THINGS TO DO IN PUERTO VALLARTA
A beach paradise. A night life paradise. A foodie paradise. A water and adventure paradise. A vacation paradise. Whatever you’re in the mood for, a holiday in Puerto Vallarta will serve it to you on a taco! Here are the things I’ve done so far!
Rhythms of the Night: $$$, This is a great dinner and a show in a remote beach, Las Chalets, that is only accessible by boat. Included in your admission is a sunset boat ride with an open bar, along with a show of acrobatics, pyrotechnics, gymnastics, and dance, and ending with a dinner buffet along the beach. It’s a fun night for solo travelers, couples and families. I definitely recommend to do it once, but it’s not something I would need to do again. Check out my Viator affiliate link here
Las Caletas Beach and Adventure Park: $$, Las Caletas Beach is the same beach where the Rhythms of the Night is held. During the day, however, Las Caletas has a great beach set up with hammocks over the water, beach loungers, floating island cabanas, and a mini adventure park. They have cliff diving, banana boat rides, a ropes course, and zip-lines that drop you straight into the water! Check out my Viator affiliate link here
Boat and Snorkel Tour: $$$, Being on the Pacific Ocean has many advantages. The first being access to marine wildlife and water activities. This is a great day activity if you want to take break from laying on the beach and craving something more adventurous. Check out my Viator affiliate link here
Food and Mixology Tour: $$, Why not truly immerse yourself in the Mexican gastronomy culture and join a fun, tasty, educational and boozy food and alcohol tour? As they say, “When in Mexico, do as the Mexicans!” Check out my Viator affiliate link here
Hike up the Mirador el Cerro de la Cruz: It’s not so much a nature hike since there are many, many, many concrete steps that lead to the open tower up top. It’s absolutely a work out, so stretch, hydrate and make sure you take as many stops as you need. Once you get to the top, the view of Puerto Vallarta is stunning. Your quads might hate you, but it’ll be worth it!
Stroll along the Malecon walkway: Stretching for about a mile, the Malecon Boardwalk is a scenic promenade that runs along the coastline of Puerto Vallarta, offering both stunning ocean views and a lively cultural scene from the Los Muertos Beach Pier to Rosita Beach up north. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of art installations, sculptures, and quirky statues along the way—ideal for photo ops. One of the must-visit spots is the iconic Puerto Vallarta sign, a colorful and popular backdrop for those "I was here" vacation snaps. Along the boardwalk, you'll also find street performers, local vendors, and a variety of restaurants and bars to stop for a quick bite or drink.
Sunset at Los Muertos Beach Pier: This pier is basically an art piece. It’s structured like the sail on a ship. It’s over the water and facing west, so it’s perfect for sunset watching. Make sure to head there early because it’s a popular area, especially around sunset.
Lázaro Cárdenas Park: Lázaro Cárdenas Park is a gem in Puerto Vallarta's artistic scene, especially known for its gorgeous tile work. This vibrant park features an array of beautiful mosaics that tell stories of the local culture, environment, and the community. Many of the tiles were created through volunteer efforts and local artists as part of a project to beautify public spaces. It’s a great spot to learn a bit of history, soak in local art, and snap some photos of the intricate designs. I love just walking through this park and admiring the beautiful tile work adorning all columns and benches. On Saturday mornings from November to April, they have an outdoor market where local small businesses showcase and sell their unique products.
Get Souvenirs from Mundo de Cristal: $$, Every time I come to Puerto Vallarta, my last stop is usually Mundo de Cristal to buy some trinkets and gifts. They have a vast array of pottery, ceramics, and glassware that exude the colorful culture of Mexico. Check out my short video on YouTube here.
Check out the Beaches: The two beaches in the Zona Romantica area are Playa Los Muertos and Playa Olas Atlas. Playa Los Muertos is the more LGBT centered beach with a couple of Beach Clubs.