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Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant resort town on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Located in the state of Jalisco, which is known for being home to tequila and mariachi music, it’s no surprise that tourists flock here to let their hair down and party. However, there’s so much more to this charming beach town, and there’s plenty to see and do, no matter what your interests are.
If you’re planning a trip to this coastal jewel, bookmark this post for the 16 best things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
1. Cycle The Malecon
The Malecon is the 1-mile-long boardwalk that runs along Puerto Vallarta’s coast and is the perfect place for a sunset stroll. It’s also ideal to cycle along, and there are plenty of places to hire a bike for the day. Make an afternoon of it by stopping off at the many stores, bars, and restaurants that line the Malecon — just be sure to avoid the tequila while on two wheels!
2. Take a Cooking Class
Mexico is home to some of the best food in the world, so learning to cook your favorite dishes is a great way to spend a day. Most classes begin with a trip to a local market where you’ll select your ingredients while seeing what Mexican life is really like.
Then, it’s time to get cooking. Expect to learn how to make delicious dishes such as fresh tortillas, mole sauce, and birria tacos. There are many cooking schools in the area, but Cook in Vallarta is one of the most highly rated.
3. Hop Around the Beautiful Beaches
Whether you’re looking for unspoiled sands, luxurious beach clubs, or adrenaline-fuelled watersports, you’ll easily find it here in Puerto Vallarta. These are some of the best beaches dotted along the Pacific Ocean:
Playa las Gemelas
This natural beauty spot is a 20-minute Uber ride south of Puerto Vallarta and is just as pretty as the famous white-sand beaches in Cancun. You can even do a spot of humpback whale watching from here, now and then! This semi-hidden beach is reached via a flight of steep steps without amenities, so come prepared with good shoes, water, and snacks.
Los Muertos Beach
Playa de los Muertos is close to downtown Puerto Vallarta (otherwise known as Centro) and has a plethora of restaurants around it, so it makes an easy option for a beach day. Sunlounger rentals are plentiful, and activities, including kayaking, parasailing, and paddleboarding, are available.
Majahuitas Beach
This secluded beach is tucked away among the Sierra Madre Mountains and is a wonderfully relaxing day trip from Puerto Vallarta. There aren’t many amenities here, other than a popular beach club that regularly throws beach parties with international DJs. Boat tours are available as the beach is only accessible by water.
Las Animas
Las Animas is another option just a short boat ride away. This much-loved but relatively quiet spot offers watersports and a few dining options.
Conchas Chinas Beach
This fascinating beach is one of the best in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone). Several golden sections of sand are separated by rocky outcrops, giving sunbathers a sense of privacy. The water is crystal clear and great for swimming.
Hotel Zone Beaches
If you plan on staying in an all-inclusive resort, you’ll likely be located in the Hotel Zone. This area boasts extremely well-maintained beaches that are great for swimming and sunbathing. Be sure to head down to the shoreline with a cocktail in hand to witness the stunning sunsets.
4. Take a Day Trip to San Pancho
San Pancho is also known as San Francisco and is a true hidden gem of a beach town. This quiet and charming spot is a great place to stroll around, sample the street food, and buy local handicrafts. The famous boho town of Sayulita is just a short bus ride away, so you can easily explore both places in a single day.
5. Explore the Sierra Madre Mountains by ATV
Many visitors think of Puerto Vallarta as a beach destination, but the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains are equally as beautiful. The mountain range is around 60 million years old and is one of the most biodiverse areas in Mexico, so it’s a must for nature fans.
There are dozens of hiking trails to explore, plus a high-flying zip line in the foothills. For an extra thrill, why not book an ATV tour? You’ll see so much more by tackling the mountain range on four wheels, and it’s a great adrenaline rush for adventure junkies!
6. Visit San Sebastian del Oeste
San Sebastian del Oeste is a charming UNESCO-protected village complete with cobblestone streets, original architecture, and stunning mountain views. San Sebastian dates back to the 1600s and was once a thriving silver mining town, but nowadays, it makes a peaceful getaway from Puerto Vallarta’s busy center.
7. Go Scuba Diving
Banderas Bay is one of the most popular places to dive in all of Mexico, and it’s ideally located to explore from Puerto Vallarta. There’s a wide array of marine life to spot here, from turtles and manta rays to sharks and eels. The terrain is equally exciting, with coral reefs, caves, and shipwrecks to swim among. Be sure to book with a reputable dive shop to ensure your dive is a safe one. Bandera Scuba is a great option.
8. Try Snorkeling
If you don’t feel confident enough in the water to scuba dive, snorkeling is another great way to explore the Pacific’s marine life. Colomitos Beach is one of the best places to give snorkeling a go. Located between the fishing villages of Boca de Tomatlan and Las Animas, this secluded spot is best reached by water taxi. Expect calm waters that are completely safe to swim in.
Islas Marietas (or Marietas Islands) make another excellent snorkeling spot, but visitors are limited to just 116 per day so be sure to book in advance.
9. Check out the Nightlife
Puerto Vallarta is one of the best Mexican party spots in the country and you’ll never be short of places to have fun once the sun goes down.
Head to Roxy Rock House for live music, and don’t miss the mezcal cocktails at Bar Morelos Mezcaleria. If superclubs are more your thing, you can’t beat Mandala. Expect wild parties with international DJs every night of the week. For something more low-key, stroll around Zona Romantica or Marina Vallarta, where you’ll find countless streetside bars, cantinas, and cafes offering a good range of food and drinks.
For a unique night out, book a spot for Rhythms of the Night. This experience begins with an open bar sunset cruise to Las Caletas. Then, you’ll be seated in an atmospheric outdoor auditorium deep in the jungle for a spectacular show about Mexican folklore. You are sure to be mesmerized by the incredible dancers and acrobats, and a lavish dinner is also included to round off an unforgettable night.
10. Watch The Sunset
The Pacific coast of Mexico boasts some of the most incredible sunsets in the world, and there are a few top spots to view them from. The Malecon is a popular place to see the sunset over the water, or for a more peaceful vantage point, you can head up the hill behind the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
However, the most spectacular place to see the skies turn pink and orange is from the top of the Mirador Cerro de la Cruz. From here, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the Bay of Banderas and the Sierra Madre mountains.
11. Go Horseback Riding
The fishing village of Mismaloya is a scenic spot that is credited with starting Puerto Vallarta’s tourism boom after the film Night of the Iguana was shot here. Nowadays, Mismaloya is a charming day trip offering relaxed outdoor pursuits, including horseback riding.
Tours go daily from Puerto Vallarta, or you can make your own way there and book your horse riding trip independently. Los Arcos National Marine Park is also located in this area, so be sure to make time to explore it on your day tour to Mismaloya.
12. Sail To Yelapa
Yelapa is a remote village located 20 miles south of Puerto Vallarta and can be reached by boat in around 45 minutes. This tranquil escape from town is popular with visitors as it offers spotless beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and lots of tasty local food. There are plenty of tours on offer that include food, drink, and snorkeling, or you can simply book a spot on a boat and DIY your tour.
13. Visit Vallarta Botanical Garden
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown by spending an afternoon at Vallarta Botanical Garden.
This award-winning 120-hectare nature spot was founded in 2005 as a way of sharing Mexico’s diverse flora with visitors. In addition to the many native plant species, there are also several hiking trails and swimming spots to explore around Los Horcones River, which is located here. The gardens are also a popular place for birdwatching, with over 230 species having been documented here.
14. Go Tequila Tasting
Tequila is synonymous with Mexico, and where better to taste it than in its home state of Jalisco! One of the best tequila-tasting tours in Puerto Vallarta is the Mex-ology Tequila Tour by Vallarta Food Tours.
During the four-hour tour, a knowledgeable guide takes participants around the Old Town to discover the best bars and distilleries. At each stop, you’ll learn a little more about the history of this famed liquor, and you will of course, get to taste many varieties. The tour also includes several stop-offs at street taco stalls to help soak up some of the booze.
15. See Some Local Art
Mexico’s rich culture encompasses various styles of art — many of which can be enjoyed right here in Puerto Vallarta. To make the most of the local art scene, spend an evening doing the ArtWalk.
This walking tour is suitable for English and Spanish speakers and takes in 14 of Puerto Vallarta’s art galleries. Complimentary cocktails are available, and there are also opportunities to buy works of art to take home with you.
16. Shop for Mexican Handicrafts
No trip to Mexico is complete without visiting a few local markets, and Puerto Vallarta has several fantastic options for some retail therapy. Cuale Island Flea Market is one of the most popular options thanks to its bustling atmosphere and traditional crafts that make excellent souvenirs. Fresh produce and prepared street food are also available, so come with an appetite.
Cuale Island Flea Market is located in Zona Romantica and is open daily from 9 am until 9 pm.
There’s So Much to Do in Puerto Vallarta
Whether you’re dropping in for a long weekend or you have a couple of weeks available to explore, you’ll find more than enough to make your time in Puerto Vallarta memorable. Which of these 16 best things to do is at the top of your list for your next trip to this Pacific beach town?
