If short on time, this guide will help discover the absolute best things to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta has plenty to offer: beautiful beaches, lush mountain jungles, incredible scuba diving, gastronomic experiences galore, and world class shows. The only problem is sorting through it all!
Never fear, though, because I’m here to help.
Over many trips, I’ve spent more than two months exploring Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I made an effort to check out all the most popular activities and attractions in Puerto Vallarta. I hope you find it enjoyable!
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Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Playa Los Muertos
The most visited shoreline in Puerto Vallarta for valid purpose, Playa Los Muertos is enjoyable and vibrant.
Playa Los Muertos is considered the most famous and busiest beach in Puerto Vallarta. This beach is a great place for water sports, volleyball, or relaxing with a beverage. Los Muertos beach offers an extensive selection of restaurants, live music performances, massage services, boating, swimming lessons, and additional activities.
Pro tip: there are numerous street vendors selling practically anything you can imagine, but note some can be a little too persistent. A firm “no” or shake of the head helps make your meaning clear.
Fun fact: According to some Puerto Vallarta locals I met, Playa Los Muertos derives its name from “the dead” because during colonization, pirates ruthlessly ambushed natives forced to transport collected gold down hills via donkeys.
👉 In Need of Accommodations? Check out our guide to lodging options in Puerto Vallarta.
Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens
Escape to nature within Puerto Vallarta’s lush botanical gardens.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 322-223-6182 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Tue-Sun
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is the perfect escape from the bustle of city life to appreciate nature. Although just a short drive outside Puerto Vallarta, the botanical gardens feel worlds apart.
In the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden, you’ll find extensive displays of the local vegetation, including one of the largest collections of orchids in all of Mexico.
You can also enjoy the company of the many different animal species living in the garden (check out the Jaguar near the river), swim in the river, and try the La Hacienda de Oro restaurant.
👉 Pro Tip: The Vallarta Botanical Garden ticket will permit free entry for a week, so you can return again!
Walk The Malecon Puerto Vallarta
Take in free performances and sample the local cuisine along Puerto Vallarta`s famous boardwalk.
The Malecón de Puerto Vallarta is a seaside promenade lining the beach in Puerto Vallarta. The Malecón is an excellent spot to find live performances, art, street food, restaurants with beach access, live music, crafts, and other activities.
Taking a stroll along the Malecón is one of many complimentary activities available in Puerto Vallarta. You can visit it at any hour of the day, although I individually advise going at sundown to enjoy the perspective. Towards the south of the walkway, you can find “Los Arcos,” architectural constructions forming an amphitheater.
As the Malecon path cuts through downtown Puerto Vallarta, visiting the nearby Plaza de Armas, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Naval Museum Secretaria de Marina Armada de México can occur.
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Mirador de la Cruz del Cerro
Gain a bird`s-eye scene of Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Pacific from high above.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The Mirador de la Cruz del Cerro is one of my favorite free activities to do in Puerto Vallarta.
Reaching the Mirador necessitates an arduous uphill walk. Depending on your physical condition and preferred pace, the hike takes between 20 to 45 minutes. Don’t forget to carry a water bottle and bug spray!
Once at the Mirador de la Cruz del Cerro viewpoint, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the city as they gaze out over the crystalline blue ocean waters, lush green vegetation, and dramatic mountain scenery defining Puerto Vallarta.
The Mirador is one on the attractions in Puerto Vallarta that both tourists and locals enjoy (hey, everyone loves the chance to take a good photo right?).
Marina Vallarta
An upscale locale where one can wander among luxury watercraft, dine at upscale eateries, or enjoy the nightly marketplace.
Marina Vallarta lies along the northern edge of Puerto Vallarta, nearer to the airport. It’s a popular location to reside in Puerto Vallarta, housing various hotels and apartment rentals.
Around sunset, the marina is the perfect place to go for a stroll among the luxury yachts, boutique shops, and restaurants. There’s also an 18 hole golf course nearby.
From October to May, Marina Vallarta is home to a popular evening market: the “ Art & Market Marina Vallarta.” There are many vendors selling handcrafted items, as well as tasty local treats to sample.
Casa Kimberly
A boutique Puerto Vallarta hotel with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 322 222 1336 | Website | 👉 Search Hotel Availability on Booking Site
Casa Kimberly is an extraordinarily lovely exclusive Puerto Vallarta hotel and is also one of the top tourist attractions in Puerto Vallarta.
Casa Kimberly is renowned because of its account involving the famed Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The pair met up in Puerto Vallarta in 1962 for the filming of the movie Night of the Iguana, where they began their passionate love narrative.
Burton and Taylor were staying in separate residences but both were located before the other, so Richard decided to develop a bridge across the street to connect both houses and privately live their romance. After a few years, Richard obtained the house and gave it to Taylor for her 32nd birthday.
👉 Valuable Tip: The only means to enter the Casa Kimberly hotel is by staying there (if your finances permit booking here) or by dining at its restaurant. Nonetheless, you can still stroll down the lane and admire the famous arched bridge from outside!
Conchas Chinas
Conchas Chinas is a slightly less crowded beach just a short distance south of Zona Romantica.
Conchas Chinas is a location situated to the south of Puerto Vallarta, sandwiched between woodland and highlands. It was highly advised to me repeatedly by locals, and upon my visit I found that fewer individuals were present (presumably because it is more challenging to access).
Conchas Chinas features a rockier beach area with fewer immediately adjacent bars or restaurants. However, some may view this lack of development as part of the area`s appeal.
From downtown Puerto Vallarta, you can get to Conchas Chinas by driving, taking a taxi, or via the Mismaloya / Boca de Tomatlan public bus line.
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Casa 449
A locally-run restaurant with gourmet takes on traditional Mexican dishes.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 322 688 7000 | Hours: 8 am – 2 pm Wed-Mon
You won’t find this local hidden gem on other lists, but trust me when I say dining at Casa 449 is a must in Puerto Vallarta.
Casa 449 is a lesser known family run restaurant whose managers received education as international chefs at some of the most expensive restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and Spain. The menu is based on local dishes that adds gourmet flair.
This location is found on the outskirts of Zona Romantica, only 9 blocks from the coastline, but in an area receiving less tourist traffic.
The most valued part is that Casa 449 is very affordable in relation to the quality. You`ll spend less than half the cost of the more renowned restaurants near the shoreline, and you get (in my view) much superior nourishment. Just remember to keep Casa 449 our small mystery, alright?
Free Puerto Vallarta Walking Tour
Learn all about the local history and popular Puerto Vallarta places with a complimentary guide.
📞 Phone number: +52 322.222.0923 | Website address | Hours: 9 am and noon Tue & Wed, 9 am Sat
There are few experiences better in Puerto Vallarta than exploring the city and appreciating it from every angle. That is why I think taking one of the free tours in Puerto Vallarta organized by the Secretary of Tourism is an excellent idea.
Within 2 hours you can experience and visit areas in the city while gaining knowledge from an expert local guide.
👉 Information: Guided walking routes are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 9 am and 12pm, as well as Saturdays at 9 am. No prior registration is necessary and participants should meet at the Municipal Tourism office located in the Old City Hall building in Old Town Puerto Vallarta, nestled between the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Plaza de Armas. Further details can be found here.
Plaza de Armas
Explore the central plaza of Puerto Vallarta, where the soul of the city comes alive.
Puerto Vallarta, like numerous Latin American cities, has a lovely central square known as the Plaza de Armas. The Plaza de Armas is situated near the “Romantic Zone” and facing the Malecón, directly in the heart of the city.
On Sundays you can enjoy local dancers and performers in the town square center, all set against the backdrop of the next site on this list`s whereabouts…
Church Of Our Lady Of Guadalupe
A church with a grand Baroque design that often hosts festivities.
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” The passage talks about the contact details for Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe located on Google Maps and their website
The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a notable building in Puerto Vallarta. The church was constructed around the same time that the town was founded in the 20th century, and it displays a neo-baroque style.
During the first two weeks of December, this church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Visiting the church during these dates allows you to enjoy mariachi music and festive cuisine with locals.
✈️ Travelling to Mexico City too? See our compilation of the top attractions in Mexico City!
Go Whale Watching
Hop on a whale-watching tour and see the best of these majestic animals.
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” The passage directs readers to book a whale watching tour
Definitely one of the most memorable experiences in Puerto Vallarta, whale watching in Puerto Vallarta is best between December and March, which is when the humpback whales visit Banderas Bay.
When I went whale watching during the month of January, we observed half a dozen whales as well as quite a few dolphins!
Experiencing the whales is best accomplished by signing up for an organized expedition. There are various tours and watercraft to choose from, but joining one led by a marine scientist is notably popular.
Zona Romantica
One of the most popular areas of Puerto Vallarta, Zona Romantica has plenty of activities to engage in.
There are some excellent boutique hotels here, but the best places tend to be very expensive, with a few good affordable options noted below)
In Zona Romantica, you’ll discover some of Puerto Vallarta’s finest restaurants, an abundance of LGBT bars, live drag queen shows, and more. Puerto Vallarta is one of the most welcoming cities in Mexico for LGBT travelers, and perhaps globally, making it a fantastic place to visit in Puerto Vallarta for LGBT travelers.
Regardless of one`s orientation or identity, all are sure to enjoy Zona Romántica as it is also home to the top attraction in Puerto Vallarta – the popular beach Playa de Los Muertos. From the beach, I recommend hiring a water taxi to take you to different islands in the area.
Rhythms of the Night – SAVIA Show
Beachfront show featuring dancers and lighting displays.
Rhythms of the Night is a spectacular beachside show including dancers and light displays. The production is by Gilles Ste Croix, co-founder of the renowned Cirque du Soleil, so it certainly seems incredible?
It’s not economical, but hey you’re on vacation! You are able to reserve tickets to enjoy the show and dinner after a cruise around the bay.
Puerto Vallarta’s Museo Naval is an excellent place to gain knowledge about Mexico’s Naval history.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 322 223 5357 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, Closed on Mondays
The naval gallery in Puerto Vallarta is a very intriguing place where the naval history of Mexico will be learned from pre-colonial times up until modern times.
Tourists frequently make a brief stop at the museum when passing along the boardwalk to take advantage of the cafeteria and air conditioning, but all end up very pleased with the exhibits after exploring.
One thing that will attract attention is the life-size simulator of a naval captain. Undoubtedly a remarkable small museum.
Mismaloya
A small fishing village offering a wonderful day trip from Puerto Vallarta.
📍 Location
Known as the setting for the movie Night of the Iguana, the small fishing village of Mismaloya is a beautiful place for a day trip from Puerto Vallarta. Mismaloya is surrounded by a small jungle and features a large number of restaurants you can enjoy right on the beach.
Mismaloya’s beach is not very expansive, but it is quite beautiful. If tiring of basking yourself and wanting a more lively activity, then hiring a boat to take you into the sea and see the shore from an alternate perspective.
To arrive at Mismaloya, you can drive, take a rideshare, or catch the bus. Just be certain to carefully plan your transportation back, as my friends and I once got stuck there late at night waiting for the bus!
Playa las Gemelas
A lesser known beach with transparent water and beautiful sand.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 322 228 0106 | Website
If crowds on the main beaches in Puerto Vallarta have worn you out, make a day journey south to Playa las Gemelas. With some of the clearest waters, Playa Gemelas lies just south of Puerto Vallarta, a 10 minute drive from the city center. It`s perfect for relaxing the day away and snorkeling.
Banderas Bay
Explore the waters enclosing the bay that safeguards Puerto Vallarta by boat.
March also launches the outdoor festival season in this famous Louisiana city. Check out the Wednesday at the Square Concert Series, a free event that occurs every Wednesday in Lafayette Square.
Banderas Bay is the designation for the massive bay upon which Puerto Vallarta, and most of the shoreline destinations in this piece, sits. The bay aids in protecting the city from hurricanes, and also helps maintain the coastline more placid.
Experiencing the natural beauty of the bay through activities on the water is a must during any visit. Consider going on an excellent snorkeling tour via luxury yacht, or truly splurge by renting your own private boat with a captain using the Sailo yacht rental website.
Yelapa
A tranquil town that can only be reached from Puerto Vallarta by water taxi.
Yelapa is a coastal town with a beach located southwest of Puerto Vallarta, where the bay can only be accessed by water taxi. Yelapa is home to possibly the single most beautiful beach near Puerto Vallarta.
The beach boasts thick yellowish sand, warm transparent water, and various restaurants with ocean views where you can unwind with a pina colada and quesadillas.
At the eastern end of the beach, there are stairs that’ll lead you to town and the waterfall. Definitely one of the more popular activities in Puerto Vallarta.
Check Out Puerto Vallarta’s Food Tours
Taste the specialty foods of Puerto Vallarta through a dedicated culinary tour.
Puerto Vallarta offers many great food tours for those who love tasty Mexican cuisine. Do you enjoy tacos and churros? Then check out the well-known Taco Adventure Tour, where you will make stops at several street vendors and indulge in large portions of tacos, quesadillas, churros, sopes, pozole and more – all while socializing with other hungry travelers.
Interested in drinking alcoholic beverages? It’s always cocktail hour at the Puerto Vallarta Mixology Experience, where your guide will educate you about the fine points of various drinks such as tequila, mezcal, micheladas, among others. Plus, you will also enjoy delicious tacos and sweets!
Perhaps you have an interest in improving your culinary abilities. There is a renowned local cooking experience led by an internationally recognized chef who will share all their techniques for preparing typical Mexican dishes. Undoubtedly a beneficial skill to acquire during a visit to Mexico!
Sierra Madre Mountains
Engage in one of the numerous outdoor activities in the surrounding highlands.
Puerto Vallarta is enveloped by the incredibly scenic Sierra Madre mountains, where visitors can participate in numerous outdoor activities such as adventuring through the jungle by quad or all-terrain vehicle, tours on horseback, and hiking trails.
Escaping into the mountain rainforests is definitely a great alternative if you get tired of too much time at the beach!
Marigalante Pirate Ship
A 6-hour sailing experience involving dining and snorkeling.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +52 800 269 4445 | Website
The Marigalante Pirate Ship is a popular experience in Puerto Vallarta which, as you may have guessed, simulates being onboard a pirate ship! A great activity for families, a tour on the ship lasts 6 hours sailing.
You`ll sail into the bay while admiring coastal views, and indulge in the unlimited food and drinks served aboard. Themed entertainment programs will delight kids. The ship stops for snorkeling too. Whale sightings may even occur in January or February.
Islas Marietas
A preserved natural area only 2 hours from Puerto Vallarta.
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The Marietas Islands consist of a protected natural area within the Marietas Islands National Park. They are composed of two unoccupied islands of volcanic origin, one circular and the other elongated.
As it is a protected area, the number of individuals who have access per day is limited. The dramatic “beach of love” is particularly renowned as it can only be reached by swimming through an underwater passageway. From within, a stunning aperture serves as a skylight onto the beach.
The voyage to the Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico takes approximately two hours. You`ll need to go on a tour, and spots are limited, so be sure to book ahead (I advise going with the most popular one on Viator).
Sunset Drinks at Chictini by Pinnacle
My friends swear by this hidden gem of a spot for spectacular sunset drinks, with epic ocean views.
This is a wonderful listing of Croatian terminology to learn prior to your travel.
My companions may feel let down by me for sharing this next thing to do, because until now it’s been our own little hidden gem. But the epic sundown views and open patio at Chictini by Pinnacle is too excellent to be kept a mystery forever!
This small rooftop bar in Zona Romantic boasts spectacular views, delicious cocktails, ample seating, and regular happy hour specials. It’s the best place to watch the sunset in Puerto Vallarta in my opinion!
Boca de Tomatlan
A small fishing village known for scuba diving and relaxation.
March also launches the outdoor festival season in this famous Louisiana city. Check out the Wednesday at the Square Concert Series, a free event that occurs every Wednesday in Lafayette Square.
Boca de Tomatlan is a tranquil fishing hamlet located near Puerto Vallarta. It`s a popular diving destination that makes for a worthwhile activity close to Puerto Vallarta. Fringed by palm trees on both sides, `Boca` presents a charming little bay that serves as a perfect spot to unwind apart from crowds.
From Puerto Vallarta, you can get to Boca de Tomatlan by taking the Mismaloya bus line.
Playa Las Animas
One of the prime beaches near Puerto Vallarta for relaxation..
If disconnecting from the world to enjoy nature and have a great experiece near Puerto Vallarta is the priority, Playa Las Animas may be a strong option.
This tropical shoreline is accessible by water taxi or bus, and offers clear sands plus crystal clear and warm water. Surf, kayak, snorkel – or simply relax and enjoy one of the best beaches near Puerto Vallarta.
👉 Read Next: Best Areas to Reside in Puerto Vallarta
Las Caletas Beach Hideaway
Accessible only by boat, this beach offers breathtaking scenery.
Though I lacked sufficient time to visit myself, local residents highly recommended Las Caletas Beach Hideaway as an engaging day excursion from Puerto Vallarta. The beach sits on a scenic stretch of sand nestled between the mountains of the Sierra Madre range accessible solely by boat. It appears absolutely breathtaking.
It is particularly famous for several hammocks situated directly on the shoreline, where one can relax as the waves lap up underneath.
FAQs About What to Do in Puerto Vallarta
What are some free and cheap things to do in Puerto Vallarta?
Free things to experience in Puerto Vallarta involve strolling the Malecon boardwalk, relaxing on Playa Los Muertos, going for a sunset walk in Marina Vallarta, or climbing to the Mirador de la Cruz del Cerro viewpoint.
What are good things to do with kids in Puerto Vallarta?
Fun activities for kids in Puerto Vallarta include whale watching during whale season, seeing the Rhythms of the Night – SAVIA Show, or taking children on the Marigalante Pirate Ship.
What are romantic ideas for Puerto Vallarta?
Romantic activities in Puerto Vallarta you might enjoy include experiencing a candlelit dinner at Casa 449, taking part in a whale watching tour, having sunset beverages at Chictini by Pinnacle, or escaping for a day to the stunning beaches of Yelapa.
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That’s all for this list of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Which one is your favorite? What do you plan to do in Puerto Vallarta?
For more details, see the guide on what to do, where to locate lodging, and how to access Water Island.
