink from sealed bottles and beware of unauthorized food/drink vendors.
- Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach while swimming.
- Use hotel room safes for passports, credit cards, and large amounts of cash.
- Don’t physically resist in case of robbery, just hand over valuables. Nothing is worth risking your safety.
- Check the US State Department website for travel advisories before visiting.
- Purchase travel insurance in case of any emergencies.
By taking simple precautions, using common sense, and staying alert, Puerto Vallarta can be a very safe place to visit. Violent crime is rare, especially in main tourist areas. With some street smarts, you can focus on enjoying the amazing beaches, food, and culture.
Conclusion
Puerto Vallarta is absolutely worth visiting for a Mexican vacation. With its beautiful beaches, amazing food, lively nightlife, great shopping, and abundance of outdoor activities, Puerto Vallarta has something to offer every type of traveler.
Families can enjoy time together building sandcastles on the beach, having fun at water parks, and exploring the outdoors on jungle tours and whale-watching excursions. Couples will find Puerto Vallarta a romantic paradise with candlelit dinners on the beach, sunset cruises, and strolls hand-in-hand along the malecón. Solo travelers and friends can meet new people over drinks at the many bars and clubs before dancing the night away.
While certain precautions should be taken, Puerto Vallarta is generally a safe tourist destination with a vibrant local culture. The old town center is charming to explore and the beaches are postcard-perfect. The food encompasses mouthwatering local specialties and international fare to suit any palate. With such a diversity of experiences, first-time and repeat visitors alike will be delighted by a vacation in Puerto Vallarta.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, have an adventure, eat and drink well, or immerse yourself in Mexican culture, you’re sure to create wonderful memories in Puerto Vallarta that will have you eagerly planning your return.
For hassle-free trip planning, visit our Accommodation and Transportation pages. Find the best deals for a seamless Puerto Vallarta experience!